Tenerife in February – What to Know About the Island’s Coldest Winter Month

February in Tenerife is one of the coldest months on the island, but that doesn’t mean winter in the way most people imagine. I’m showing you here how to have a fantastic trip, where to stay and go in Tenerife in February to avoid disappointment, what to expect from the weather, and finally what to do! 

What made me write this post was seeing two completely different videos on TikTok on Tenerife in February within a short time.

One person talked about how much they loved visiting the island in the last month of winter, saying it was the perfect time to come. Then, not long after, I came across someone else who had been in Tenerife during February, complaining about how cold and windy it was and how nothing felt enjoyable because of that.

Not surprising, because both of them are right. Tenerife in February is amazing – if you stay in the right places and know what to expect.

But it can also be somewhat disappointing if you end up in a cold rental by the ocean in a quiet area where half the places are closed. The island has huge weather contrasts during this month, and if you don’t plan properly, you might end up thinking February in Tenerife is nothing special.

So let’s go over everything step by step and figure out how to plan a February trip to this Canary Island so that it stays in your heart as a wonderful memory forever.

Main Things to Know About February in Tenerife

1️⃣ The island feels different in February. Weather is very similar to the weather in Tenerife in January but in February the air is fresher, waves are bigger, and green landscapes in the north are at their most lush level.

2️⃣ There’s Carnival, one of the wildest street parties in the world which is the Biggest Carnival Outside of Brazil – a massive celebration with parades, costumes, and all-night parties. Smaller versions happen in Puerto de la Cruz and Los Cristianos.

3️⃣ February Wether is Very Mild & Never Hot, even in the south of the island. Daytime temperatures in the south on some days reach 20–22°C but 18-19°C is also common. North is 2-3 degrees cooler and wetter. Evenings everywhere are chilly.

4️⃣ Swimming in February in Tenerife is not very comfortable, even in the south. Ocean is cold (~18°C) and getting out of the water is cold too even on sunny days. Although spending time by the ocean is very pleasant. However, if the goal is to swim, choose accommodation with a heated pool.

5️⃣ February is a very good month for whale watching – it is the right season for spotting pilot whales and dolphins in the waters near Los Gigantes and Costa Adeje.

6️⃣ Hiking Conditions Are Ideal – cool temperatures make February perfect for hiking, especially in southern Tenerife. Anaga Rural Park, Masca, and the volcanic landscapes of Teide can feel very mystical on many days.

7️⃣ North is Greener, But Wetter – Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava, and Anaga are lush and beautiful but expect more cloud cover, fog, and occasional rain.

8️⃣ Fewer Crowds, Lower Prices – February is still a very popular month when to be in Tenerife but compared to December and January or summer for example, it sees fewer tourists, meaning better hotel deals (but to book them, you need to do it before winter).

How This Affects Your Trip:

✔ Beach weather is possible, but not so much in terms of swimming, more of sunbathing and putting your feet in the water. Bring a light jacket for the evenings.

✔ The north is perfect for hiking and tours, but be ready for chilly mornings and cold nights.

✔ Hiking in Teide in February is very cold, even though temperatures now are on the higher side. If you’re really an adventurer, then opt for a sunrise tour with a guide because morning is the calmest time of the day in Teide with crisp weather but minimum winds.

✔ Since ocean is not as warm as in summer, don’t let it disappoint you. This is a perfect time to go on one of the scenic drives around Tenerife or watch big waves or surfers in Bajamar (or other small towns by the coast).

Best Things to Do in Tenerife in February

Let’s talk about the things I would definitely do if I were traveling to Tenerife in February.

1. Chase Winter Sun in the South

Even though I say that February is the coldest winter month in Tenerife, for someone coming from cold continental Europe, the USA, or Canada, island will still feel very warm, especially if you stay in the south.

So, if you’re craving sunshine in February, that’s exactly where you should base yourself.

Even if swimming is quite limited, beaches in Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, and Playa de las Americas get plenty of sunshine. While locals think it’s too cold for the beach, you can still spend a whole day renting a sunbed and getting vitamin D.

💡 Best beaches for Tenerife February Trip:

• Playa del Duque – sheltered from the wind, great for relaxing
• Playa de Torviscas – possible to rent a decent sunbed here, fine sand & good infrastructure
• Playa de las Vistas – warmer waters, good for refreshing swimming
• Playa de los Guios – windier, but still nice for lounging

2. Experience Tenerife Carnival – One of the Biggest in the World

This is an absolute must-do in Tenerife in February. I’d say if you’re flexible with dates, try to plan your trip in a way that allows you to be there for at least one day during the carnival so you can go to Santa Cruz and see it with your own eyes.

This is especially good advice for those experiencing this event for the first time. Of course, if you’ve already seen similar parades in other parts of the world, then maybe it’s not something worth rushing for.

Carnival in Tenerife is really massive. Think Rio de Janeiro-level parades, thousands of people in bright unthinkable costumes, and parties that last until sunrise.

📍 Where to celebrate Carnival:

• Santa Cruz de Tenerife – biggest and most extravagant there. Expect samba dancers, drag queen competitions, and street concerts.
• Puerto de la Cruz – smaller but just as fun, with a more traditional feel.
• Los Cristianos – less intense, perfect if you’re staying in an all-inclusive hotel there and don’t feel like going anywhere outside the south.

3. Ride the Historic La Orotava to La Laguna Route

February is an ideal time to explore Tenerife’s historic towns without the intense summer heat.

A scenic drive or public transport journey between La Orotava and La Laguna will take you through colonial streets, old architecture, and green landscapes that are at their best in winter.

🏛️ What to See Along the Way:

• La Orotava – elegant mansions, cobbled streets, and panoramic views over the valley. Don’t miss the Casa de los Balcones (one of the best museums in Tenerife) a perfect example of traditional Canarian architecture.
• Mirador de Humboldt – panoramic viewpoint overlooking La Orotava Valley, the coastline, and Mount Teide.
• El Bosque de la Esperanza – misty laurel forest where you can stop for a short walk or enjoy scenic viewpoints.
• San Cristobal de La Laguna – UNESCO-listed city with colorful houses, ancient churches, and cafes.

💡 Why February? Recent rains make La Orotava Valley and the surrounding mountains especially green, and cooler temperatures make walking through these historic towns even more enjoyable.

You Need to Get My Map With a Ton of Places for a Visit

(it will simplify your travel planning tremendously & you’ll get access to many locations that are not even mentioned here)

4. Explore the Green North – At Its Most Lush

February is one of the best months to explore Anaga Rural Park, where the ancient laurel forests feel dense, damp, and almost prehistoric. Recent rains mean everything is green and fresh, and there are also fewer tourists on the trails.

🌿 Best places to visit in the north:

• Taganana – remote village with cliffs and seafood restaurants
• Chinamada – ancient historic village with cave houses and hiking trails
• Benijo Beach – wild and dramatic, perfect for photos (but not swimming)
• Camino Viejo – tunnel of trees where you can take a walk and beautiful photos

Love Booking Tours on Your Travels? Me too! 
Here Are Some Awesome Tours for February Travel in Tenerife:

5. Go Whale Watching – One of the Best Months for Sightings

February is a good whale-watching season. The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are home to resident pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, and this is one of the best places in the world to see them.

🐋 Best locations for whale-watching tours:

• Los Cristianos & Costa Adeje – Most tours depart from here.
• Los Gigantes – Spectacular views of the cliffs while spotting whales.

💡 Tip: Book a tour that limits the number of people on board for a better experience and ethical wildlife viewing.

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What to Pack for Tenerife in February

✔ For the South: T-shirts, shorts, pants and a light jacket for evenings.
✔ For the North: Layers, as temperatures change throughout the day.
✔ For Teide: A proper winter jacket, gloves, and warm shoes – it can be freezing.
✔ For the Beach: Swimsuit, but don’t expect summer-like water temperatures.
✔ For Carnival: Something colorful, or just buy a cheap costume when you arrive.

Also, always have sunblock with you in Tenerife, even in February, especially if coming from the north.

Places to Skip During This Month

If you’re visiting the island for just a short vacation, let me tell you where not to go in February so you don’t waste your time:

• Masca Valley – incredibly windy there. If you go and have long hair, tie it up, the wind is so strong it’ll tangle it in no time
• Playa de la Tejita – one of the most windy beaches in Tenerife in winter (including February). You’ll be blown away before you even lie down.
• Natural Rock Pools (anywhere on the island) – February’s strong Atlantic swells make these pools dangerous, flooding them with waves. Even if the entrance seems to be accessible, that can change at any minute. Being swapped into the ocean is very easy.
• Teide Summit without checking conditions – snowfall and ice on the top in February are common even if you don’t see it from the coast. If you want to try to go, do it with a guide!
• Rural Villages in high altitudes – they are often cold and foggy in February. If you’re visiting, have a plan on what to do there and bring warm layers, or it won’t be an enjoyable experience.

Is February a Good Time to Visit Tenerife?

Well, so here it is. Brief but precise overview. If you’re traveling for other reasons that I haven’t covered here, ask me in the comment section and I’ll respond asap.

YES, if you want:
✔ Late winter sun and warmest place in winter in Europe.
✔ Fewer crowds and lower prices compared to the Christmas season in Tenerife and January.
✔ Carnival and cultural events.
✔ Great hiking and dramatic landscapes.

NO, if you want:
✖ Guaranteed beach weather every day.
✖ Hot temperatures (February is never hot anywhere on the island, in some places it is quite cold).
✖ Visit for swimming (swimming is cold and can be dangerous in most places around Tenerife, including many of these beautiful beaches in the north, you need to be careful with waves and undercurrents).

Do you have any other question about February in Tenerife? Then ask me below!