Best time to visit Canary Islands

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Canary Islands

Best time of year to visit Canary Islands

Summer and winter are famous for huge loads of holiday-makers; that's why spring and autumn is the best time to visit the Canary Islands. Winter is full of fun events like Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival but you should be ready to deal with crowds. During spring you can count on witnessing a sea of clouds, whale migration, and magic stargazing. As the heat and tourist numbers reach their summit between June and August, have yourself good advice: book in advance. Balmy autumn is a sweet season as it's still warm enough for a beach vacation. Fiestas del Charco and Fuerteventura Kite Festival bring an overdose of joy straight to your heart. Remember a period from September to November is a bit rainy so don't fail to pack an umbrella.

21 THINGS TO DO IN CANARY ISLANDS (SEPTEMBER 01 - SEPTEMBER 10)

Sea of Clouds

Sea of Clouds

May–October • nature

A jaw-dropping scene of the "mar de nubes" is offered on the highest peaks

Stargazing

Stargazing

March | August • activity

The clear night sky and amazing stars and meteor showers attract many visitors to the Canaries

Romerías de Tenerife

Romerías de Tenerife

late April–early September • event

Traditional Canarian Romarías welcome everyone to join the celebration full of fun and free food

Beach Season

Beach Season

March–November • activity

The best climate for beach holidays, with over 3,000 hours of the sunshine​ per year, awaits you

Diving and Snorkelling​

Diving and Snorkelling​

March–October • activity

Take a deep breath and dive into the diversity of the amazing underwater world of the Canarian coast

Surfing

Surfing

September–April • activity

Catch some waves and glide over the waters of the Atlantic

Natural Rock Pools

Natural Rock Pools

March–November • activity

Natural rock pools of volcanic origin offer a peaceful and very relaxing swim for everybody

Museo Atlántico (Lanzarote Underwater Museum)

Museo Atlántico (Lanzarote Underwater Museum)

all year round • activity

Unique architectural creation and amazing sculptures are waiting for you under the ocean near the coastal area

Wine Season

Wine Season

July–October • food

An exotic way of growing vines and the fabulous tastes of dried​ and sweets is truly a highlight of the islands

Corazones de Tejina

Corazones de Tejina

late August • event

A spectacular fiesta with heart-shaped flower structures

Manta Ray

Manta Ray

September–November • nature

Big and beautiful manta rays are incredible to observe while diving in their underwater world

Volcano Grill on Lanzarote Island

Volcano Grill on Lanzarote Island

all year round • food

Taste meat cooked over an active volcano in the middle of stunning Lanzarote surroundings

Windsurfing and Kitesurfing

Windsurfing and Kitesurfing

May–September • activity

Grab your board and catch the wind at the best windsurfing destination in Europe

Walking the Maspalomas Dunes

Walking the Maspalomas Dunes

February–October • activity

Amazing landscapes of sun, sand, and ocean

Cochineal Harvest

Cochineal Harvest

September–October • nature

Come and see how insects, which are so important for the economic life of the Canary Islands, are grown in cactus fields

Cenobio de Valeron

Cenobio de Valeron

all year round (except Mondays and holidays) • activity

A unique system of caves hidden​ in the volcanic mountain is open for visitors once again

Papaya

Papaya

September–October • food

Don't miss the chance to try various desserts with papaya, or just eat it fresh

Mango Season

Mango Season

June–December • food

A sweet fruit for breakfast for the sweetest mornings

Loggerhead Turtle

Loggerhead Turtle

June–August • nature

One of the largest turtles can be found in the waters around Canaria. Don't miss your chance to see it!

Tuno or Prickly Pear

Tuno or Prickly Pear

August–September • food

Amazing cactus fruits that can make a great dessert or tasty ice-cream

Bienmesabe

Bienmesabe

September–November • food

Add a delicious sauce made of almonds to your ice-cream or morning toast and feel the taste of autumn in Gran Canaria

28 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival

Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival

out of rangeJanuary 12–February 18, 2024 • event

One of the most famous carnivals in the world, after the Carnival in Rio. Don't miss a chance to take part in the most colourful and crazy open air party of the Canary Islands

Puerto de la Cruz Carnival

Puerto de la Cruz Carnival

out of rangeFebruary 1–25, 2024 • event

Incredible festivities and celebrations await you in Puerto de la Cruz

Fuerteventura Kite Festival

Fuerteventura Kite Festival

out of rangeNovember 9–12, 2023 • event

Three days full of fun, pleasure, colour, and wind

Carnival Los Indianos in La Palma

Carnival Los Indianos in La Palma

out of rangeFebruary 12, 2024 • event

Join one of the most exciting and popular acts of the Santa Cruz de La Palma Carnival

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival

out of rangeJanuary 26-February 18, 2024 • event

Enjoy the beautiful beaches and carnival fun during the Gran Canaria Carnival

Fuerteventura Windsurfing & Kitesurfing World Cup

Fuerteventura Windsurfing & Kitesurfing World Cup

on holdJuly 20–August 6, 2023 • event

If you are a windsurfing and kitesurfing fan, you can't miss the greatest world cup ever on an island called "The Great Adventure"

Walking Festivals

Walking Festivals

out of rangeOctober 19–22, 2023 • event

Want to see the most interesting parts of the island? Just take part in the next Gran Canaria Walking Festival or Tenerife Walking Festival

Whale and Dolphin Watching

Whale and Dolphin Watching

out of rangeDecember–May • activity

Get closer to the beautiful creatures of the ocean depths. The Canary Islands is the place to go if you want to meet whales and dolphins

Lanzarote Volcanic Vineyards

Lanzarote Volcanic Vineyards

out of rangeJuly • food

The easternmost of the Canary Islands strikes by its moon-like landscape and unexpectedly lush vineyards

Hiking

Hiking

out of rangeDecember–May • activity

Enjoy the magical diversity of landscapes on the Canary Islands

Fiestas del Charco

Fiestas del Charco

out of rangeSeptember 11 • event

Enjoy unforgettable emotions of this day full of fun. This fiesta of joy is one must visit during your Canary vacations

Epiphany or Three Kings' Day

Epiphany or Three Kings' Day

out of rangeJanuary 5–January 6 • event

Try out a new, fresh way of celebrating Epiphany on the Kings' Day eve. The most beloved holiday for children in Canaria

Semana Santa or Holy Week

Semana Santa or Holy Week

out of rangeMarch 24–31, 2024 • event

Beautiful religious ceremonies and colorful processions make this time special

Cheese Festival (Fiesta del Queso)

Cheese Festival (Fiesta del Queso)

out of rangeMarch 12, 2023 • event

Watch the process of cheese making, learn some unique techniques, or just visit the dairy and try some of the world's finest cheeses

Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi

out of rangeJune 8, 2023 • event

Amazing works of art made from flowers and other greenery decorate the towns around the Canary Islands for only a few days each year. Don't miss a chance to see them

Cascade of Colours in Caldera de Taburiente

Cascade of Colours in Caldera de Taburiente

out of rangeDecember–February • nature

Spectacular colour splashes​ on a six-metre wall created by the hand of mother nature, with the brightest colours in winter months

Laurel Forests

Laurel Forests

out of rangeFebruary–March • nature

Unique ancient forests and amazing biodiversity amaze​ with hues of green you may never have seen

Orange Harvest

Orange Harvest

out of rangeOctober–May • food

Drink orange juice and eat as much fruit as you can during your Canarian vacations

Dia de la Trilla

Dia de la Trilla

out of rangeJuly 29, 2023 • event

An authentic agricultural fiesta with horse racing, enormous bulls, and lots of fun traditions

Paragliding

Paragliding

out of rangeOctober–March • activity

Paragliding over Canary islands may become one of the most exciting activities you've ever tried

Gofio

Gofio

out of rangeNovember–March • food

This milled grain resembling wholegrain flour can be mixed with anything from water to broth, oil, and even honey—depending on what you want to obtain—a soup, a porridge, or a dessert

Wrinkled Potatoes or Papas Arrugadas

Wrinkled Potatoes or Papas Arrugadas

out of rangemid-January–mid-June • food

Some of you might sceptically say: "They won't impress me with potatoes." But don't be so hasty—baby potatoes cooked in sea salt are listed among 7 gastronomical marvels of Spain

Long-Finned Pilot Whale

Long-Finned Pilot Whale

out of rangeMarch–April • nature

Don't miss a chance to meet with long-finned pilot whales

Almond Trees in Bloom

Almond Trees in Bloom

out of rangelate January–early February • nature

Enjoy the beauty of delicate rosy flowers on a green background of fresh new grass in the middle of winter

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

out of rangeDecember–March • activity

A huge variety of birds come to these beautiful forests and charming coasts for their winter holidays

Atlantic Canary Breeding

Atlantic Canary Breeding

out of rangeApril–June • nature

A charming little symbol of the Canary Islands

Christmas in the Canary Islands

Christmas in the Canary Islands

out of rangeDecember • event

Want to celebrate Christmas in a different way? Go to the Canary Islands and have yourself a merry little Christmas like no other year

Cycling

Cycling

out of rangeJanuary–March • activity

Various routes and diverse landscapes on every island offer some new and unforgettable experiences. A real adventure on the wheels awaits you

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