Climate and weather in Tenerife - a guide for tourists and nature lovers

Feb 5
7 min read

Updated: Feb 15

Tenerife, called the "island of eternal spring" (although I've heard Madeira called that and it probably fits its climate better), is an island with an extremely diverse climate that has always fascinated with its variety. As a resident of Tenerife, I know that the authentic Tenerife is a place where climate and weather play a key role in shaping its unique character and nature. In this post, I will explain how the climate zones on the island work, what climate changes affect the vegetation, and I will give practical tips for tourists who want to enjoy the beauty of Tenerife while respecting nature.

Malownicze pole golfowe na Teneryfie, otoczone wulkanicznymi górami i błękitnym niebem

Climate zones and weather in Tenerife

Tenerife has a diverse climate that varies with altitude and geographical location. The south of the island has a dry, sunny climate that is perfect for sunbathing, while the north offers wetter, greener landscapes. But that doesn’t mean you can’t sunbathe!

It’s this diversity of conditions that makes Tenerife a fascinating place to explore – from dry beaches to lush Anaga forests, there’s something for everyone. This variability also affects the vegetation – in the arid areas, drought-resistant plants predominate, while in the northern zones you’ll find dense, green forests and unique endemic species.

Tenerife is a true mix of different climates. Its coastal areas are characterised by a subtropical climate, while the seaside resorts have semi-arid characteristics. As you move further inland from the coast, temperatures and weather conditions become more Mediterranean.

kolorowa mapa teneryfy na tle oceanu przedstawia strefy klimatyczne na Teneryfie — CLIMATE ZONES IN TENERIFE

Weather shaping by ocean currents

The weather in Tenerife is the result of the interaction of two main ocean currents – the warmer one, known as the Gulf Stream, and the colder one, the Canary Current. Their action causes the temperature of the Atlantic Ocean surrounding the island to vary between 19 and 24 °C, which significantly affects the climatic conditions.

Diverse climate despite its small size

Despite Tenerife covering just 2,034 km², the island offers an incredibly diverse range of climates. The island is divided into different zones by a high mountain range, which plays a key role here. The north-eastern areas, including the areas around La Orotava, San Cristóbal de La Laguna and the towns on the slopes of the Anaga Mountains, have a cooler climate with more frequent fog and higher rainfall.

In contrast, the south of the island, such as Los Cristianos, has a dry, almost desert-like climate – ideal for sun lovers, who can enjoy sunny and windless weather almost all year round.

kolorowa mapa teneryfy na tle oceanu i wykres rocznych opadów na Teneryfie — ANNUAL PRECIPITATION IN TENERIFE

Dynamic temperature changes

In Tenerife, the temperature changes dynamically – for every 100-metre increase in altitude, the temperature drops by an average of 1°C. Therefore, although the coast can be full of sunshine, in mountainous regions, such as the area near the Teide volcano, conditions can be much colder and even rainy. This phenomenon causes temperature differences between towns located on the ocean and inland to exceed 10°C, and in winter the Teide peak (3,718 m) can be covered with snow.

South and North of Tenerife

The impact of climate on the island's nature

The climate zones of Tenerife have a huge impact on its landscape and vegetation. The north of the island, covering the area stretching from the Anaga Mountains through Tacoronte, Puerto de la Cruz, Garachico, the Teno mountain range (including the town of Maska) are famous for their lush, green vegetation and areas conducive to agriculture.

On the other hand, the south, with its dry climate, is more like a desert and is poor in natural greenery, although the island authorities have taken care to introduce palm trees and flowers thanks to artificial irrigation.

The key influence on the climate of Tenerife is the Trade winds, characteristic of the intertropical zone. These constant winds, blowing from the north-east, bring moisture from the Atlantic, which translates into abundant rainfall and lush vegetation in the north of the island. Being in the Anaga Mountains or other mountain zones, you can observe this amazing phenomenon with your own eyes, when the trade winds cause the flow of clouds from one part of the island to the other.

Magiczny las sosnowy na Teneryfie: we mgle, promieniach słońca, idealne miejsce na relaks i obcowanie z naturą.

Is it cold in the north? The eternal struggle - North - South, or you won't find this in travel agency brochures

The climate of the island is diverse and indeed, there are places on the island where winter can be colder, especially in the winter months. We ourselves lived in Icod de Los Vinos from September to February and in an unheated apartment, at 16 degrees you could experience a thermal shock and it was quite an interesting experience.

I also often meet with surprise, saying that we will live in the north of the island and the statement "it is cold there"!!

Well, first of all, there are many variables and you can always say "it depends" ... mainly on the height above sea level and the given place on the island.

However, it is worth knowing that if you come on holiday especially in the winter months, in most places on the coast, regardless of whether it is the north or the south, you will be warm. Especially if you come from Europe, which is cold at this time. Temperatures can vary by a few degrees between north and south, but it often happens that it is blowing from the south and there are clouds over this part of the island, and at the same time the sun is shining in the north and the wind is stopped by the mountain peaks. During the June-August holidays, when theoretically the temperatures should be the highest and you wonder if you can stand "this tropical heat", know that summer can be more bearable here than on the continent. The presence of the ocean and mountains makes summer on the islands really bearable ;) On the internet you will of course find descriptions of the weather forecast for each month. Remember that they are not always updated with regard to current climate changes and it is best to simply check the current weather forecast. And if you have to book your holiday much earlier, regardless of when you arrive the weather should not disappoint you.

Minimalistyczne, graficzne przedstawienie połowy słońca w kolorze żółtym

The sun works differently here. When it shines, it is always warm, even if you are high in the mountains. It is also true that the statement often made by travelers is that you will always find a place on the island where the sun shines. If in one part of the island the sky is cloudy or raining, in another part you will find a place where the sun will shine. The island is small enough that you can move around without any problems. I would write "almost always" because climate change reaches even here and sometimes a front or an anticyclone causes the entire island to be cloudy or windy. However, there are still occasional moments that you may not happen to come across.

Okrągły obrazek z liniowym rysunkiem przedstawiającym słońce zachodzące nad oceanem, palmą i kaktusem na tle Wulkanu Teide

Lokal Fun Fact

Where is north and where is south?? An interesting fact is that local residents name the directions of the island completely differently. For me, for example, the capital of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is in the east, or rather in the southeast. If you ask a native, they will tell you that the capital is in the north. At first, I was convinced that the Canarians divide the island north and south along the island's axis running through the Teide volcano (this is still the most likely), but recently, when one of the locals was asked if Candelaria is in the south, she replied that it is not south and not even east, I am completely confused and I hope that someone will learn this secret ;)

Calima – an inseparable element of the weather in Tenerife

Calima is an atmospheric phenomenon, which involves the lifting of dust and sand from the Sahara, which is transported by strong winds to Tenerife and other Canary Islands. Unfortunately, this natural phenomenon occurs several times a year (a few years ago it occurred 2-3 times a year), especially during transitional periods between seasons, when atmospheric conditions are conducive to the movement of desert particles. Interestingly, in addition to reducing visibility and temporarily worsening air quality, Calima often brings with it a warming effect - hot, desert air raises temperatures on the island, which additionally affects local climate conditions. Therefore, it is worth being aware of the occurrence of Calima, especially when planning activities in Tenerife.

Zapierające dech w piersi widoki na wybrzeże Teneryfy: plaża, góry i ocean w jednym kadrze.

Climate change in Tenerife – what is changing?

Current climate change is also affecting the weather in Tenerife. We can increasingly see that the rainfall dates are shifting, and the intensity of heatwaves, the Calima phenomenon and temperature drops are becoming more extreme. These changes affect not only the comfort of holidays, but also the local nature and agriculture. For example, in the arid regions of the island, fewer and fewer traditional plants grow, forcing farmers to use new farming methods. Therefore, it is important for tourists to be aware that the weather in Tenerife can vary depending on the climate zones and changing weather conditions.

Respect for nature - take care of the environment in Tenerife

In the context of climate and weather changes, it is very important for anyone visiting Tenerife to take care of the local nature. Avoid leaving rubbish, use ecological products and respect the natural environment. Tenerife, with its diverse climate, offers unique experiences that are worth protecting so that future generations can also enjoy its beauty.

Practical tips for the weather in Tenerife

When planning your visit, it is worth following the weather forecast, as conditions on the island can change dynamically. In the southern regions, where the climate is dry, it is recommended to take sunscreen and light clothing, while in the northern regions, full of greenery, it is worth preparing for greater humidity and changing conditions. For tourists looking for adventure, the good news is that Tenerife offers excellent conditions not only for sunbathing, but also for trekking, cycling and climbing. Thanks to the diversity of climates, every day on the island can bring new, unexpected experiences.

Tenerife, despite its small size, is an island with an extremely diverse climate - from subtropical on the coast, through semi-desert in the resort areas, to Mediterranean inland. Dynamic temperature changes, caused by both sea currents and altitude, affect the weather conditions and vegetation of the island. Therefore, when planning a vacation in Tenerife, it is worth checking the forecasts and preparing for a variety of conditions to be able to fully enjoy its unique climate and the beauty of nature. We use Windy.com . The forecast is always up to date, shows in detail the winds, dust and easily locates the place on the island where the weather will suit you best.