The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Africa, known for year-round mild weather, volcanic landscapes, and beaches across islands including Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura.
The Canary Islands are famous as the 'Islands of Eternal Spring', enjoying one of the world's most envied climates. Subtropical oceanic conditions keep temperatures between 18–28°C year-round. The cool Canary Current from the north Atlantic moderates summer heat, while trade winds bring moisture to northern slopes and sunshine to the south. Average annual sunshine exceeds 2,800 hours — more than any other European destination. The islands sit 1,100 km from mainland Spain and just 100 km from the African coast, giving them a climate closer to the tropics than Europe.
Best time to visit
Best Overall: March–May and September–November: warm, less crowded, good prices
Best For Beaches: June–October: warmest sea temperatures (21–24°C)
Best For Hiking: March–May: wildflowers, cooler temperatures
Best For Budget: November–January (excluding Christmas/New Year): lowest prices
Best For Surfing: October–March: biggest swells on Atlantic-facing beaches
Best For Stargazing: Year-round but clearest skies July–October on La Palma
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
Items
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Items
Spring (Ideal conditions — warm sunshine, wildflowers blooming near Teide, very little rain. Sea temperatures still refreshing at 19–20°C. Less crowded and good value. The tajinaste rojo (endemic Teide flower) blooms spectacularly in April–May.), Summer (Hot and very sunny, especially in the south of each island. Sea temperatures reach their peak (22–24°C). July and August are the busiest and most expensive months. Occasional calima (Saharan dust wind) can reduce air quality for 1–3 days. Northern sides of islands have more cloud.), Autumn (Warm and still very pleasant. Sea temperatures remain high from summer (22–24°C in October). Crowds reduce significantly after mid-September. Some rain possible, especially in northern areas. Good value shoulder season.), Winter (The Canary Islands' biggest peak tourism season as northern Europeans escape winter. Temperatures drop slightly (18–22°C) but remain very pleasant. Carnival season in February is spectacular. Christmas and New Year see high prices and crowds. Mountain areas including Teide can have snow.)
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- Items
- Level
- Very Busy
- Months
- July, August, Christmas week, Carnival (February)
- Description
- Accommodation at maximum prices, beaches crowded, queues at major attractions. Book everything months in advance.
- Level
- Busy
- Months
- January, Easter week, June, September
- Description
- High season. Prices elevated. Advance booking recommended for popular attractions and restaurants.
- Level
- Moderate
- Months
- March, April, May, October, November
- Description
- Shoulder season. Best balance of weather and value. Attractions accessible without queues. Good accommodation availability.
- Level
- Quiet
- Months
- February (non-carnival islands), early December
- Description
- Low season. Best prices. Fewer tourists. Some facilities may have reduced hours.
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
One of the world's largest carnivals, rivalling Rio de Janeiro. Spectacular costumes, parades, and the famous burial of the sardine ceremony. UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria's magnificent carnival with elaborate drag queen shows, the election of the Carnival Queen, and the main Cabalgata parade drawing hundreds of thousands.
Corpus Christi Flower Carpets
La Orotava creates extraordinary intricate carpets of flowers, volcanic sand, and natural materials on the streets. A stunning spectacle recognised by UNESCO.
Fiesta de la Virgen del Pino
The most important religious festival in Gran Canaria — a pilgrimage to the Basílica in Teror to honour the patron saint. Entire island participates.
Bajada de la Rama
Ancient pre-Hispanic festival in Agaete where participants walk down from the mountains with pine branches which they beat the sea, asking for rain. Accompanied by music and dancing.
Ironman Lanzarote
One of the most challenging and prestigious Ironman triathlons in the world, drawing elite athletes and spectators from across Europe to Lanzarote.