Tenerife packs two climates into one trip. The south coast is sunny and almost rainless, but the summit of Mount Teide is cold and the north side is cloudier, so you need beach clothes and a warm layer in the same bag.
Tenerife weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 23°C73°F | 23°C73°F | 25°C77°F | 26°C79°F | 26°C79°F | 27°C81°F | 29°C84°F | 31°C88°F | 29°C84°F | 29°C84°F | 27°C81°F | 24°C75°F |
| Low | 15°C59°F | 15°C59°F | 16°C61°F | 17°C63°F | 18°C64°F | 20°C68°F | 21°C70°F | 23°C73°F | 21°C70°F | 21°C70°F | 19°C66°F | 16°C61°F |
| Rain days | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryMild and sunny in the south. These numbers are from Tenerife Sur airport. Highs are 24°C (75°F) in December and 23°C (73°F) in January and February, lows 15–16°C (59–61°F), with 1–2 rain days a month. The north around Puerto de la Cruz is cloudier and cooler. Pack beach clothes plus a sweater and a light jacket for evenings and the mountains.
Spring
March–MayWarm and dry. Highs climb from 25°C (77°F) in March to 26°C (79°F) in April and May, with lows of 16–18°C (61–64°F) and only 1–2 rain days a month. The sea is still cool for some swimmers. Bring swimwear, sun protection and one warm layer for Teide.
Summer
June–AugustHot and bone dry. Highs reach 27°C (81°F) in June, 29°C (84°F) in July and 31°C (88°F) in August, lows sit at 20–23°C (68–73°F), and all three months average 0 rain days. Pack light, breathable clothes, a hat, sunscreen and a refillable water bottle.
Autumn
September–NovemberStill summer in the south. Highs are 29°C (84°F) in September and October and 27°C (81°F) in November, lows 19–21°C (66–70°F), with 1–2 rain days a month. Beach kit still works, but add a light jacket for November evenings and the north.
What to bring to Tenerife
0 of 22 packed- Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
Grippy, light and washable, this sneaker handles Teide's volcanic trails and the coastal paths without overheating in 29°C (84°F) summer heat.
- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
The men's version of the same light sneaker, good for Teide's loose cinder paths and long days on the south coast promenades.
A packable shell that blocks the summit wind on Teide and covers the odd shower in the cloudier north.
The men's version of the same jacket, worth the space for Teide's cold, windy top and the north side's showers.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
With 0 rain days June through August and highs up to 31°C (88°F), a bottle you can refill all day matters.
Tenerife uses Spain's Type C and F sockets, so US, UK and Australian visitors need an adapter.
- Crocs Classic ClogFootwear & Shoe Care
Easy on and off for the beach, the pool and black volcanic sand that gets hot in the sun.
Clothing
- Swimsuits · 2
- Light breathable shirts · 4
- Shorts · 2
- Long pants · 1
- Warm fleece · 1Teide summit is cold year-round
- Warm hat and gloves · 1 setFor Teide, especially Nov–Mar
- Sun hat · 1
Footwear
- Light hiking shoes · 1 pairVolcanic trails on Teide
Gear
- Small daypack · 1
- Beach towel · 1
- Sunglasses · 1
Health and toiletries
- Mineral sunscreen, high SPFStrong sun in the south and at altitude
Documents and money
- Passport
- Teide summit path permitLimited, so book it ahead
Tech
- Phone charger and cable
What shoes should you pack for Tenerife?
Bring one pair of sneakers or trail shoes with grip and one pair of sandals. Teide's trails are loose volcanic rock and cinder, and the coastal paths are uneven. Sandals cover the beach and the promenade.
What do people wear in Tenerife?
Casual resort wear on the coast, but cover up away from the beach. Swimwear belongs on the beach and at the pool, not in shops, town centers or restaurants. Smart casual is fine for dinner. Churches expect shoulders covered.
What should you pack for Mount Teide?
Pack warm layers, even in August. The summit is far colder than the coast and can be windy or icy, while the sun at altitude is strong. You need a permit to walk the summit path, so book it before you go. Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, a fleece and a windproof jacket.
Is the north or south of Tenerife better for weather?
The south is sunnier and drier, which is why the data here is from Tenerife Sur. The north is greener, cloudier and sees more showers. If you split your stay, pack a rain jacket for the north.
What plugs does Tenerife use?
Tenerife is part of Spain and uses Type C and F sockets at 230V. US, UK and Australian visitors need an adapter. Most phone and laptop chargers handle 230V fine.
Tours and things to do in Tenerife
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Tenerife.
What should you leave at home for Tenerife?
Leave the heavy winter coat and the umbrella. Rain is rare in the south. A packable warm layer and a light rain jacket cover Teide and the north better than bulky gear.
Packing for Tenerife: questions people ask
What should I wear in Tenerife in December?
Summer clothes with a sweater for evenings. December averages a 24°C (75°F) high, a 16°C (61°F) low and 2 rain days in the south.
Is it cold on top of Mount Teide?
Yes. The summit is much colder than the coast, often windy, and can have ice or snow in winter. Bring a fleece and a windproof jacket.
Do I need a permit to climb Teide?
You need a permit to walk the final summit path. Book it ahead, since it is limited.
Does it rain in Tenerife in summer?
Almost never in the south. June, July and August each average 0 rain days at Tenerife Sur.
What is the hottest month in Tenerife?
August, with an average high of 31°C (88°F) and a low of 23°C (73°F) in the south.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.