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Best time to visit the Canary Islands: A seasonal guide
Spring in the Canaries offers fewer crowds and pleasant warmth. But what about Summer's nightlife? Discover the best season for your visit, whether you prioritize sunshine, festivals, or deals.
From the Lanzarote Wine Run in May to the San Juan bonfires of June, there are countless things to do in the Canary Islands all year round. There is never a bad time to visit this Spanish archipelago – but when is the best time to visit the Canary Islands?
We outline each season on these islands off the northwest coast of Africa, covering crowds, weather, pricing, and events to help you decide when to see the Canaries for yourself.
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When is the best time to visit the Canary Islands?
Spring is an ideal time to visit the Canary Islands, as you’ll find fewer crowds, mild weather, and fun-filled events stretching from March to May.
However, if you crave vibrant summer energy and buzzing nightlife, June and August are your go-to months.
September to November provides the perfect balance of great weather for outdoor adventures and excellent value, while winter in the Canary Islands provides festive charm without the chill.
Clearly, there is no bad time to visit the Canary Islands – it all depends on what you want to get out of your trip.
Spring (March-May)
Mild temperatures, fewer crowds, better deals: spring in the Canaries is a smart choice if you want to experience the islands without all the crowds. Catch unique events like Lanzarote’s Wine Run – a fun way to sip and sightsee.
- Season: Shoulder season
- Spring is best for: Mild weather, outdoor activities, fewer crowds, and budget-friendly travel.
- Weather: Pleasant temperatures ranging from 68°F to 75°F. Rainfall is minimal, making it ideal for exploring.
- Events: While the vibrant Carnival celebrations can sometimes extend into the very beginning of March, the Lanzarote Wine Run is a popular event in the spring. This unique event typically takes place in May, combining trail running through the island’s stunning vineyards with wine tasting.
Summer (June-August)
Get ready for hot, dry days and buzzing nightlife – summer in the Canaries is prime time for beach lovers. Don’t miss the epic San Juan bonfires, a truly Canarian celebration! Summer is undoubtedly the most popular time to visit the Canary Islands and worth adding to any Spain travel guide.
- Season: Peak season
- Summer is best for: Taking advantage of the vibrant nightlife.
- Weather: Hot and dry, with temperatures averaging between 77°F to 86°F. This is the sunniest time of year.
- Events: Summer is the high season, so expect bustling beaches and lively nightlife. A significant event during this period is the Festival de San Juan, which takes place on the night of June 23rd and into the morning of June 24th across all the Canary Islands. This festival celebrates the summer solstice with bonfires, beach parties, and traditional customs. As it’s the peak season, expect higher prices for flights and accommodation.
Fall (September-November)
Fall on the islands is warm and perfect for island hopping or outdoor activities – one of the best times to go to the Canary Islands. The season offers great conditions for water sports and hiking with fewer tourists and wallet-friendly finds. If you couldn’t get to the Lanzarote’s Wine Run in the spring, fall is also a great time to visit and experience the lively grape harvest festivals as the leaves change color.
- Season: Shoulder season
- Fall is best for: Less intense warm weather, water sports, hiking, and good value.
- Weather: Temperatures remain warm, ranging from a maximum of 73°F to 81°F. The sea is still warm from the summer, making it great for swimming. Rainfall starts to increase slightly, but sunny days are still abundant.
- Events: The grape harvest festivals, known as Fiestas de la Vendimia, take place in early fall. These festivals celebrate the harvest with traditional music, dancing, and wine tasting. As the summer crowds dissipate, you can also find good deals on flights and accommodations, offering good value for your money. While rainfall increases slightly in the fall, it’s not usually a lengthy rainy season.
Winter (December-February)
The best time to travel to the Canary Islands is winter if you’re looking to escape the cold. Winter in the Canaries boasts mild and warm temperatures that are perfect for exploring. The festive season also adds extra charm.
- Season: Off-peak season (except for the Christmas/New Year period)
- Winter is best for: Mild island weather, escaping cold climates, and festive celebrations.
- Weather: Average temperatures range between 64°F to 72°F. While there might be occasional showers, sunny days are still common. January and February are typically the coolest months.
- Events: Christmas and New Year are very popular, bringing markets and celebrations. A significant event in February is the start of the Carnival season in many islands. While the main celebrations often peak later, you’ll find early parades, murga performances (satirical musical groups), and other Carnival-related festivities beginning in February, particularly in Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
Canary Islands weather: Month-by-month
Planning your perfect Canary Islands escape? This quick reference table gives you the essential stats on average temperatures and rainfall throughout the year so you can choose the ideal time to soak up the sun.
| Month | Average temperature (°F) | Average rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 66 | 0.98 |
| February | 66 | 0.91 |
| March | 68 | 0.67 |
| April | 70 | 0.51 |
| May | 74 | 0.31 |
| June | 77 | 0.12 |
| July | 79 | 0.04 |
| August | 84 | 0.08 |
| September | 74 | 0.39 |
| October | 75 | 1.1 |
| November | 72 | 1.38 |
| December | 68 | 1.18 |
Stay connected in the Canary Islands with Holafly
Staying connected while exploring the Canary Islands is essential for navigating, finding local recommendations, and keeping in touch with loved ones. With a Holafly eSIM for the Canary Islands, you can enjoy seamless internet access throughout your trip.
Never pay for data (or days) you don’t use with our customizable plans, which let you choose your exact trip duration from 1-90 days. The more days you travel, the cheaper your plan! For example, you pay just over $4 per day for a 5-day plan but only around $3 per day for a 20-day plan. The Holafly Canary Islands eSIM offers a cost-effective way to achieve stress-free travel with unlimited data.
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