| Month | Average high / low (°C) | Average temperature (°C) | Rain (mm) | Daylight hours listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December | 23 / 17 | 19.4 | 43 | 168 |
| January | 21 / 16 | 18.2 | 32 | 178 |
| February | 22 / 15 | 18.3 | 35 | 186 |
| March | 22 / 16 | 19.0 | 38 | 221 |
Source: the tourist board's climate pages, based on figures from Spain's national weather service (read 7 November 2026). The board labels the last column "average monthly daylight hours".
Where is the best winter weather?
| Area | What the board says | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| South coast | Drier and sunnier, more sun hours | Beaches, boats: Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas |
| North coast | Cooler, greener, more humid because of the trade winds | Gardens and towns: Puerto de la Cruz |
| Mid-altitude villages | Cooler and drier than the coast, cold nights in winter | Vilaflor |
| Teide | Typical mountain weather; peaks often snow-covered | Teide National Park |
Snow and Teide
The peaks of Las Cañadas del Teide are often covered in snow in winter, and the board advises appropriate footwear and warm clothes. The cable car goes from 2,356 m to 3,555 m in about 8 minutes, tickets are online only, and you can change the date free of charge until 6:00 pm the day before. The summit path needs a free permit applied for one to two months ahead. See the Teide cable car. Official guided walks in the park run all year except 1 and 6 January and 25 December. For the festive season, see Tenerife at Christmas.
Winter on the water
The board gives November to May as the best period for Los Gigantes, with temperatures generally 20 to 23 °C, lower humidity and less chance of rain. Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins live off the island all year, and the common dolphin is seen mostly in winter. See Los Gigantes and whale watching in Tenerife.
Winter dates
- Carnival. Ash Wednesday in 2027 is 10 February; see Tenerife Carnival.
- Christmas week. Concerts at the Auditorio de Tenerife and at the Santa Cruz port, and San Silvestre runs on 26 and 31 December 2026; see Tenerife in December.
- Almond blossom. Late January to February in Santiago del Teide, January and February in Vilaflor.
- Closures. MUNA is closed on 24, 25 and 31 December, 1 and 6 January and Carnival Tuesday.
Where to stay in winter
For sun, the south: where to stay in Tenerife compares the areas. The best-weather base for beaches is Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas or Los Cristianos. For gardens and a green setting, Puerto de la Cruz. Compare rates by date in the Booking box.
Packing
- Swimwear and sun cream for the south coast.
- A warm jacket, a rain layer and closed shoes for Teide and the hill villages.
- A light layer for evenings: the lowest averages are 15 to 17 °C.
Mistakes to avoid
- Assuming that "winter" means cold on the coast. Average highs are 21 to 23 °C.
- Booking the north for sun. It is cooler and cloudier.
- Going to Teide in summer clothes. Snow is possible.
- Forgetting the holiday closures listed above.
FAQ
What is the weather in Tenerife in winter?
Average highs of 21 to 23 °C and lows of 15 to 17 °C from December to March (tourist board).
Can I swim in Tenerife in winter?
The south coast beaches are in use all year; evenings and water are cooler than in summer.
Does it snow in Tenerife?
Yes, on the Teide peaks, while the coast stays warm.
Which side of the island is warmer?
The south: it is drier and sunnier, with more sun hours.
The Tenerife Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.
