Tenerife in February is the perfect winter sun destination. While you can take day trips to the lush, green north or might even see a snow-capped Mount Teide, stay in a southern beach resort for warmer weather, less rainfall and even sunbathing.
Tenerife has always been a winter sun destination. Although February is among the wetter, colder months, the island’s position off the west coast of Africa means the temperature is still pleasantly warm. You can also expect lots of sunshine.
When looking at the climate in Tenerife during February, you need to know that the island has two distinct microclimates. So while it can be cloudy and rainy in the north in February, you will very rarely encounter such conditions during a holiday taken in the south.
The average temperature in Tenerife in February is in the 20s (Celsius) throughout the month. On some days, temperatures can reach the high 20s in Tenerife South. So you can still sunbathe, explore and enjoy the Canary Islands.
February is also the perfect time to discover northern Tenerife. Even though it is chillier than the south and the weather can be cloudy or rainy, the conditions for hiking are much more comfortable than in summer. The wetter weather also means that the northern part of the island in February is very lush and green.
Heat stroke, sunburn and a constant craving for air conditioning doesn’t affect February visitors to northern Tenerife. So you can enjoy beach life and explore the island during the second month of the year. In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, an exciting Latin-style carnival also takes place annually – expect to see colourful parades, glittering costumes and crowds who gather to witness the thrilling spectacle.
Tenerife South vs Tenerife North in February
The northern side of the island is more exposed to trade winds blowing in from the Atlantic. The moisture carried by these winds forms clouds. These move across the sky towards the south, but are blocked by mountains in the central part of the island.
This is when an impressive phenomenon called the “Sea of Clouds” forms. It resembles a light white down blanket. What’s interesting is that Teide and the area surrounding it are usually above that cloud layer. So even if it’s cloudy while you are driving to Teide, it can be sunny once you rise above the clouds.
Due to the elevation, the temperature up on Mount Teide is even lower than in most of northern Tenerife. Temperatures rarely reach double digits here. The peak can be actually covered in snow in February, too. That’s a beautiful sight you won’t see in July or August.
Tenerife is a fascinating island where you can sunbathe under the scorching sun in the southern region, get your umbrella ready in the north and have to put on your warm hat and gloves when travelling to mountains. All in one day.
So to sum up, we recommend choosing the southern part of the island in February, where you can find resorts such as Costa Adeje, Playa de las Americas or Los Cristianos. The western side, and particularly Los Gigantes, is also a great choice. It is said that this part of the island is actually warmer than the south, making it the ideal choice in February.
Don’t forget about the north, however. Take day trips and you can also enjoy the lush, green scenery of this region in winter. The most charming Tenerife villages are all located there, rather than in the South.
Take a look at the following table, which compares temperatures in the north and south. It can help you decide where to stay in Tenerife in February.
North vs South February Temperature Comparison Chart
Air Temperature
In southern Tenerife’s resorts, average highs in February usually range from 20 to 23°C. But a heatwave can occur any time, either on its own or with a calima (dust storm) that comes from Africa. In 2022, for example, between 1st and 10th of February the daily temperature was 24°C to 26°C. And with the scorching sun beating down it can feel even hotter.
The evenings are chillier, though. The temperature drops to around 19 to 20°C at 6 to 8PM, and even lower at night – about to 16 to 17°C.
It’s considerably chillier in the north of the island in February, though. For example, in Puerto de la Cruz the weather tends to heat up to only 15 to 18°C during the day, and dips to 12 to 14°C in the evening.
Water Temperature
The ocean and natural pools on the island are usually around 19 to 20°C at this time of year. So can you swim in Tenerife in February? The average sea temperature is a little too chilly for some, and most natural pools are not even accessible anyway due to rough seas. If you are used to swimming in cold water, though, you may find that the water in the south of the island feels fairly mild.
Every day is different. If it’s scorching hot, you will no doubt see many tourists splashing around in the ocean. For swimming, the warmest part of the island is the southern region. This is because the beaches of Los Cristianos, El Camison, Playa de la Pinta, Playa de El Bobo and more have breakwaters.
It’s ideal sunbathing weather on the Canary Islands even in winter, so do add a swimsuit to your packing list. You’ll also be able to swim in heated hotel pools.
Siam Park
Tenerife’s main water park, Siam Park, is open all year round. So you can plan a visit during your stay.
The water park is more peaceful during winter, and heated water makes the experience more pleasant. Do pick a day with sunshine for your outing, though, as visitors can feel cold at times when it’s cloudy. For more useful info, don’t miss our complete guide to Siam Park.
Rain and Wind
February in Tenerife is mostly sunny, though you can expect higher than average rainfall. Particularly in the north of the island. During February 2022, for instance, there were zero rainy days in Playa de las Americas near Tenerife South airport. In Puerto de la Cruz, in the north, it rained five times, but only for a short period each time rather than all day long.
Of course, every year is different, but you get the idea. There is barely any rain in the southern part of Tenerife. In fact in February, Tenerife gets on average 7.5 hours of sunshine per day.
What to Pack for Tenerife in February
In the daytime, the average high temperature means you can wear your favourite summer clothes. Shorts, T-shirts, light dresses and sandals or flip flops are perfect. For the evenings, pack a jumper, cardigan, fleece or light jacket depending on how you tolerate cold weather. Once the sun goes down, it can be rather chilly – around 19 to 20°C in the early evening and 16 to 17°C later at night). A pair of long trousers or jeans can also come in handy for the evening.
You will also need these warmer clothes if you plan to travel to the northern part of the island. Especially if you plan to visit Teide National Park in February. It can be zero degrees celsius up in the mountains, and may even be snowing. Yes, you did read that right – it can be snowing in Teide and blazing hot down on a southern beach, at the same time. That’s Tenerife for you.
So for visiting Teide in February we recommend having a down jacket plus a warm hat and gloves. The weather could be a bit warmer, but you never know. If you take the cable car to the top of Teide, it’s guaranteed to be cold up there.
Having said all that, a swimsuit is still a must. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat are also essential. It is still warm enough – or even hot on some days – for beach days.
Pack walking boots if you want to hike, as the terrain tends to be uneven. Take a rain jacket too if you plan to visit Anaga Rural Park, as it can be rainy there in February.
Experience the Carnival
If you’re wondering what to do in Tenerife in February, then you need to know all about the carnival. It’s second only to the more famous event in Rio, Brazil. This fiesta is all about fun, fun, fun, and it’s best experienced in the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The carnival takes place before Lent, and lasts for ten days. Businesses close down for the celebrations, Latin beats become the island’s soundtrack, brightly decorated floats drive around and the streets are flooded with dancing folk of all ages in fancy dress. Some of the costumes have been many months in the making, and spots like Plaza España and fairgrounds become a hive of activity.
Accommodation gets booked up quickly during Carnival, so do plan well in advance.
The Pros and Cons
In summary, here are the main advantages and disadvantages of visiting Tenerife during February.
Pros of Visiting in February
- You won’t find a better place for February winter sun in the whole of Europe – including mainland Spain. Tenerife is a relatively short flight from anywhere in Europe, and you can swap a cold winter for a sun-soaked holiday resort. Another big plus is that the sun’s rays are not as harsh. There’s a UV index of around 4 in February, compared to 10 plus in summer.
- It’s considerably cheaper. There’s also fewer tourists than during the summer months, except for school half-term holidays.
- Tenerife’s biggest celebration – the Carnival in Santa Cruz – takes place in February. This is second only in the world to the one in Rio De Janeiro.
- February is a month when the almond trees are in bloom. The white and pink blossoms are beautiful. Locals often take a hike to witness this, but there are almond trees dotted all over the island. If you want to see nature at its finest, the area around the little town of Arguayo is the place to be. Head for the end of this road, leave your car somewhere and walk towards the mountain. A hiking trail also starts here: use this map to find it.
- Even though spring and autumn are very best times for hiking in Tenerife, winter is close. The milder temperatures make it much better than during the hot summer. Rain also makes the hiking trails in the north lush and green – a lovely contrast against the drier south.
- You may see a snow-clad Teide during February. If you’re really fortunate, the roads may also be open. Then you can experience the sunbaked south before driving for an hour to see snow falling from the sky near Teide.
- Windsurfing and surfing conditions are at their best in winter. Intermediate and advanced level surfers love the sizable swells, and it’s also windy enough for windsurfers.
- You can do pretty much whatever you like in Tenerife during February. No activities here are as weather dependent as in other European holiday destinations.
Cons of Visiting in February
- The days aren’t as long in the winter months. Sunrise is at about 8 am and sunset at about 7pm during February. It’s cloudier during the morning too.
- The sea surrounding Tenerife is a little too cold for comfort. You’re still likely to see tourists in the ocean, though. If you want to swim, look for beaches that have breakwaters, as the water there tends to be warmer. The weather is also perfect for lying on the beach.
- Snowy Teide can be cut off, as roads are closed when it’s snowing heavily in the mountains. Cable car services may also shut down. When we lived in Tenerife, there were only a handful of days when the roads leading to Teide were closed, but the cable car wasn’t operating more often than this due to weather conditions. It’s not necessary to take a cable car, however: there are plenty of things you can do at Teide without it.
- If you plan to spend your holiday in the south of Tenerife, you’re unlikely to experience any rain. Even though January and February are the island’s wettest months. In the northern part, though, there are more rainy days. Still, rain showers are usually short-lived, and you can expect more sunshine than wet weather.
