Canary Islands in Winter 2026: The Brilliant Island Guide for Sunshine

The Canary Islands in winter are for many travelers from Germany the simplest answer to leaden grey skies and short days – because on the islands off the Moroccan coast, the sun shines reliably even in January. Instead of a down jacket, it’s t-shirt, hiking boots and a spot on the terrace overlooking the Atlantic.

Why the Canary Islands are so popular in winter

The Canary Islands lie around 100 kilometers off the coast of Western Sahara and thus much further south than the Spanish mainland. It is precisely this location that makes them so valuable in the winter half-year: while Lisbon and Málaga can get down to around ten degrees, the thermometer in the coastal regions of the islands often ranges between 18 and 22 degrees during the day. Values in the south of Tenerife or the east of Gran Canaria regularly climb well above that.

Add to that: the sun is lower, the radiation is pleasant, and the water temperatures remain fresh, but for many Germans sufficient for a dip in the sea. The Atlantic is warmer in winter than the North Sea in summer.

Which Canary Island suits you in winter?

The Canary Islands in winter are not all the same – the seven main islands feel very different in January and February. Here are the most important characters:

Tenerife: The All-Rounder

The Teide towers over the island at over 3,700 meters and is the highest mountain in Spain. In winter the summit can be snow-covered while you sit in the sun down in Puerto de la Cruz or Los Cristianos. The Anaga mountain range in the northeast attracts with laurel forest and rugged ridges, while Costa Adeje scores with quiet coves and good hotels.

Gran Canaria: Continents in Miniature

The island offers everything in the smallest of spaces: dunes of Maspalomas, the green gorge of Fataga, the small town of Teror with its white balcony houses and the capital Las Palmas with the Triana district.

Lanzarote: Fire and Wine

The lava fields of Timanfaya National Park seem like another world. In the wine region of La Geria, vines grow in funnel-shaped pits, protected by low stone walls. In winter it is often quieter here than in summer – ideal for hikers and connoisseurs.

Fuerteventura and La Palma

Fuerteventura is the island for endless beaches like Sotavento and the windy days that kite surfers love. La Palma, in turn, is the green hiking island with the Caldera de Taburiente and a starry sky that is among the clearest in Europe.

Weather and best travel time in winter

There is no blanket answer: on the north coast of Tenerife or in the mountains it can rain while the south stays dry. As a rule: the further south and the closer to the coast, the warmer and sunnier. The Christmas holidays and the weeks around Carnival are popular and accordingly expensive – if you are flexible, January or early February is quieter. But overall, the Canary Islands in winter remain one of the warmest regions in Europe.

What you can do in winter on the Canary Islands

• Hiking in Teide National Park or in the Anaga on Tenerife
• Whale watching off Los Gigantes or off Tenerife’s southwest coast
• Surfing and kiting in El Médano or Corralejo
• Stargazing on La Palma or in the highlands of Gran Canaria
• Wine tasting in La Geria on Lanzarote
• City trip to Las Palmas or Santa Cruz de Tenerife

For those who prefer to plan: on Gran Canaria, a visit to the Carnival of Las Palmas is worthwhile, one of the largest in Europe. On Tenerife there is the Carnival of Santa Cruz in February, also a spectacle. You can find more precise dates on the pages of the respective tourism offices.

Practical tips for your Canary Islands in winter

It pays to book early – demand for sunshine in winter is high. Package and individual: take a look at our current flight deals, there are often direct flights from Germany at good prices. On site, a rental car is the most flexible way to explore the islands. If you only stay near the beach, you’ll also get along well with bus and taxi.

Remember sun protection, even if it is winter – the UV radiation here is significantly stronger than at home. For hikes at altitude, a windproof jacket belongs in your backpack. And inform yourself at the Foreign Office about the current entry regulations.

For combinations of beach and city, it’s worth taking a look at our beach deals. If you’re looking for culture and architecture, you’ll find inspiration in our city breaks.

Frequently asked questions

How warm is it in winter on the Canary Islands?

During the day, temperatures on the coast are mostly between 18 and 22 degrees, in the south of Tenerife and Gran Canaria even higher. At night it cools down to 12 to 15 degrees, considerably more at higher altitudes.

Which Canary Island is warmest in winter?

The southern islands and the southern sides of the large islands are the warmest. Tenerife and Gran Canaria offer the most reliable sunshine hours in the south, followed by Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.

Can you swim in winter on the Canary Islands?

Yes, many hotels have heated pools. In the sea, the water temperature is often 18 to 20 degrees – that’s enough for a quick dip, but rather not for long swimming laps.