Best places to go in winter:<\/strong><\/p>\n Who is it suitable for:<\/strong> Couples, families, active holidaymakers, digital nomads. Gran Canaria has something for everyone.<\/p>\n Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and offers incredible diversity, from tropical forests in the north to the lunar landscape of Mount Teide in the center. At 3,718 meters, Teide is the highest mountain in Spain\u2014and in winter, it even has snow up there. Beach holiday below, snowshoe hike above\u2014all in one day. Only Tenerife can offer that.<\/p>\n Winter weather:<\/strong> 19-23\u00b0C on the coast; the south (Adeje, Los Cristianos) is sunnier than the north. Temperatures can drop below zero at the summit of Teide.<\/p>\n Best places to go in winter:<\/strong><\/p>\n Who is it suitable for:<\/strong> Nature lovers, hikers, couples, families with older children.<\/p>\n Lanzarote is the most unusual of the Canary Islands. The volcanic landscape looks like another planet\u2014perfect for photography and drone footage. C\u00e9sar Manrique left his mark on the island with his architecture, and his legacy is evident everywhere. I've taken some of my best drone photos ever here.<\/p>\n Winter weather:<\/strong> Temperatures range from 19-22\u00b0C, and it's windier than the other islands. Lanzarote is flat, with no mountains to break the wind. Sunshine is almost guaranteed, but a windbreaker is a must.<\/p>\n Best places to go in winter:<\/strong><\/p>\n Who is it suitable for:<\/strong> Photographers, those seeking peace and quiet, culture enthusiasts, couples.<\/p>\n Fuerteventura has the best beaches in the Canary Islands\u2014period. Miles of white sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and consistent winds make the island a paradise for surfers and kitesurfers. In winter, the water is still a pleasant 19-20\u00b0C for swimming, and the waves are perfect.<\/p>\n Winter weather:<\/strong> 19-22\u00b0C, very windy (especially on the north coast), extremely sunny. Fuerteventura is, along with Lanzarote, the driest of the Canary Islands.<\/p>\n Best places to go in winter:<\/strong><\/p>\n Who is it suitable for:<\/strong> Surfers, kiters, beach lovers, sports enthusiasts.<\/p>\n La Palma is the greenest of the Canary Islands and a paradise for hikers. The Caldera de Taburiente National Park offers spectacular hiking trails through ravines and pine forests. Since 2021, there has also been the new Tajogaite volcano \u2014 whose lava fields have created a surreal landscape.<\/p>\n Winter weather:<\/strong> Temperatures range from 18-22\u00b0C. The greener north can be rainy, while the west and south are sunnier. La Palma has the wettest climate in the Canary Islands.<\/p>\n Who is it suitable for:<\/strong> Hikers, nature lovers, stargazers (Dark Sky Reserve!).<\/p>\n La Gomera is small, rugged, and wild. The Garajonay National Park, with its cloud forests, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and feels like stepping back in time. The island is perfect for those seeking absolute peace and quiet.<\/p>\n Winter weather:<\/strong> 18-21\u00b0C, mountains often shrouded in clouds, coast mostly sunny. Less consistently sunny than Gran Canaria or Tenerife.<\/p>\n Who is it suitable for:<\/strong> Hikers, independent tourists, those seeking peace and quiet.<\/p>\n El Hierro is the smallest and most remote of the Canary Islands. It lacks mass tourism infrastructure, but boasts spectacular diving spots and a rugged, authentic atmosphere. Winter is the quietest time of year.<\/p>\n Winter weather:<\/strong> 17-21\u00b0C, more changeable than the eastern islands.<\/p>\n Who is it suitable for:<\/strong> Divers, adventurers, travelers seeking "real" experiences.<\/p>\n In January 2024 I spent three weeks in the Canary Islands \u2014 and found a route that I can recommend to everyone: starting on Gran Canaria (the sunniest island in winter), then a side trip to Madeira (technically not part of the Canary Islands, but only a 1.5 hour flight away and highly recommended), then on to Lanzarote for the volcanic landscapes, and finally back to Gran Canaria.<\/p>\n The advantage of this route: You only need one rental car per island (from \u20ac15-25\/day in winter), inter-island flights with Binter Canarias cost \u20ac30-60 and only take 30-50 minutes.<\/p>\n You'll find the cheapest flights 6-8 weeks before your travel date. Direct flights are available from almost all major German airports. My tip: Fly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays \u2013 prices are often 30-401\u20ac cheaper than on weekends.<\/p>\n Prices are lower in winter than in summer\u2014except over Christmas and New Year's. For a month in Gran Canaria, I pay around \u20ac800\u20131,200 for an apartment with a sea view. There are good deals on Airbnb, especially for stays longer than 28 days.<\/p>\n A rental car is almost essential in the Canary Islands \u2014 public buses do run, but you'll miss the best spots. In winter, you can get a small car from \u20ac12-15 per day. Important: Book fully comprehensive insurance with no excess; the mountain roads can be quite adventurous.<\/p>\n Yes, definitely. The water temperature in winter is around 19-20\u00b0C \u2014 that's chilly, but perfectly manageable. The water is warmest at the beaches in the south of Gran Canaria or Tenerife. Many hotels also have heated pools.<\/p>\n The south of Gran Canaria and the south of Tenerife share first place with average temperatures of 22-24\u00b0C. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are slightly cooler, but even sunnier.<\/p>\n Yes, the phenomenon is called "Calima"\u2014a hot Saharan wind that brings sand and dust from Africa. It happens 2-3 times per winter and lasts 2-5 days. Temperatures can then rise to over 30\u00b0C, and visibility becomes poor. Calima is a disaster for drone flights, but surprisingly pleasant for beach days.<\/p>\n Absolutely! Inter-island flights with Binter Canarias are affordable and fast. My tip: Visit two or three islands in two weeks, spending four to five days on each. This way you can experience the diversity of the Canary Islands without feeling rushed.<\/p>\n Yes, in December and over New Year's \u2013 especially in the tourist centers of Gran Canaria and Tenerife. It gets significantly quieter in January and February. My favorite time: mid-January to the end of February. Good weather, reasonable prices, few tourists.<\/p>\n\n
2. Tenerife \u2014 The Diverse<\/h3>\n
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3. Lanzarote \u2014 The Extraterrestrial<\/h3>\n
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4. Fuerteventura \u2014 The beach island<\/h3>\n
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5. La Palma \u2014 The Green<\/h3>\n
6. La Gomera \u2014 The Mystical<\/h3>\n
7. El Hierro \u2014 The Untouched<\/h3>\n
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![](\"https:\/\/max-haase.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gfix-kanaren-wi-f1.jpg\")
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<\/a><\/dt>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nClimate comparison \u2014 All islands at a glance<\/h2>\n
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\n Island<\/th>\n Winter temp.<\/th>\n Hours of sunshine per day<\/th>\n wind<\/th>\n Rain<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n \n Gran Canaria (South)<\/strong><\/td>\n 22-24\u00b0C<\/td>\n 6-7h<\/td>\n Moderate<\/td>\n Very rare<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Tenerife (South)<\/strong><\/td>\n 21-23\u00b0C<\/td>\n 6-7h<\/td>\n Small amount<\/td>\n Rarely<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Lanzarote<\/strong><\/td>\n 19-22\u00b0C<\/td>\n 6-7h<\/td>\n Strong<\/td>\n Very rare<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Fuerteventura<\/strong><\/td>\n 19-22\u00b0C<\/td>\n 7h<\/td>\n Strong<\/td>\n Very rare<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n La Palma<\/strong><\/td>\n 18-22\u00b0C<\/td>\n 5-6h<\/td>\n Moderate<\/td>\n Occasionally<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n La Gomera<\/strong><\/td>\n 18-21\u00b0C<\/td>\n 5h<\/td>\n Small amount<\/td>\n Occasionally<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n El Hierro<\/strong><\/td>\n 17-21\u00b0C<\/td>\n 5h<\/td>\n Moderate<\/td>\n Occasionally<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n My personal Canary Islands winter travel itinerary<\/h2>\n
Practical tips for the Canary Islands in winter<\/h2>\n
Book flights<\/h3>\n
Accommodation<\/h3>\n
rental car<\/h3>\n
Packing list for the Canary Islands winter<\/h3>\n
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FAQ \u2014 Frequently Asked Questions about the Canary Islands in Winter<\/h2>\n
Is it possible to swim in the Canary Islands in winter?<\/h3>\n
Which island is the warmest in winter?<\/h3>\n
Are there sandstorms in the Canary Islands during winter?<\/h3>\n
Is island hopping worthwhile in winter?<\/h3>\n
Are the Canary Islands overcrowded in winter?<\/h3>\n
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