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Hiking Paradise Canary Islands

The best time for a hiking vacation in the Canary Islands
Signposts in the Teno Mountains

Guaranteed sunshine on more than 300 days a year, a mild climate, minimal rainfall, fresh sea air, and a tranquility that ensures complete relaxation. Add to that the best hiking routes and paths along the coasts, across the islands, through typical villages, and to idyllic beaches. Hiker's heart, what more could you ask for! These perfect conditions await you in the Canary Islands. Furthermore, there's the easy and straightforward journey, as you can reach your destination in the Canary Islands in just a few hours of flying. 

Yet when exactly is the perfect time to travel for a hiking vacation in the Canary Islands? Are there climatic differences among the islands? We have done our research and will now tell you more about the best time to go hiking in the Canary Islands.

Signposts in the Teno Mountains

Climate and travel time in the Canary Islands

Planning and organizing a holiday are essential, and the weather also plays a vital role in both selecting a destination and enjoying your vacation. Who wouldn't wish for an abundance of sunshine and pleasant weather with minimal rainfall? While it's evident that there are no weather guarantees, you can still choose a vacation spot known for its consistent weather conditions and a surplus of sunshine year-round. This is precisely what you'll find in the Canary Islands. This archipelago, comprising Tenerife, La Palma, El Hierro, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, La Gomera, and Lanzarote, is politically affiliated with Spain. Situated in the eastern Central Atlantic, just off the North African coast, these islands have volcanic origins.

Due to their proximity to the equator and the Gulf Stream, the Canary Islands enjoy a pleasant subtropical climate year-round. The trade winds meet the dry, hot air from the Sahara, creating exceptionally agreeable weather conditions. Even in winter, average temperatures range between 20 and 23 degrees Celsius, with the water still at around 18 degrees. While occasional rain is possible, it occurs on a maximum of seven days per month. With over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, the Canary Islands offer ideal conditions for the best hiking time of the year. We now present you with the optimal times for hiking on four of the Canary Islands, share the unique qualities of each island paradise, and offer tips for a successful hiking vacation.

The best time to visit the Walking Paradise Tenerife

The Canary Islands are a year-round destination for avid hikers. However, the climate on the seven islands varies depending on the altitude and the mountains, as is the case with Tenerife. This island is a true paradise for hikers, given that it is home to the highest peak in Spain, Mount Teide, which stands at 3,715 meters. On the diverse mountain and coastal trails, you'll discover the beauty of the island with its black lava beaches, rugged coastlines, and impressive gorges up close. The mild temperatures during the winter provide excellent conditions for hiking, and even in January, the average daytime temperatures here reach 20 degrees. You can find even more details about the best times for hiking in the Canary Islands and our holiday recommendations here.

Best time to travel: The period from December to February is regarded as the cooler season, with average temperatures around 20 degrees. This is perfect for hikers in search of refreshing air and a winter escape from chilly Europe. In July and August, temperatures seldom exceed 30 degrees, making Tenerife an excellent choice for those who prefer hiking in warmer weather during the summer. Hiking on Tenerife is enjoyable in all four seasons.

  • Tips for your hiking vacation: Walking Paradise Tenerife | 8 Days | Individual Tour with Luggage Transfer | Available Year-round

Best time to go hiking on El Hierro

El Hierro, the smallest and westernmost of the Canary Islands and the southernmost island in Spain, covers a total area of approximately 278 km2, showcasing an enchanting and unspoiled natural environment. The island boasts a network of numerous hiking paths, and in the quaint villages, it feels as though time has come to a standstill. El Hierro remains a haven for those in search of serenity, allowing ample time for relaxation and deceleration. Thanks to its geographic location, even during the winter months, such as December, El Hierro promises an abundance of sunshine, minimal rainy days, and excellent hiking weather. Considering a getaway to El Hierro during the Christmas season is a wonderful idea, as this magical time of year transforms into a genuine experience on the island. The holidays can be savored in a tranquil atmosphere, free from the stresses of holiday preparations.

Best time to travel to El Hierro: El Hierro is an especially attractive year-round destination for hiking away from the tourist crowds. In December, it leads the Canary Islands in terms of sunshine hours, and even a quick dip in the sea at 20 degrees is still delightful. In summer, temperatures rarely exceed 26 degrees, making this season ideal for outdoor activities. Whichever time of year you choose to visit, El Hierro impresses with consistently pleasant temperatures and plenty of sunshine.

Best time to travel for a hiking break on Lanzarote

Lanzarote is the fourth largest and northeasternmost island in terms of land area among the Canary Islands. The volcanic island is renowned not only for its bizarre landscapes shaped by lava and volcanic craters but also for the contrasts of black mountains, red sandy beaches, and spectacular cliffs that make hiking on Lanzarote so impressive. Due to its flat terrain and arid climate, also known as dry or desert climate, Lanzarote experiences less rainfall compared to other Canary Islands. It enjoys a spring-like climate throughout the year, and even in winter, you can expect pleasant temperatures of around 20 degrees on the beautiful hiking island of Lanzarote. During the winter, Lanzarote is one of the sunniest Canary Islands, making it an ideal destination to escape the cold European winter.

Best time to visit Lanzarote: On Lanzarote, the hiking season can be extended, and the island particularly shines with numerous hours of sunshine between November and March. In November, you can often expect temperatures to reach up to 26 degrees, and from December to January, average daily temperatures of 21 degrees provide ideal outdoor conditions. Average temperatures in February are around 22 degrees, with only about three rainy days, making it one of the best times for a sunny hiking vacation. The warmest months are July, August, and September, with temperatures of around 29 degrees. However, even in summer, the 30-degree mark is rarely exceeded.

Best time to travel for a hiking vacation on La Palma

The fifth largest and greenest island in the Canaries is situated at the northwest tip of the island group. Thanks to its varied microclimates, it boasts diverse natural landscapes, from lush, jungle-like forests and banana plantations to dark, lava-covered volcanic terrain. The humidity, especially in the northeastern part of the island, fosters a rich and diverse flora. It's no surprise that La Palma is renowned as one of the most beautiful and unspoiled islands globally. Additionally, it offers a network of fantastic hiking routes and coastal hiking trails that traverse various vegetation zones. The island enjoys pleasant temperatures, ranging from around 20 degrees Celsius in January to 27 degrees Celsius in August, making it an ideal destination for outdoor hiking adventures.

Best time to visit La Palma: The choice of the best time for hiking on La Palma is entirely up to you. Whether you want to escape the winter in Europe and soak up the sun at around 21 degrees on the Canary Island or enjoy the warmer summer months, La Palma is an ideal year-round destination for an off-the-beaten-path hiking vacation. Particularly impressive: Between November and February, you can, with a bit of luck, observe whales in the Canary Islands. The west coast of La Palma is a great spot for this, especially organized tours departing from the port of Tazacorte.

  • Tips for your hiking vacation: Hiking holidays La Palma | 8 Days | Individual Tour with Luggage Transfer | Bookable Year-Round

Winter escape & hiking pleasure on the Canaries

Had enough of winter and the cold temperatures at home? The Canary Islands are the perfect destination for a winter escape and offer fantastic conditions and wonderful weather for hiking in nature even during this season. Secure your preferred travel month now and look forward to sunny hiking days in the Canary Islands.

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