Spain, Europe

Canary Islands in August

Spain's holiday month: the busiest and priciest of summer. Calima episodes can bring haze and short bursts of much higher heat.

TradeoffsHot at times, highs near 82F (28C), occasional calima dust from the Sahara

Teide, Canary Islands — Canary IslandsPhoto: Thomas Wolf, www.foto-tw.de, CC BY-SA 3.0 de

The straight answer

August is a month of real tradeoffs in Canary Islands. Spain's holiday month: the busiest and priciest of summer. Calima episodes can bring haze and short bursts of much higher heat.

Weather: Hot at times, highs near 82F (28C), occasional calima dust from the Sahara
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What August is like in Canary Islands

August is Spain's holiday month, and the busiest and most expensive month of summer. Highs sit near 82F (28C), and occasional calima dust from the Sahara can bring haze and short bursts of much higher heat. Beaches and resorts are packed, and prices peak. Book everything early, and plan beach time for mornings and late afternoons.

It suits families tied to school holidays who book early. It is tough for crowd haters and budget travelers. If you can, choose September instead: the sea is warmer and the crowds are gone.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Canary Islands this month.

Lively summer atmosphere

Resorts and beaches buzz with families and summer events.

Warm sea for swimming

The water is warming toward its September peak, great for long swims.

Cool mountain escapes

The islands' interiors and Teide's slopes offer a break from the coast, though they are much cooler.

What to pack for August

Light clothes and swimwear
Strong sunscreen and a hat
A light layer for mountain trips
A reusable water bottle

Our timing tip

Check the forecast for calima, and plan indoor or sea activities on hazy days.

Book Canary Islands for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Canary Islands
Opens a hotel search for Canary Islands in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Canary Islands
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Canary Islands
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Canary Islands for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Canary Islands

Full guide

Teide National Park and cable car

The cable car climbs to about 11,660 feet (3,555 m). The final path to the summit needs a free permit booked well in advance. Winds can halt the cable car in any season.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote

A landscape of craters and lava from 18th-century eruptions, visited by coach route from the Montanas del Fuego visitor center.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Cesar Manrique's Lanzarote

Jameos del Agua, the Mirador del Rio, and the Cactus Garden show how one artist shaped an entire island's look.

Tickets and tours →

Maspalomas Dunes, Gran Canaria

A protected dune field on the south coast. Walk it at sunrise before the heat and the crowds.

Tickets and tours →

Roque Nublo, Gran Canaria

A volcanic monolith at the island's high center reached by a short, popular hike. Go early; parking fills fast on weekends.

Tickets and tours →

Garajonay National Park, La Gomera

A UNESCO-listed laurel cloud forest, a day trip by ferry from Tenerife.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Avoid the Christmas to New Year fortnight, February half-term, Easter week, and August if price matters; the same weather is available for much less in May, June, and October.
Book the Teide summit permit weeks or months ahead and take the first cable car of the day to beat both queues and afternoon cloud.
Stay outside the big southern resorts: Puerto de la Cruz on Tenerife, Agaete on Gran Canaria, or rural casas on La Gomera and La Palma.
Do Timanfaya and Jameos del Agua at opening, before tour coaches arrive from the resorts.

Know before you go

Nothing closes for a season. Hotels, restaurants, parks, and beaches operate all year.
The Teide cable car stops in high winds or ice, and the summit trail requires a permit. Winter storms occasionally close the park's upper roads.
Calima dust episodes, most common in summer and winter, can bring haze, poor air quality, and flight disruptions for a day or two.
Sundays and public holidays close many shops in towns, though resort areas stay open.

Canary Islands in August, quick answers

Is August a good time to visit Canary Islands?

August is a month of real tradeoffs in Canary Islands. Spain's holiday month: the busiest and priciest of summer. Calima episodes can bring haze and short bursts of much higher heat.

What is the weather like in Canary Islands in August?

Hot at times, highs near 82F (28C), occasional calima dust from the Sahara.

Is Canary Islands crowded in August?

August is peak crowd season in Canary Islands; expect lines at the headline sights.