Spain, Europe

Canary Islands in January

Peak winter-sun season for Europeans, so resorts are busy and priced up. Warm enough for the beach on sunny days, cool at night, and snow possible on Teide.

GoodMild and mostly sunny, highs near 70F (21C), sea near 66F (19C)

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

The straight answer

January is a good month to visit Canary Islands. Peak winter-sun season for Europeans, so resorts are busy and priced up. Warm enough for the beach on sunny days, cool at night, and snow possible on Teide.

Weather: Mild and mostly sunny, highs near 70F (21C), sea near 66F (19C)
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What January is like in Canary Islands

January is peak winter-sun season in the Canary Islands. Highs sit near 70F (21C) and the sea is around 66F (19C), so sunny days are warm enough for the beach, while evenings turn cool. Snow can dust the top of Teide. Europeans escaping winter fill the resorts, so prices are high and popular hotels book up. Nothing closes, and the islands run at full speed all year.

This month suits sun seekers, walkers, and families who want mild weather in the middle of winter. It is less ideal for anyone wanting warm water or low prices. For better value and warmer seas, aim for May, June, September, or October.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Canary Islands this month.

Snow on Teide

The volcano's summit can wear snow in January while you sit on a warm beach below. The cable car may stop in wind or ice, so check the day before.

Winter sun on the south coasts

The south of Tenerife and Gran Canaria is reliably sunny, so pick a base there for beach days.

Clear winter stargazing on La Palma

Long, dark nights make winter a good season for La Palma's guided sky tours, especially on moonless nights.

What to pack for January

Beachwear plus a warm sweater for evenings
A windproof jacket for Teide and the mountains
Hiking shoes for volcanic trails
Sunscreen, since the winter sun is still strong

Our timing tip

Book the free Teide summit permit weeks ahead, and plan the cable car for a calm morning early in your trip so you have backup days.

Book Canary Islands for January.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Canary Islands
Opens a hotel search for Canary Islands in January, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for January
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 January. 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.