It’s no wonder that the Canary Islands are known as “Las Afortunadas”, meaning “the lucky ones”, as it has the best climate in the world. And not just because we say so; numerous studies have confirmed it too. There are so many reasons for coming to the Canary Islands in the winter. If it’s your dream to spend the winter on the beach or in 24°C, this post is for you!
Our names are Guacimara and Pedro, and we’re both from Tenerife. Through our Tenerifelicidad project, we’ve embarked on an around-the-world trip in a campervan, with no end date planned and are just starting with a six-month tour of the Canary Islands.
The islands perfectly located, where the trade winds play a key role in the enviable temperatures enjoyed all year round. The trade wind inversion, which prevents cloud formation, means that it hardly ever rains in the summer and it only rains around 3 days a month on average during the winter months.
This natural phenomenon means comfortable temperatures all year round. This is combined with sun-drenched days, the smell of the sea, infinite natural resources, and the diversity of landscapes, which makes the islands a dream destination at any time of year, but especially in winter.
Four reasons to visit the Canary Islands in winter
In winter, it’s spring in the Canary Islands
In fact, they are also known as “the islands of eternal spring”. There are very few places in the world where you can enjoy an average temperature of between 20 and 22°C in winter, with almost no chance of rain.
These conditions allow for a special kind of tourism, where you can enjoy the outdoors in the unique and wild environment of a volcanic landscape.
Travelling light
One of the main drawbacks of travelling in winter is the amount of luggage involved, but in the Canary Islands you can travel light, as you won’t need a scarf or winter coat.
So, is it never cold in the Canary Islands? Well, of course it is. Despite the extremely mild climate, some of the islands are very high, with significant differences in altitude, such as Tenerife, which also has the highest peak in the whole of Spain. This means that within just over half an hour you can go from wearing a swimsuit on the beach to a snow-capped landscape in Teide National Park.
Microclimates are a defining characteristic of the islands, so even though you can travel light in the winter, it’s never a bad idea to pop a coat in your backpack, especially if you’re planning on exploring the mountains.
A paradise for outdoor sport lovers
Thanks to the favourable climate, the Canary Islands are the perfect place for enjoying all kinds of outdoor sports, all year round: surfing, windsurfing, snorkelling, driving, trekking, cycling and so on.
If you love getting close to nature, this is the place for you. With the islands being volcanic, take advantage of the stunning places, landscapes, and environments to have an unforgettable experience pursuing your favourite outdoor sport in perfect temperatures.
Recharge your batteries with some good vibes
A vacation or short stay in the Canary Islands in the winter gives you a chance to unwind.
Part of the islands’ nature has been forged by the warmth of the ground. And if there’s one thing that defines us, it’s that here we live differently, at a slower pace. You’ll find this very easy to get used to!
A winter like no other, in the Canary Islands:
It’s time for some surfing in Fuerteventura
If you love surfing, you won’t need to wait until summer to enjoy the magic of catching a wave. In Fuerteventura, wintertime is surfing time!
Diving in El Hierro
The “meridian island” boasts one of the best seabeds in the world. A winter submerged in its waters is simply unforgettable.
Seeing snow-capped Mount Teide from the beach in Tenerife
This is one of winter’s most beautiful images, as it often snows on Mount Teide. You can even see Spain’s highest peak, situated in the centre of Tenerife, from some of the island’s beaches!
Seeing the world’s third largest active volcano covered in snow, from the beach in 24°C, is a truly unique experience.
From lava to the turquoise waters of Lanzarote’s beaches
Lanzarote is one of the lower islands, with fewer changes in temperature throughout the year. Kick back and relax, enjoying the contrast between its fiery, volcanic landscapes, and its idyllic beaches with their turquoise waters and white sands, for some wintertime magic.
La Palma, a Biosphere Reserve
This is one of the islands with the greatest difference in altitude in the world; this means that, whilst lacking Lanzarote’s idyllic, peaceful beaches (the beaches are much wilder), it does feature some fascinating places, such as El Roque de los Muchachos (“the Rock of the Boys”). It also boasts breathtaking natural phenomena, such as the sea of clouds, formed by the combination of the trade winds and the altitude of the island.
La Gomera, wild beaches and fairytale forests
The wild beaches, unspoiled by mass tourism, are one of the gems of La Gomera, which along with its laurel forests, looking as if they’ve stepped straight out of a fairytale, will treat you to a truly magical winter.
Gran Canaria, the island of contrasts
Gran Canaria has a little something from each of the islands: idyllic white sandy beaches, volcanic landscapes, altitude, desert and dunes, forests, wild beaches, and charming villages.
Each of the Canary Islands is unique and different from the rest. But if you can’t decide on one, then Gran Canaria has a bit of the magic of all the others.
There are so many reasons to visit, but as the song by Bizarrap and Quevedo goes, don’t think twice this winter, and “come to the Canary Islands, with no luggage or return ticket…”.
