The hottest places to go on holiday in OctoberSharm El Sheikh (28 °C) Lanzarote (26.8 °C) Cyprus (26.7 °C) Gran Canaria (26.4 °C)
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Lanzarote. 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.
Regional variationMost tourist destinations are in the south of Gran Canaria to take advantage of the best weather. This part of the island enjoys the hottest temperatures, though it can get extremely hot when the wind blows from the Sahara. For cooler weather, the mountains inland from the coast offer some respite.
Also known as the 'miniature continent', Gran Canaria is renowned for its marked contrasts. On a single day, we can enjoy marvellous beaches surrounded by dunes and climb peaks covered in Canary Island pine forests, with their greenery standing out starkly against the dark volcanic earth.
Using sunscreen reduces the risk of skin cancer by half but it isn't a total solution. The sun in Gran Canaria between 11.00 and 14.00 during the summer is as strong as it gets anywhere in the world and even a high factor sunscreen doesn't keep it at bay.
In general, the warmest parts of Tenerife (the south coast) have approximately the same average temperatures as the warmest parts of Gran Canaria (also the south coast).
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.
While many in the continent are donning coats and scarves, Cyprus remains a sun-soaked haven, with temperatures hovering around a scorching 31C, even hotter than certain parts of Turkey. This unanticipated warmth has left both meteorologists and travel enthusiasts in awe, sparking debates among experts.
Average monthly temperaturesThe hottest month of the year is August with an average daily maximum of 29 C and an average low of 23 C. The coolest month of the year is February with an average daily maximum of 21 C and an average low of 16 C.
The hottest places in EuropeThe hottest place in Europe is Valletta in Malta, with an average daily temperature over the whole year of 22.3ºC. A holiday in Malta is a pretty safe bet almost any time. Athens is second with an annual average of 22ºC. At 21.4ºC, Rome is in third place.
Gran Canaria and Lanzarote are the hottest of the islands in December. There's only a very small chance of rain, and temperatures can reach as high as 26ºC, even over Christmas.
Go for Tenerife if you prefer popular tourist destinations with great restaurants and nightlife. On the other hand, Gran Canaria is your best bet if you want to explore the breathtaking landscapes and outstanding beaches.
The best Canary Island for couples, depends on what you are looking for. Tenerife and Gran Canaria offer great nightlife, restaurants and activities, whereas La Palma and La Gomera offer more privacy and a retreat style holiday.
Similarly, in Gran Canaria the warmest and driest part is on the south coast, where the most popular resorts like Maspalomas or Playa del Ingles are located.
The sun in Gran Canaria between 11.00 and 14.00 during the summer is as strong as it gets anywhere in the world and even a high factor sunscreen doesn't keep it at bay. You are far better to retreat under a parasol or to a shaded terrace than you are to sweat it out at midday and risk permanent damage to your skin.
The south of Tenerife and the south of Gran Canaria, especially Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogan, are the sunniest places in the Canary Islands in the months of December, January and February.