Canary Islands: when is the best time to visit Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and others
December 16, 2025
The Canary Islands, an archipelago of eternal spring, attract tourists all year round thanks to their mild climate and diverse landscapes. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote—each of these islands offers a unique experience, combining vibrant cities with wild, volcanic landscapes. The latest tourism figures from 2025 show record visitor numbers, particularly between November and April, when temperatures remain between 18-24°C, offering a sunny escape from the European winter. For couples looking for a romantic getaway that combines urban attractions with an island vibe, the Canary Islands are the perfect destination at any time of year, although each season has its own unique charm.
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The best time to visit the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands enjoy a unique microclimate that makes them attractive to tourists all year round. However, data from 2025 clearly shows that the period from November to April is the time of greatest interest in the archipelago. In January 2025, a record number of 905,844 hotel tourists were recorded (an increase of 3.05% compared to the previous year), 6,264,611 overnight stays (92% of which were by foreigners) and 75.2% hotel occupancy – the highest rate in Spain.
The winter months (November-April) are the perfect time for a romantic trip to the Canary Islands. The air temperature then ranges between 18-24°C, which is an excellent alternative to the cool weather prevailing in continental Europe at that time. The sea is around 19-20°C, which for many people is warm enough for swimming. An additional advantage is the smaller number of tourists compared to the summer peak season, which translates into a more intimate experience.
February and March are particularly attractive months in Tenerife due to the famous Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife – the second largest carnival in the world after Rio de Janeiro. Colorful parades, music, and dancing fill the streets of the island's capital, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. At the same time, Gran Canaria hosts the Carnival Las Palmas, which also attracts crowds of participants. These cultural events add an urban, cosmopolitan character to island vacations.
Spring (April-May) is the time when nature on the islands comes to life and the landscapes become even more picturesque thanks to the blooming plants. The air temperature rises to around 20-25°C, and the sea slowly warms up. This is a good time for active sightseeing, hiking in the mountains and volcanic areas, as the heat is not yet exhausting. The first quarter of 2025 brought a total of 4,361,596 visitors (an increase of 2.1%), confirming the attractiveness of this period.
Summer (June-September) is the time of the highest temperatures, reaching 26-30°C. The sea warms up to a pleasant 22-24°C, making it the perfect time for water sports and sunbathing enthusiasts. However, it is important to remember that this is the peak tourist season, which means larger crowds and higher prices. Fuerteventura and Lanzarote experience stronger winds at this time, making them a paradise for kitesurfers and windsurfers. For couples who prefer a quieter experience, the summer months may be less attractive due to the crowds at popular spots.
Autumn (October-November) is a transitional period when temperatures slowly drop but still remain between 22-26°C. The sea remains warm after the summer heat. This is a good time to explore the cities and get to know the local culture without the summer heat. In October 2025, 111,599 arrivals were recorded, showing that even outside the peak season, the islands attract a significant number of tourists.
It is worth noting the local climatic differences between the islands. Tenerife and Gran Canaria, due to their mountainous terrain, have different microclimates – the northern parts are usually cooler and more humid, while the southern regions enjoy more sunshine and higher temperatures. Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, as flatter islands located closer to the African coast, are generally warmer and drier throughout the year.
Characteristics of the main islands and their unique attractions
Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, attracts over 40% of British tourists (the largest foreign market), offering an extraordinary combination of urban life and natural wonders. Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island's capital, delights with its lively squares and seaside promenades, where you can enjoy local cuisine in a romantic setting. The symbol of the island is the majestic Teide volcano (3,718 m above sea level), the highest peak in Spain, surrounded by the surreal, lunar landscape of Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For couples looking for a romantic experience, sunsets viewed from the Teide viewpoints leave an unforgettable impression.
A lesser-known but equally fascinating attraction in Tenerife is the ancient laurel forest of Anaga in the northeastern part of the island. This relic of the Tertiary period, also protected by UNESCO, offers picturesque hiking trails through a misty, green maze of trees covered with moss and lichen. Local legend has it that these forests are home to the Guanches, the spirits of the islands' indigenous inhabitants who protect the archipelago's natural heritage.
In the south of Tenerife, there is a hidden gem – the village of Masca, located in a deep gorge. Getting there via a winding mountain road is an adventure in itself, and the views are breathtaking. Once a pirate hideout, today it is a romantic enclave with traditional Canarian architecture and panoramic views of the ocean.
Gran Canaria, the second most popular island, is called a 'miniature continent' because of its diverse landscapes. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the island's dynamic capital, offers a fascinating blend of history and modernity. The historic district of Vegueta, with its cobbled streets and colonial architecture, contrasts with the lively Las Canteras beach and the modern port district. The city is famous for its rich nightlife, making it an ideal destination for couples looking for urban entertainment.
A unique feature of Gran Canaria is the spectacular Maspalomas dunes at the southern tip of the island – a vast area of golden sand creating a surreal landscape reminiscent of the Sahara. According to local stories, this sand was brought by the wind from the African desert. A walk through the dunes at sunset, when the sand shimmers with golden hues, is one of the most romantic experiences on the island.
In the central part of Gran Canaria is the spectacular Roque Nublo, an 80-meter volcanic monolith that is a symbol of the island and a place of worship for the indigenous people. The surrounding mountains offer an extensive network of hiking trails with panoramic views of the island. A little-known fact: on clear days, you can see both Tenerife and the highest peaks of North Africa from this spot.
Fuerteventura, the third largest island in the archipelago, is famous for the most beautiful beaches in Europe and its rugged, desert landscape. Corralejo in the north of the island is a lively town with access to the Corralejo Dunes Park – a 10-kilometer strip of golden dunes contrasting with the turquoise ocean. For couples seeking privacy, the west coast offers secluded bays accessible only by dirt road, where you can enjoy romantic moments surrounded by wild nature.
A fascinating aspect of Fuerteventura is its connection to the culture of the Majorero, the indigenous goat herders who have adapted to the harsh conditions of the island over the centuries. In the town of Antigua, you can visit the Cheese Museum to learn about the traditional methods of producing the famous Fuerteventura cheese, which has gained international recognition. Local legend has it that this cheese has magical properties and strengthens the feeling of love between couples who eat it.
Lanzarote, the northernmost main island of the archipelago, delights with its unique landscape shaped by relatively recent volcanic activity. Timanfaya National Park, known as the 'Fire Mountains', offers surreal views of black and red volcanic formations. Geothermal demonstrations showing the high temperatures just below the surface (up to 600°C) add to the fascination. A romantic dinner at El Diablo restaurant, where dishes are prepared using natural volcanic heat, is an unforgettable experience.
Lanzarote owes its unique character to local artist César Manrique, who fought to preserve traditional architecture and harmoniously combine art with nature. His house-museum, Taro de Tahíche, built in a volcanic bubble, is a fascinating example of this philosophy. A lesser-known attraction is Cueva de los Verdes, a system of lava caves with a natural concert hall with excellent acoustics, where intimate classical music concerts are held – the perfect place for a romantic evening.
Practical information and planning your trip between the islands
When planning a romantic trip to the Canary Islands, it is worth considering visiting several islands to fully experience the diversity of the archipelago. Data from the first quarter of 2025 shows that multi-island itineraries are becoming increasingly popular among tourists, contributing to a record number of 4.36 million visitors during this period.
Tenerife and Gran Canaria are the urban centers of the archipelago, connected by regular flights (lasting about 30 minutes) and ferry crossings (1-2 hours), operated by Armas, among others. Tenerife, with its two international airports (TFN in the north and TFS in the south), often serves as the main point of arrival for tourists planning further travel around the archipelago. Las Palmas Airport in Gran Canaria (LPA), on the other hand, handles a significant portion of international air traffic.
The journey from Tenerife to Fuerteventura takes about 2 hours by connecting flight or direct ferry (depending on the season). Fuerteventura, with its vast sand dunes, provides a perfect contrast to the more urbanized Tenerife and is an excellent place for romantic off-road drives. Lanzarote, located closest to the African coast, is accessible from Tenerife both by air (about 50 minutes) and by sea (2-3 hours).
It is worth knowing that during the peak season (especially during the holiday season and carnival), ticket prices between the islands can increase significantly and seats sell out quickly. Therefore, booking in advance is crucial. The average tourist expenditure in August 2025 was €1,804 (an increase of 7.6% year-on-year), which gives an idea of the budget needed for a comfortable vacation.
When planning your trip, take local climate differences into account. While the southern parts of Tenerife and Gran Canaria enjoy sunny weather most of the year, the northern regions of these islands can experience more rainfall and lower temperatures. Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, on the other hand, are generally windier, which can affect the comfort of sunbathing but creates ideal conditions for water sports.
An interesting feature is the system of microclimates in Tenerife, where you can experience four seasons in one day – from sunny beaches in the south, through spring temperatures in the central parts of the island, to cooler, sometimes even snowy conditions at the summit of Teide in winter. This climatic diversity allows for a variety of activities to be planned depending on the time of day and location.
One challenge to bear in mind is the growing tourist pressure on the island's resources, especially water. Despite a record 4.36 million tourists in the first quarter of 2025 (an increase of 2.1%) and a significant increase in tourist spending to €6.86-7 billion (an increase of 5.46-5.5%), local protests against excessive tourist pressure are becoming increasingly vocal. Responsible tourism that respects local resources and communities is therefore an important aspect of travel planning.
For couples looking for romantic experiences, it is worth considering staying in smaller towns instead of major resorts. In Tenerife, such a place is the charming Garachico, a historic port town with natural volcanic pools. In Gran Canaria, it is worth visiting Tejeda, a picturesque mountain village overlooking Roque Nublo. In Fuerteventura, a romantic place is El Cotillo with its wild beach and historic lighthouse, and in Lanzarote, Famara, with its spectacular beach at the foot of the cliffs.
Local legend has it that couples who watch the sunset together from Mirador del Rio in Lanzarote (a viewpoint designed by César Manrique) will enjoy eternal love. A similar story is associated with Papagayo Beach at the southern tip of Lanzarote – it is said that its crystal clear waters have magical properties that strengthen the bonds between lovers.
When planning a trip between the islands, it is worth keeping in mind the local festivals and events. In addition to the famous carnivals in Tenerife and Gran Canaria, each island has its own unique celebrations. In September, Lanzarote hosts the Wine Festival in La Geria – vineyards set in volcanic dust are a spectacular place for a romantic tasting. Fuerteventura is famous for its International Kite Festival in November, when colorful kites fill the sky above the dunes of Corralejo.
For couples interested in astronomy, the Canary Islands offer some of the best conditions for stargazing in Europe. Tenerife, with the Teide Observatory located at an altitude of over 2,000 meters above sea level, organizes nighttime astronomy tours. Similarly, La Palma (the smallest island in the archipelago) has been designated the world's first Dark Sky Reserve, where you can admire the Milky Way in all its glory – it's hard to imagine a more romantic experience.
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