Spain, Europe

Canary Islands in March

Winter crowds thin after half-term, almond blossom fades into spring wildflowers, and hiking conditions are excellent.

GoodMild and sunny, highs near 72F (22C)

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

The straight answer

March is a good month to visit Canary Islands. Winter crowds thin after half-term, almond blossom fades into spring wildflowers, and hiking conditions are excellent.

Weather: Mild and sunny, highs near 72F (22C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What March is like in Canary Islands

March is mild and sunny, with highs near 72F (22C). Winter crowds thin after half-term, and prices ease a little. Spring wildflowers bloom in the hills and the hiking is excellent. In some years, carnival runs into early March in Tenerife or Las Palmas. The sea is still cool, but warm afternoons make beach time pleasant.

It suits hikers, couples, and families who want warm days without the winter peak. It is a great month for Teide, La Gomera, and island interiors. If you want warmer water, wait until September.

Make the most of March

What is especially good about Canary Islands this month.

Spring wildflowers

The hills and valleys turn green and flowery, which makes March a great month for walks.

Garajonay on La Gomera

Take the ferry from Tenerife for a day in the laurel cloud forest, cool and green in spring.

Late carnival, in some years

When Lent falls later, carnival parades can run into early March.

What to pack for March

Hiking shoes and a daypack
A light jacket for the mountains
Beachwear for sunny afternoons
Sunscreen and a hat

Our timing tip

Plan a La Gomera day trip for a clear weekday and catch the first ferry from Tenerife.

Book Canary Islands for March.

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

What's on in March

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 March, quick answers

Is March a good time to visit Canary Islands?

March is a good month to visit Canary Islands. Winter crowds thin after half-term, almond blossom fades into spring wildflowers, and hiking conditions are excellent.

What is the weather like in Canary Islands in March?

Mild and sunny, highs near 72F (22C).

Is Canary Islands crowded in March?

Crowds in Canary Islands are moderate in March; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Canary Islands in March?

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).