Which Is the Hottest of the Canary Islands? Your Guide to Year-Round Sunshine

Looking for sunshine even in the heart of winter?
The Canary Islands are one of the very few destinations in Europe where you can enjoy warm, pleasant weather all year round.

However, not all the islands are equally hot.

Choosing the right one can make a big difference if:

• You want guaranteed beach days. 
• You seek to escape the cold. 
• You love outdoor activities without chilly surprises. 

In this guide, you’ll discover which Canary Island is the hottest, how temperatures vary, and how to make the most of the sun wherever you go.

Travel Tip: Exploring the islands by campervan allows you to follow the sun and adapt your adventure to the best weather each day!

How Warm Are the Canary Islands All Year Round?

The Canary Islands are often called the “Islands of Eternal Spring“—and for good reason.

Average temperatures by season:

• Winter (December-February): 19–23°C 
• Spring (March-May): 21–25°C 
• Summer (June-August): 26–30°C 
• Autumn (September-November): 24–28°C 

Rain is rare and usually short-lived, especially in the southern parts of the islands.

Key factors that make the Canaries so warm:

• Proximity to the Sahara Desert, bringing warm breezes. 
• Trade winds, softening the heat and creating microclimates. 
• Low altitude coastal areas, where temperatures stay higher year-round. 

Which Canary Island Is the Hottest? (Quick Answer)

If you want it fast:
Gran Canaria usually holds the title for the hottest overall, especially its southern coast.

But depending on the time of year and where you stay, Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura also offer excellent warmth.

Here’s a quick temperature comparison table:

Summary at a Glance:

• Gran Canaria: The hottest, especially in Maspalomas, Puerto Rico and Mogán.
  • Tenerife: Very warm in the south, more temperate in the north.
  • Lanzarote: Dry, reliably sunny with fewer clouds.
  • Fuerteventura: Warm but a bit windier, ideal for active travellers.

Bonus: All islands feel much warmer in the sun than the thermometer says, thanks to the dry, mild air!

Why Gran Canaria Often Leads for Heat

Gran Canaria benefits from unique microclimates that make its southern coast particularly hot and dry.

Reasons why Gran Canaria is often the warmest:

• The south faces directly towards Africa, soaking up maximum sun. 
• Mountain ranges in the centre block northern clouds and winds. 
• Beaches like Maspalomas and Amadores enjoy sunshine over 320 days a year. 

Perfect activities for heat lovers:

• Long beach days. 
• Outdoor dining under the stars. 
• Desert-like excursions through dunes and volcanic landscapes. 

Travel Tip: If your main goal is guaranteed heat and beach time, southern Gran Canaria is a very safe choice.

Tenerife: The Best Mix of Warmth and Diversity

While Gran Canaria might be slightly hotter, Tenerife offers an incredible balance between warm weather and diverse landscapes.

What makes Tenerife special:

• South Tenerife (Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas) enjoys very hot and dry weather almost all year. 
• North Tenerife (La Laguna, Puerto de la Cruz) is cooler and greener thanks to more Atlantic breezes. 

Average temperatures in the south:

• Winter: 22–24°C 
• Summer: 27–29°C 

Best activities for sunny days:

• Exploring Mount Teide National Park. 
• Relaxing on black sand beaches like Playa del Duque. 
• Road-tripping through sunny coastal towns. 

Freedom Tip: Travelling by campervan allows you to wake up in the sunny south and escape to cooler northern forests whenever you want. The perfect island for adventurous spirits!

What About Lanzarote and Fuerteventura?

Lanzarote – Sunny, Dry, and Consistent

Lanzarote boasts some of the most consistent warm weather across all islands.

• Very little rainfall throughout the year. 
• Dry, lunar landscapes reflect heat, making it feel warmer. 
• Constant sunshine, even during winter months. 

Perfect for:

• Outdoor adventures like hiking Timanfaya National Park. 
• Sunbathing without heavy humidity. 

Fuerteventura – Beaches and Breeze

Fuerteventura is another excellent choice, but it comes with a characteristic stronger breeze—great for surfers and kitesurfers, but sometimes cooling for pure sunbathers.

• Winter temps: 20–23°C. 
• Summer temps: 25–28°C. 

Perfect for:

• Endless beaches like Cofete and Corralejo Dunes. 
• Watersports lovers who enjoy constant wind and waves. 

Good to know: The breeze can make it feel slightly fresher, but you’ll still enjoy warm sun almost every day.

Best Times to Visit the Hottest Islands

Thanks to their perfect climate, the Canary Islands are a year-round destination.
However, depending on your goals:

How to Enjoy the Warmth Freely: The Campervan Advantage

Imagine waking up by a secluded beach, moving to a sunny volcanic trail for lunch, and ending the day watching the sunset above the clouds at Mount Teide.

Travelling by campervan in the Canary Islands means:

• Chasing the best weather daily. 
• Avoiding crowded resorts. 
• Discovering secret spots tourists miss. 

Smart choice: Renting a campervan with local specialists like AJJ Vans gives you the freedom to design your own sunny adventure without being tied to hotel zones.

Final Thoughts: Chase the Sun in the Canary Islands

Which is the hottest Canary Island?
The answer is: Gran Canaria—especially the sunny southern coast.

But remember:

• Tenerife offers incredible diversity with steady warmth. 
• Lanzarote delivers dry, sunny days year-round. 

Fuerteventura enchants beach lovers, even if a bit breezier.