Stargazing in Tenerife for Beginners – 5 Truths to Know Before Going

Going on a stargazing trip in Tenerife is undeniably one of the best experiences on the island. But not only the best, it’s also one of the must-do activities. However, many people do it wrong and don’t get to see the stars or the entire Milky Way they hoped for.

The reason for that is that many think that stargazing in Tenerife can be done at any time of the year as long as the sky is clear and you are away from light pollution (and this is what is heavily promoted by many companies selling stargazing tours). But the truth is – that is not the case!

Clouds and light pollution are just part of the story when it comes to stargazing (and not only in Tenerife but anywhere else in the world).

There are a few other factors to consider, which I highlight below in the article.

Thanks to my husband’s father who is an astronomer and to my experience living in Tenerife, I learned how to chase the stars and have a meaningful stargazing adventure. Now, I am sharing my tips below, so you can also enjoy star-watching to the fullest.

Main Things to Know About Tenerife Stargazing

You need to go through this list every single time no matter if you want to go on a stargazing tour with a company or do a self-guided trip with a car.

1. Understand the Difference Between Best Time for Stargazing & Best Time for Seeing the Milky Way

Some people, when going stargazing in Tenerife, expect (or hope) to see all possible celestial phenomena in the sky, including constellations, vividly visible planets, meteor showers, and, on top of that, the Milky Way.

Understand, there is no timeframe when you can see all of that at the same time. Each of these phenomena has specific peak seasons and times for visibility. 

So it is crucial to understand the distinction between the best times for general stargazing (when the sky is clear and constellations are seen very well) and the specific times for observing the Milky Way. 

Thus, to make it easier, here is a quick overview of the best time to go stargazing (you can apply the same to other Canary Islands in case you visit them too): 

Best Time for Seeing the Milky Way is From June to September

Summer is the best time for viewing the Milky Way, which becomes visible starting around 11-11:30 at night (this is in July). In about an hour and a half (around 01:00), it appears directly overhead and is easy to see.

The core of the Milky Way is best seen directly overhead around 1 AM to 2 AM making it particularly striking and rich in stars and nebulae. This is largely due to the Earth’s axial tilt, which positions the Northern Hemisphere towards the center of the Milky Way galaxy in summer.

In contrast, during winter, the Earth is tilted away from the center of the Milky Way. This means the galactic core is lower on the horizon and isn’t visible until nearly 3 AM. But even then, around this time it’s just rising above the horizon and the core is not as prominent, peaking a few hours later. But as it reaches its peak, dawn begins, making it impossible to see the Milky Way in all its beauty (and don’t forget, sunrises in Tenerife start early).

So, if you want to see the Milky Way in Tenerife, plan a trip to the island from around late May to September (inclusive).

Best Time to Observe Celestial Objects & Prominent Canstellations is From November to March

However, even if you are visiting Tenerife in winter when catching a glimpse of the Milky Way is more difficult, there is no reason to feel down. Because winter is still a good time for Tenerife stargazing too, just for different reasons.

Winter is great for observing celestial objects and prominent constellations together with some meteor showers.

Some planets (like Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars for example), are positioned better during winter depending on their orbits. This varies year to year, but their visibility is usually much better than in the summer months.

Also, during the same time of the year, certain constellations are better seen in winter as well (like Orion, Taurus, Canis Major, Gemini, and Cassiopeia) because they are positioned higher in the sky during the winter months which is why it is easier to see them for longer periods during the night.

Cassiopeia is visible year-round because it’s a circumpolar constellation, but it’s higher and more prominent in winter, especially from the Teide National Park area.

Additionally, two special phenomena happen in Tenerife in winter – the Geminids meteor shower which usually peaks around December 13-14. Another notable event is the Quadrantids which peaks around January 3-4, providing a chance to see shooting stars. These are two different (amazing meteor showers) which are the reasons to travel to Tenerife in December and in January is great.

2. Do Not Choose Sunset Stargazing Tours If You Want a Full Stargazing Experience

There are many tours of this type on internet, including Viator and Getyourguide. Just to give you examples, so you understand, here are some of them – Teide by Night on Viator or this sunset and stargazing experience on Getyourguide.

While there’s nothing wrong with these particular sunset stargazing tours (in fact, many people love them) and they promise a special experience (despite some common complaints about poor food), their main focus is to create a romantic atmosphere and showcase the sunset views from Teide above the clouds at sunset.

These tours typically provide only a superficial introduction to the night sky and don’t delve into the fundamentals of stargazing or allow ample time for actual star observation.

If you’re looking for a complete stargazing experience, joining a night tour dedicated to exploring the sky, galaxies, and stars would be a better choice (especially, if you can afford it, it is better to join a small-group tour or a private tour).

Alternatively, you can rent a car and chase the starry sky and the Milky Way on your own for a more immersive experience. How to do it on a self-guided tour, I talk in my post about stargazing Tenerife on your own.

3. Do Not Go Stargazing Around the Full Moon Phase

When you set your mind on chasing the stars in Tenerife, it’s best to plan this activity around the new moon, ideally no more than one week before or after the date when it occurs.

The reason for this timing is that the new moon provides the darkest skies, free from the bright light of the moon. This darkness allows for optimal visibility of celestial objects, making it easier to see stars, planets, and the Milky Way in all its glory. Also, you’ll be able to take nice photos.

During a new moon phase, the absence of moonlight enhances contrast in the night sky, allowing fainter stars and deep-sky objects to stand out more vividly. This also means you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the cosmos without interference from light pollution.

If you don’t have an opportunity to plan a trip around the new moon and let’s say you visit during the full moon, then consider the timing of your observation.

The full moon rises and sets at predictable times, so it is not high in the sky for the entire night. If you time your visit to coincide with when the moon is lower on the horizon (typically during the early evening or just before dawn) you can take advantage of darker skies for stargazing. This allows to observe more stars and celestial objects before the full moon’s brightness overshadows them.

4. Stargazing by the Coast is Possible But in Specific Locations

Stargazing by the sea in Tenerife is an amazing experience but not everyone on the coast you can do that.

Southern Tenerife is not a place where to watch the stars. Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, or even Los Gigantes area (which is less populated) always have light pollution, even at 3 am.

But in many spots of Northern Tenerife finding a dark place to get away to watch the stars is very possible.

We went stargazing once to Playa Piedra Las Viejas (you can leave the car by Playa del Puertito parking lot and then walk there) and could see stars from there very well. Another time, when camping around the Benijo village, we could see starry sky vividly too, but it was later at night when most lights in the village were turned off.

But my very first time stargazing happened in Mesa del Mar where we spent our first 3 weeks right by the sea. Although there, for most of the time, the large waves created a haze that obstructed the normal view of the sky.

Other decent places where to go stargazing by the coast are Punta del Guincho and Lomo Bermejo coastal area.

5. Have Warm Clothes With You on a Trip

And lastly, be sure to dress warmly for your stargazing trip or bring warm clothing with you if you go up in the mountains or forest. Night weather in Tenerife at high elevations gets quite cold, not just during the winter, but also extending through late spring and into early autumn.

In Teide NP, temperatures always drop significantly, often reaching levels that may catch you off guard if you’re unprepared. The difference in temperature between daytime and nighttime is dramatic, and especially in the Teide area there is always a wind which makes it feel even colder.

Moreover, stargazing often involves sitting or standing still for extended periods, which can make you feel colder than if you were active. So dress warmly or wear layers.

If you’re road tripping in Tenerife late at night trying to stargaze, it’s even more important to dress warmly. When you venture away from the parking area (which I recommend doing) into the darkness and onto sandy or rocky terrain to find the perfect viewing spot, you won’t last long without proper clothing.

Bringing along a warm jacket, gloves, a hat, and even a blanket will enhance your experience, allowing you to fully enjoy the night sky’s beauty without being distracted by the cold. 

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