When Is the Best Time
Tenerife, the biggest Canary Island, is a fantastic year-round destination. However, in the summer, with the intense sun, it can be pretty hot. Summer and winter are the peak seasons in the Canary Islands.
Watching the sunset is a Must-Do in Tenerife, especially on a cloudy day above the clouds or at the sea when clouds are illuminated by the setting sun. There are several spots in Tenerife that I highly recommend to enjoy the setting sun. Scroll down for the most spectacular sunsets in Tenerife.
Sunrise and Sunset Tip
The sunrise in high elevations is a little earlier, and the sunset is a little later. Sunrise and sunset times Tenerife
Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Tenerife
I have to confess that I am usually not keen on watching sunsets, but Tenerife, with its outstanding spots, is a magnificent exception, and we even got addicted.
TF 38 on the western slope of Teide
We spent an entire month in Tenerife and got advice from my brother to watch the terrific sunset from TF 28 on the western slope, and he was right. We got blown away by this scenery at 1.500 m elevation. Ultimately, we watched plenty of sunsets from here; each was different and exceptional. Depending on your accommodation, it may take an hour or so to be at the spot.
Spain's highest mountain (3718 m) is the volcano Teide in Tenerife. Even in winter, you can easily access the Canadas Caldera by rental car if there is not too much snow on the roads. The caldera is about 2000 m high – so much higher than the frequent clouds of the trade winds. On cloudy days, you frequently get the chance for an incredible mountain trip – from sea level through the clouds into the bright sunlight above.
Watch the rocky stone formations of the Teide. Take the cable car up, but buy your ticket online in advance to get a space. The cable car ends on 3.555m. A free permit is essential (almost impossible; it has to be booked 3-6 months in advance) to walk the remaining 163 m elevation onto the top of Teide on 3.718 m. Learn something about the historical volcanic eruptions.
Before the sunset approaches, make sure to be on the western side of Teide - at the border of the Parque Nacional del Teide on the road of TF-38 and you may get such stunning views above the clouds with warm golden light, as shown in the pictures. Another excellent spot is Teide itself. A VIP ticket is essential to watch the sunset from the upper cable car station.
With good visibility, you will also see La Gomera and La Palma. The pines are fire-resistant and may look extraordinary with their new sprouts. If you follow the road down via Chio, you cross the youngest lava fields and pass smaller black craters - travelling through history.
Playa de Benijo Google Maps
This beach is situated in the most beautiful landscape in Tenerife in the Nature Preserve of Anaga. Anaga is also a hiker's dream. Due to the remote location, it is not pretty busy. However, there is limited parking, so getting a parking space is tricky during weekends. The Canarians visit some famous restaurants around. It is one of the most spectacular and unspoilt beaches. Watching the sunset here is an unforgettable experience. After two years of construction, a new and safe path to the beach was finished at the beginning of 2022.
We spent an entire month in Tenerife, and this was our favourite one. The best time for Playa de Benijo is sunset during low tide. Most of the beach and also the rocks are inaccessible during high tide. Tide Times Benijo Beach
Do you see the guy standing on the rock? His friend took pictures from the highest point of the rock in front of him. Playa de Benijo is also a famous Instagram spot. IMO pretty dangerous!
Mirador Pico del Inglés Google Maps
Anaga is famous for hiking, and the Mirador Cruz del Carmen for spectacular views of Teide. Honestly, it is utterly overrun, and usually, you don't get any parking space. Instead, watch Teide and the sunset from Mirador Pico del Inglés, only a 5-minute drive. Just a view locals watch the sunset here. Even weekends are not too busy.
Mirador De Jardina Google Maps
This picture was taken from Mirador De Jardina at the TF 12 leading from La Laguna to Anaga. The view from here to Teide is also excellent. This outlook is a little busy because everybody is passing by.
These are my recommended tours via GetYourGuide with an excellent cancellation policy. Thx for booking via my website! With your support, I am able to provide all the information first-hand. Tour prices are at no extra cost!
Weather and Crowds in Tenerife
It’s a subtropical climate in the Canary Islands. Tenerife is also called the island of the eternal spring. The winter is pleasant, the summer warm and usually not too hot.
Where Is the Best Weather in Tenerife?
In the south, like Los Cristianos, is warmer than the north, like Puerto de la Cruz or the Nature Preserve of Anaga—the south experiences sunnier and more stable weather. The north and higher elevations experience more precipitation and clouds because of the trade winds from the northeast. As a result, the north has lush green vegetation, and the south is drier.
Water is my element, and I like that you can swim in the sea throughout the year. If you plan to stay in the south in Los Cristianos or Playa de las Americas, add roughly 2 degrees. For the north, subtract 2-3 degrees.
Spring (March-May)
This is a lovely time in Tenerife. It is not too busy except for Easter. It is a popular time for hiking. Day temps range from 20-23°C. Nights are still cool between 15-18°C. Decreasing rainfall in March/April and May is almost dry. After the winter, the sea temp reaches max. 19°C in March, whereas May, is a little warmer max. 21°C.
Summer (June-September)
Summer temperatures are warm, usually below 30°C; however, temps can top 35°C as well. Summer is a great time for sunbathing and swimming but too hot for hiking. We visited Tenerife in June once, and it was pretty hot during the day, even in the lightest clothes. Nights are pleasant, usually around 20°C. Showers can occur at times, but usually, it's dry. The sea temperature reaches 23°C. July and August are the busiest time for Tenerife. Accommodation prices are the highest in the peak season. Left are the poorly rated and most expensive hotels.
Do you wish to hike to the summit of Teide? Check out my Teide Hiking Guide with 7 Tips and 5 Facts for an exceptional experience.
Autumn (October-November)
The temperatures in autumn are warmer than in spring. October temperatures range from 23-26°C, and also the sea is still pleasant, around 22°C. It gets a little cooler in November; however, these are at least spring temperatures still topping 20°C during the day. Night temps are pleasant, slightly below 20°C. The south, like Los Cristianos, often reaches 26°C, whereas Anaga in the northeast is much colder. Usually, the first rain starts in October and increases in November. Nevertheless, it rarely rains for days, just a couple of hours.
Winter (December-February)
Escaping the cold winter in Europe is the reason that it gets a little crowded. Day temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 18-22°C, and nights are roughly from 15-17°C. Winter is the wettest time of the year, but it rarely rains an entire day. Showers can be brief for a few minutes and sometimes for a few hours. We experienced downpours just twice in two months. In January and February, almond trees bloom located in higher elevations. Snowfall in higher elevations and on Teide. Sea temp in December and January 20°C and in February 19°C.
What Is the Wettest and Coldest Month in Tenerife?
December is the wettest, and January and February are the coldest months, but an average day temperature of 20°C in the winter is great, IMO. Nowadays, working remotely is easy, and we already spent two winters in the Canaries, and winter is still my favourite season. It feels like spring, never too hot, excellent for hiking, and you escape the cold at home.
Don't miss out on my Whale and Dolphin Watching Guide for Tenerife.
Best Located Hotel for Teide
This Teide Hotel has the best location to watch the sunset as well for hiking Teide next to the cable car!
To watch the amazing sunset from the Upper Cable Car Station of Teide a VIP Ticket is needed. Climbing Teide is almost impossible. A permit is essential which are usually fully booked many months in advance. To be on the safe side the only option to get to the summit is a guided tour where the permit is included.
Best Months to Visit
Location and Tips
I will give you all the information for my favourite four spots to watch an exceptional sunset in Tenerife. I also provide the exact locations and the sunset times. On top I added a weather guide and tips for all seasons to get an idea which time you may prefer for Tenerife and the Canary Islands.
Do you want to obtain the usage right for my images? Contact me, but I will take action against picture theft.
