Sandals, or “cholas” (flip-flops) as we like to say in Tenerife, short sleeve shirt and board shorts. Would you dare to walk around like that in the middle of winter in Berlin? Or perhaps in Paris? Certainly not.
The climate in Tenerife causes this to be the reality for many locals during the month of January. The problem appears when you’re in Santa Cruz and need to go to La Laguna, where you either take a jacket or you die trying!
Tenerife is considered to be “the island of eternal spring” and this is principally due to the warm, though not suffocating, temperatures that it has during the year. The annual average temperature in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is of almost 22 degrees, that is, higher than the average daily maximum temperature of London. A little jealous, right? But be careful! In spite of the good weather, don’t forget the scarf, because the almost imperceptible breeze of Tenerife causes more than just a cold.
There are important differences among several spots of the island. In Tenerife microclimates are very common. If you’re coming looking for sun and beach we recommend you to go towards the south, but if what interests you more is the fresh air or nature, then you’d better visit the north.
The island adapts to all tastes and possible plans. From the green color of the northern landscape, to the desert images of the south. In the morning you could be in Teide playing around with the snow, and then later in the afternoon you could be having a beer at the Torviscas beach at the south.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife and La Laguna are the perfect example of a microclimate: two municipalities found one next to the other and while the first one has 25 degrees, the second has 17 and drizzles. When you leave from La Laguna, and might have put on a jacket and a scarf, as you go down by tram you’ll find yourself taking off layers of clothes, til you put on flip-flops and a short sleeve shirt!
You will notice the difference even if you go to the south from the northern part of the island. After passing many curves under a sky full of clouds, to the point where you’ll perhaps appease, you’ll come across a totally different shape of scenery arriving at Puerto de Erjos: sun and heat. This will be the point where plain glasses will become sunglasses in just a moment.
The best season to visit Tenerife in search of sun and beach are the months between April and October. Those attracted to hiking won’t be disappointed between March and May and October-November.
One of the reasons why the Canaries have pleasant temperatures is due to the trade winds. They’re air currents generated on the atmosphere and participating into having such enjoyable temperatures throughout the year.
These winds lead to one of the most impressive natural phenomenons you could ever see: the sea of clouds. The wind pushes the clouds against the hillsides of the northern side of the island, creating the illusion of a white calm sea. With its white cloak covers, in a unique way, the houses and buildings of the north of the island. Quite a show!
However, you need to have in mind as well the haze, a meteorological phenomenon that consists of the presence of small particles of dust or sand in suspension, from Africa. What does it produce? Poor visibility, difficulty of breathing, allergies, etc. But don’t get scared. We Canarians don’t like it either but it is not dangerous. The best solution in light of this is to drink plenty of fluids and to not exercise outdoors.
Another factor that influences the mild climate of the Islands, with respect to which the latitude would correspond, is the cold ocean current of the Canaries. It cools the temperature of the waters that lap the coasts and beaches of the island. But don’t think that it gets frozen, because many of us locals, till the 31st of December, swim at the beaches of Tenerife. And then the 1st of January we go back again!
The climate of the Canaries, is what principally attracts tourists to the islands. You want to go on vacation to see the snow but your partner wants sun and beach? Perfect. We have both! You could climb to Teide to see the snow and then lie down on a sunbed at the beach of Las Teresitas.
When you look for the destination of your trip, locked up in your house with the heating on, think of the Canaries. We have a mix of heat, fresh air and cold, depending on where you go or what you prefer. The warmth of our land will make you fall in love, same as the locals that live on the islands.
When you ask yourself what’s the temperature like in Tenerife, click here.