Spain, Europe

Canary Islands in February

Carnival season, especially in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas, and European school half-term push prices up.

GoodMild, highs near 71F (21C), coolest sea of the year

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

The straight answer

February is a good month to visit Canary Islands. Carnival season, especially in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas, and European school half-term push prices up.

Weather: Mild, highs near 71F (21C), coolest sea of the year
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What February is like in Canary Islands

February is mild, with highs near 71F (21C), but the sea is at its coolest of the year. Carnival season takes over, especially in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas, with weeks of parades, costume contests, and street parties tied to the start of Lent. European school half-term adds another wave of visitors, and prices go up. Days are sunny on the southern coasts.

It suits party lovers, families who enjoy parades, and anyone after winter sun. Book early if carnival is the goal. If you want quiet beaches and lower prices, go in May instead.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Canary Islands this month.

Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

One of the world's largest carnivals, with parades and street parties for weeks. Book Tenerife hotels early.

Las Palmas Carnival

Gran Canaria's rival carnival is famous for its drag queen gala. Dates are set each year and can run later than Tenerife's.

Walking Roque Nublo

Cool, clear days are ideal for the short hike to Gran Canaria's volcanic monolith. Go early on weekends.

What to pack for February

A costume or colorful outfit for carnival
A warm layer for evenings
Comfortable shoes for long parade nights
Sunscreen and sunglasses

Our timing tip

Check each island's carnival dates for the year before booking, since they move with Lent and Tenerife and Las Palmas often differ.

Book Canary Islands for February.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Canary Islands
Opens a hotel search for Canary Islands in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for February
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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 February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in February

Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

February or early March, tied to the start of Lent

One of the world's largest carnivals, with weeks of parades, costume contests, and street parties. Book Tenerife hotels early.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival

February or March, around Lent, varies by year

A huge rival carnival famous for its drag queen gala. Dates are set each year and sometimes run later than Tenerife's.

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 February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Canary Islands?

February is a good month to visit Canary Islands. Carnival season, especially in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas, and European school half-term push prices up.

What is the weather like in Canary Islands in February?

Mild, highs near 71F (21C), coolest sea of the year.

Is Canary Islands crowded in February?

Canary Islands is busy in February, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in Canary Islands in February?

Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (february or early march, tied to the start of lent); Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival (february or march, around lent, varies by year).