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  • Writer's pictureSean

The Climate in the Canary Islands: What to Expect When You Move

Updated: Mar 1

The Canary Islands seem to have something for everyone. Sunshine is one of the mainstay weather patterns when all is said and done. The Canary Islands boast more than 320 days of sunshine each year, which means that the temperature doesn’t tend to fluctuate past 20 to 28℃.


With that being said, it is not always sunshine and rainbows. There is a rainy season which goes from November to February and has both thunderstorms and showers. In these settings, the temperature usually caps out slightly lower at 23℃.


If you need assistance with moving your household belongings to the Canary Islands, make sure to contact our team. Now, read below to find out more about the climate in the Canary Islands.


Understanding Weather Patterns


The Canary Islands are located just off the Northwest coast of Africa, affording them a unique geographical position. They get a pretty mild, enjoyable climate throughout the year.

 

All of the islands are influenced by what we call trade winds. These winds cool the island and make it more palatable for locals - the trade-off being more wind and sometimes cold wind. The Canary Islands are also subject to rainfall in winter months. The rain showers are normally quite short-lived though, as a diverse microclimate means that even on a single island, rainfall can vary wildly in different areas.

 

It is a smart idea to check out the forecast for the specific island you’re moving to and see if you can find past weather patterns. It’s probably smart to know what weather patterns you’ll be dealing with before you get settled in.


Normal Temperature Ranges


The temperature in the Canary Islands can vary a little but is usually hot thanks to an abundance of sunshine. You’ll normally get a range between 20 and 30℃. Generally speaking, one of the most popular aspects of the Canary Islands is the seemingly endless forecast of blue skies and sun. The weather patterns - and thus the temperature range - can vary according to each island.

 

Much like the rest of the world, the Canary Islands have a well-defined set of seasons. These are as follows:

 

Winter - in winter months, the temperatures across all of the islands drop to their lowest points. Exposed areas can be subject to a lot of wind, and the temperature falls between 15 and 20℃. This is considered mild for the area but may seem like a paradise to other parts of the world. It is worth noting that there isn’t as much rain in this season as is the case with other parts of winter, so tourists often visit for a more agreeable cold season.

 

Spring - spring in the islands is arguably one of the most perfect times with regards to balancing out both the higher temperature and the overall atmosphere of the area. The temperature creeps back up from winter but only caps out at 25℃. You’ll still get all the sunshine you want, with the odd patch of rain to break up the weather a little. It is also a prime season for a lot of water sports - surfing and windsurfing are both popular thanks to a refreshing breeze. You may also find that hiking is a good way to enjoy yourself - the landscapes are gorgeous and the weather is agreeable.

 

Summer - The summer season is when the temperature is at its highest, as we’ve said before. The full appeal of the Canary Islands at this point is well known to the general public, as this is the season where most people tend to flock to the area for holidays. Therefore, you can expect a lot of big crowds and summer prices for normal activities. It’s not impossible to enjoy yourself, but it does get busy.

 

Autumn - For the Canary Islands, autumn is thought to be a transitional season for the area. The temperatures gradually drop, approaching winter and getting colder in the process. However, the weather is still warm and enjoyable, so it’s a good balance for those who don’t relish higher temperatures.


Winter Months

In the winter months, specifically from November to February, there is a considerable amount of rainfall in the Canary Islands. This is generally accepted by locals to be necessary, as the higher levels of rain help to maintain the lush green environments that local islanders and visitors love. Broadly speaking, the northern half of the islands tend to get more rainfall than the southern half.

 

Concerning rainfall, it is important to note that it is often characterised by short bursts of rain. These patterns often clear up after a few days and give way to sunshine. The geographical location and trade winds help to make this the way it is.

 

Something else worth noting is that there is a much more diverse microclimate than in other parts of the world, meaning that the weather on one island is much different from another. To give a specific example, Lanzarote, which is in the eastern part of the area, is much drier than a western area like La Palma.


The takeaway

 

With a climate that mostly errs from being hot, the Canary Islands is a good place to put down some roots. You’d need to be aware of the climate for the specific island you wanted to move to, of course, but it is perfectly possible to enjoy a nice lifestyle out there in good weather.

 

If you are thinking of moving out to the Canary Islands, Pinnacle Removals & Storage are more than happy to help. We can provide you with an expert European removal service, helping to move your furniture or boxes.

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