Why is North Tenerife colder than South?

Mount Teide is a dormant volcano in the middle of the island and divides the two halves. In the north, the climate is wetter and cooler, which means it attracts fewer tourists. The south has more sunshine and warmer temperatures. This southern half is also less windy with fewer clouds, which gives a hotter climate.



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Climate. Although in the north of Tenerife, as throughout the island, it is common to enjoy a pleasant climate almost all year, the southern region is characterized by being a little warmer, mainly because it is a much less full of vegetation and less mountainous area.

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The south is more sunny, dryer and warmer than the north, which is why most holidaymakers opt for this part of the island. However, rainfall can also occur there, as the microclimate is still very different in the south.

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Overall, the weather in Tenerife North throughout the year is very pleasant with the only real issue being the winds that tend to pick up in the later summer months. There are many microclimates and visiting the top of El Teide can be cold with snow on the summit during certain parts of the year.

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The coldest place is, of course, atop Mount Teide, which has its own microclimate and is chilly year-round, especially in the evening. You can be in the snow one hour and bathing on the beach in 86°F heat the next. Winters are nice in Tenerife, with average temperatures of around 63°F (17°C) from December to February.

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The southern side of Tenerife is nearly always warmer and so might be the best spot to visit during the coldest month of the year.

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Tenerife is a popular place for sun seekers in December with average maximum temperatures a pleasant 22.2 °C (70 °F) combined with about six hours of sunshine.

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Temperature in Tenerife in December Tenerife is a popular place for sun seekers in December with average maximum temperatures a pleasant 22.2 °C (70 °F) combined with about six hours of sunshine.

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Northern Tenerife is also better if you want to get the best in terms of activities as there are many more of them in the north than south. Also, if you are on a budget, choose Northern Tenerife as well. This part is a cheaper destination, especially in winter.

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Each of the beaches that make up the entire north coast of Tenerife, have an unparalleled volcanic beauty, where the black sand blends perfectly with the blue of the Atlantic Ocean, with the cliffs that fall into the sea putting the icing on the cake to a great picture.

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Consequently, north Tenerife is more humid with heavier rainfall, while the south stays hot and sunny most of the time. Due to the trade winds, the climate in Tenerife is also relatively mild with lower average temperatures than what you'd normally expect at these latitudes.

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The north side is exposed to the trade winds, where the coastal areas boast a mild average temperature of 19 to 23 ºC (66 to 73 ºF) thanks to the stabilising influence of the sea.

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Is it safe to swim in the ocean in Tenerife? Due to its position and exposed nature, Tenerife is often hit with strong trade winds. Coupled with the ferocity of the Atlantic Ocean, Tenerife can see very strong waves which can be incredibly dangerous to even the most advanced swimmer.

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While the rain can be fairly unpredictable, the south of the island will usually be drier and see the most sunshine, and may be the best area to visit at this time of year.

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I understand that the average temperatures for Lanzarote and Tenerife in the winter months are about the same, and are warmer than the other islands, but Lanzarote is windy. That wind is generally from the NE so it feels much cooler.

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Yes, 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.

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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.

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Average daily temperatures It's pretty mild at this time of year, but it's a good idea to bring along a jumper or light jacket for the evenings. The average daily maximum is 24 C and the average daily minimum is 17 C.

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Although it's winter there's still loads of sun in December, and you can expect ten hours of daylight with six hours of sunshine each day. UV levels will be moderate so you'll still need to use plenty of sun cream. Sunset's around 6.15pm at this time.

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Areas to Avoid Because 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.

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As its name suggests, Fuerteventura (strong winds) is a windy island, making it ideal for surfers and windsurfers. The best wind season for water sports lovers is between June and October.

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