Best time to visit Tenerife

Tenerife: sunshine all year round

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and the only Spanish destination that guarantees sunshine all year round. The Pico del Teide (3,715 metres) keeps clouds on the northern side of the island; the south coast therefore averages 300 sunny days per year.

The good news: the climate varies less per month than you might expect. The highest and lowest monthly average only differ by seven degrees. But flight prices, crowds and accommodation availability vary considerably by season.

Flights from the Netherlands: Transavia flies direct from Schiphol to Tenerife Sur (TFS) in approximately 4 hours 55 minutes. TUI also flies from Amsterdam and Eindhoven. Corendon flies from Amsterdam and Rotterdam. For more information see our complete Tenerife travel guide with tips on neighbourhoods, beaches and day trips to El Teide and the Masca gorge.

Tenerife by month: climate, sea temperature and flight prices

Flight prices are indicative for weekdays outside school holidays; prices are higher during half-term and Christmas breaks. Sea temperatures are averages for the south coast (Playa de las Americas, Los Gigantes). The north coast (Puerto de la Cruz) is typically 2 degrees cooler.

Best month for sunshine in Tenerife

For the warmest temperatures and most sunshine go in July and August: average 27-28 degrees and virtually no rain. But these are also the most expensive and crowded months. Flights cost from 180-200 euros return and hotels are 40-60% more expensive than in low season.

Sweet spot for sun and price: October. The sea is still 23 degrees, air temperature is 25 degrees and schools are back, so noticeably quieter. Flights from 120 euros return. Ideal if you want to swim, hike on El Teide and still keep costs down.

Winter sun in November and December: for travellers escaping the grey autumn, Tenerife is ideal. With 22-23 degrees air temperature and 20-22 degrees sea water you can still comfortably swim on the south coast. Hotels are on average 30-40% cheaper than in July. December has more rain days but the showers are brief and the sun returns quickly.

When is Tenerife cheapest?

The cheapest months for a flight to Tenerife are January, February, April, May and November. In these months you can find return flights from 100 euros from Amsterdam. Book at least 6-8 weeks in advance for the lowest prices; last-minute can sometimes be cheaper but choice of flight times and accommodation is limited.

• Avoid school holidays Half-term (October, regional), Christmas break (late December, early January), spring break (February) and May bank holidays are more expensive. Fly on a Tuesday or Wednesday in a regular school week for the lowest prices.
• Tenerife Carnival (February) The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is one of the largest carnival celebrations in the world. Hotels in Santa Cruz are booked out weeks in advance and very expensive. If you want to experience carnival: book 3-4 months ahead. If you want to avoid it: skip the second and third weeks of February.
• TUI package versus separate booking For an all-inclusive week, a TUI holiday package can sometimes be cheaper in low season than booking flight and hotel separately. Always compare both options before deciding.

Tenerife North or South: which suits you?

Tenerife is climatically two different worlds. The south coast (Playa de las Americas, Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje) gets the most sun and is driest, even in December. This is the classic holiday destination for beach lovers and all-inclusive fans.

The north coast (Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava) is greener, has the historic city of La Laguna (UNESCO) and is closer to El Teide. In winter it can be cloudier but on clear days the views are spectacular.

Airports: Tenerife Sur (TFS) is the airport for the south coast. Tenerife Norte (TFN) is smaller and less busy, but most flights from the Netherlands land at TFS.