The climate is perfect for open water swimming in the Tenerife sea, where average air temperatures range between 17 C and 24 C with sea temperatures rarely dropping far below 20 C.
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Near the island, predators such as sharks are very rare visitors, and the same goes for stinging jellyfish. In general, the water in Tenerife is safe for swimming, but it's still important to take precautions. Don't forget sunscreen even on cloudy days.
Near the island, predators such as sharks are very rare visitors, and the same goes for stinging jellyfish. In general, the water in Tenerife is safe for swimming, but it's still important to take precautions. Don't forget sunscreen even on cloudy days.
The water temperature varies between 19ºC and 24ºC. In the coastal part of the island (especially in the south) the water of the sea is warm enough for you to swim all year round and freely enjoy deep dives in the crystalline waters of Tenerife. In the winter season, there is a slight drop in temperatures.
The water temperature in the Canary Islands manages to reach 20 ° C during the day, while on the beach it reaches 26 ° C. Many tourists consider the month of June to be the best time to travel in summer, since it is not too hot yet and you can enjoy many other activities within the archipelago, such as hiking.
The warmest water temperature is in September with an average around 74.5°F / 23.6°C. The coldest month is March with an average water temperature of 66.6°F / 19.2°C.
The island's climate is considered the best in the world. The Canary Islands are also the only European resort where you can swim most months of the year, as the water temperature in Tenerife never drops below 19 degrees Celsius, thanks to the warm currents of the Gulf Stream.
Gran Canary Island enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine per year, making it an excellent place for beach lovers who want to spend their days basking in the sun or exploring Gran Canary's beautiful beaches. Gran Canaria is a volcanic island with over 155 miles of beaches and clear blue waters.
Near the island, predators such as sharks are very rare visitors, and the same goes for stinging jellyfish. In general, the water in Tenerife is safe for swimming, but it's still important to take precautions. Don't forget sunscreen even on cloudy days.
Areas to AvoidBecause of its volcanic background, most beaches in Tenerife are volcanic with black sand which can be hot under the feet. If you're after a traditional sandy beach head to Los Cristianos and leave the southern resorts alone. Playa la Arena is also notorious for pickpockets.
The graph below shows the range of monthly Santa Cruz de Tenerife water temperature derived from many years of historical sea surface temperature data. The warmest water temperature is in September with an average around 74.7°F / 23.7°C. The coldest month is March with an average water temperature of 66.6°F / 19.2°C.
Lanzarote is often referred to as the best Canary Island for beaches and Caletón Blanco is one that belongs on postcards. Squish your toes in pristine white sand on your way to sinking into serene water so clear you can see nail polish shining brightly on the bottom.
This also depends on which beach you choose, since beaches that are more sheltered will have a warmer sea temperature. We've been able to swim in December in the Canaries several times, as well as all the other winter months, although there can be significant differences from year to year.
The Canary Islands are bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, which is especially rich in sodium. They are some of the best thermal waters in the world and, due to the volcanic nature of the islands, they also have some of the best medicinal mineral properties.
January is peak cold and wet time in Tenerife, if you want to avoid the wettest month but equally not suffer high temperatures or high prices the best time for you to go is between March and June.
The graph below shows the range of monthly Santa Cruz de Tenerife water temperature derived from many years of historical sea surface temperature data. The warmest water temperature is in September with an average around 74.7°F / 23.7°C. The coldest month is March with an average water temperature of 66.6°F / 19.2°C.
FAQ about Tenerife in DecemberYes, the average temperature in December during the daytime is 22.7°C (80.2°F), which is hot enough for sunbathing. Can you sunbathe in Tenerife in December? Yes, it is possible to sunbathe and go swimming in Tenerife in December, especially in the south of the island.
Plenty of lizards, skinks and geckos, but these are inoffensive. There are no snakes indigenous to Tenerife, however the Canary Islands faced an issue few years ago with California king snakes that were introduced on the islands by someone as a pet, but ran away into the wild and reproduced.
Pelagia noctiluca - Luminescent jellyfishVery common in the open water around the Canary Islands. Approaches the coastline especially during the summer.
The best times to visit the Canary Islands are between March and May and from September to November. Winter and summer bring loads of tourists, which make accommodations more expensive and more difficult to find.
Tap water in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria comes from Reverse Osmosis sea water purification. It is technically drinkable, meaning it's not poisonous or infected. This can be said for all tap water on the island (and other canary islands with exceptions).
Lanzarote tends to be the hottest and most arid of the Canaries, as it is closest to the Sahara desert and because it is one of the lowest lying islands. The Sahara can bring high temperatures and fine sand to Lanzarote, causing occasional heatwaves.