What is the weather like in the Canary Islands?
The climate of the Canary Islands is shaped by the influence of the Azores High, the trade winds and the Gulf Stream. As the official tourism portal Turismo de Canarias describes, this combination produces mild temperatures all year round and many hours of sunshine.
The islands nevertheless have several climate zones. The south and south-west are usually drier, sunnier and warmer. The north and the north-eastern sides are more often cloudy and more humid, especially on the higher slopes.
The mountains and national parks are considerably cooler than the coast. In winter, snow and ice can occur in the highest parts of Tenerife. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are predominantly dry, windier and have less pronounced altitude differences.
La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro show strong regional contrasts between humid northern slopes, drier southern slopes and cool summit areas. This variety matters more for a search such as “weather in Canary Islands” than a single temperature value.
Where can I find the current forecast and warnings?
For the current forecast, AEMET, the Spanish state meteorological agency, and the warning notices issued by the Gobierno de Canarias are the authoritative sources. Current values and warnings are published by CITA Weather at cita.news/de/wetter.html and by AEMET on its official website.
The Canary Islands government issues regional warning levels for heat, wind, coastal conditions, calima and other hazards through its Dirección General de Emergencias. Warning notices can change within a matter of hours.
Before walks, beach visits, drives over mountain passes and boat trips, the current official situation should therefore always be checked. Individual daily values should not be read as climate normals.
What is calima and when does it occur?
Calima is dust-laden air from the Sahara. It can occur at any time of year, but appears especially with south-easterly to easterly weather patterns, as the Gobierno de Canarias explains.
Typical effects are reduced visibility, dusty air and deposits, as well as increased strain for people with respiratory conditions. Temperatures also rise markedly, especially in the south and at mid-altitudes.
A current warning notice from the Canary Islands government described light calima on the mountainous islands, stronger on the southern sides of the central islands and La Gomera. During calima, people with asthma or other respiratory conditions should reduce physical exertion outdoors.
During hot weather, the official recommendations apply: avoid strenuous physical activity and direct sun, drink enough water, protect particularly vulnerable people and follow the official warning levels.
Which island has the best weather?
There is no single best time to visit or best island. The right choice depends on the island and the resort. Anyone looking for as much sun as possible will often find it on the south and south-west coasts.
For green landscapes and walking, the more humid northern sides and the shoulder seasons are often more favourable. La Gomera, La Palma or the more humid northern sides of Tenerife and Gran Canaria offer more lush vegetation.
For more reliable beach conditions, the southern coasts of Tenerife and Gran Canaria are often considered more sheltered and drier than the northern sides. Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are generally drier and windier.
When the weather is uncertain, coastal walks or city visits are a better option than high-mountain routes. If there is cloud over Teide, lower viewpoints, visitor centres or a volcanic landscape on Lanzarote are an alternative.
When is the best time to visit the Canary Islands?
For a beach holiday, the period from spring to autumn is often suitable; in the south, even the winter months are mild. For walking, autumn to spring offers more comfortable temperatures in many lower and mid-altitude areas.
Water sports are possible all year round, often with stronger trade winds in summer. The trade winds frequently reach their strongest effect in summer, particularly in June, July and August.
In winter, conditions for sailing are often calmer, according to Turismo de Canarias.
In the high mountains, the weather can change quickly. Warm clothing and a check of access and warning notices are essential, as the official park guidance stresses.
What rules apply in national parks in any weather?
The weather affects access to natural areas, but it does not override their protection rules. In Teide National Park, visitors may use only authorised roads and paths and must park only in designated car parks.
Collecting volcanic rock, leaving litter and disturbing wildlife are expressly prohibited.
In Garajonay National Park, camping and overnight stays are also generally not permitted. Sturdy footwear, warm clothing, water and sun protection are recommended, as the park authority states.
In integral nature reserves, the removal of biological or geological material is generally prohibited. Exceptions may require official authorisation, according to the Canary Islands protected areas system.