May in Tenerife – Why It’s the Best Spring Month to Visit

If I had to choose one spring month for Tenerife, I’d choose May without thinking twice.

In this guide, I’ll explain why this month stands out so much, what the weather is really like, and what is actually worth doing on the island at this time of year.

Why May in Tenerife is Simply the Best Month

If you ask me, I’ll tell you right away that May is one of the best months to visit Tenerife. After living on the island for quite some time, I’ve experienced all three spring months more than once and started noticing a pattern (not just average temperatures on paper) that makes May stand out very clearly.

The first one is the weather. By May, Tenerife is already very warm (on many days it even feels like summer), but without the kind of disruption that can still happen earlier in spring.

March and April (especially March) are like a mixed bag – they still bring stormy weather here and there, rain, strong winds, or calima, which can easily ruin beach days, pool time, and even simple plans around the island (I’ve seen so many people on TikTok complain about it).

But in May, the chance of that is already much lower, so the trip is going to be far more reliable.

The second pattern is that May is the cheapest time to visit in the whole year (well, together with June). Аll hotels offer lower prices right from May 1st, and that is going to work in your favor if you come during this month.

Аll of this gives you a rare combination: better weather, fewer tourists, and lower costs.

And the third pattern (my favorite and very special) is that May has something unique that many visitors do not even know about – this is the best time to see tajinaste rojo in bloom, one of Tenerife’s most striking endemic flowers, especially around Teide.

So while most people start choosing mainland destinations instead of Tenerife, since Europe is already warm, that actually makes the island even more appealing for a trip.

What Tenerife feels like in May

By May, Tenerife already feels almost like summer.

There are a lot of really warm days by then, especially in the south, where it feels properly beach-ready. But even in the north, which gets far more clouds through the year, May brings a lot more sun and clear blue sky.

It is also one of the nicest times visually. There is a lot of green after the rainy months, many plants are already blooming, and from many spots the mountain and forest lines look especially clear and beautiful.

I also like that Tenerife blooms in many places at this time. There are flowers everywhere, bright colors all around, and everything is in bloom.

If there is such a thing as perfect weather, then Tenerife in May is probably as close as it gets.

Weather in Tenerife in May

In May, daytime temperatures in south Tenerife are already between 24-25°C, and at night around 16-17°C. Rain is very low, last year we literally had only 1 rainy day in the whole month, but even then it was just drizzling during a short period of time.

In north Tenerife, May is a few degrees cooler. Weather in Puerto de la Cruz and surrounding areas is already sunnier, and you should expect between 21-23°C during the day and around 14-16°C at night.

The sea is already starting to warm up too. Last year, I saw reports saying it was around 21°C and reached 22°C by the end of the month.

Can you swim in Tenerife in May?

Yes, you can swim in Tenerife in May, but only if you are okay with water that feels refreshing rather than warm. 21°C is still cold for many people, but in the south it feels warmer because of the higher air temperatures during the day.

That said, it really depends on what you are used to – if you come from northern Europe and swim in cold lakes in summer, then ocean in Tenerife in May will definitely feel warmer.

May is also when the sea starts calming down, with fewer waves, so swimming becomes more comfortable overall.

North or south Tenerife in May – which is better?

Both are equally amazing, but for different reasons.

For the highest chance of hot, sunny beach weather, Tenerife South is the best choice. Places like Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, and Las Аmericas are really warm, dry, and better for the pool time, beach time, and spending most of the day outside in summer clothes without overthinking the forecast.

For long or short hikes, city excursions, rural stays, long walks, and cultural programs, Tenerife North in May is best. It is cooler, but this is also one of the best times to experience this part of the island because it is very sunny and incredibly green.

You can hit one of the beaches in northern Tenerife too (even go for a swim), but it is still going to be cool and refreshing rather than warm as in the south.

May in the north is also fantastic for visiting Loro Park, driving through small coastal towns and villages, stopping at various viewing platforms (because visibility is great), of course going to Teide, and seeing a more varied side of Аnaga. Because in May it is at its most impressive.

So I’d say that the south is better in May for a classic summer-weather holiday. But north is better if you want to see what this island looks its finest.

Best things to do in Tenerife in May

May is not the best month for absolutely everything in Tenerife. It is not a month I would choose for every kind of trip or every kind of activity.

But for some experiences, May works especially well – either because the weather makes them easier, because Tenerife looks better without Calima or heavy clouds, or because this is simply the right time of year for them. Here are the things I think are most worth doing in Tenerife in May:

1. Go up to Teide to see tajinaste rojo in bloom

This is one of the few things that is actually season-specific in May only. The red tajinaste is one of Tenerife’s most distinctive endemic plants and is especially associated with Teide National Park in spring (although you’ll see this flower also around Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava, Tacoronte, and La Laguna).

And just so you know, Tenerife (together with La Palma) is the only place in the world where this plant grows in the wild, so late spring gives you a great chance to see it with your own eyes.

If you want one thing that makes a May trip feel different from a trip to Tenerife in December or let’s say in February or October, this is it.

2. Do a proper road trip through north Tenerife

May is one of the best times for that because Tenerife still has more green left after the previous wetter months, so many plants are blooming and landscapes look so intense like they have been painted. Even if you only have a few days in Tenerife, it is worth renting a car and going on a drive.

Аreas like La Orotava, Los Realejos, the Anaga side, or upper northern viewpoints are gorgeous at this time of year. You need to use my guide to the best road trips in Tenerife, which has detailed routes and stops to make.

3. Join a guided hike in Anaga

May is one of the nicest times to experience Anaga because the landscape is intensely green and has mist with fog on some days in many places, which makes it look magical.

I recommend going only with a guide because the Аnaga area is under protection (and not all trails are open to visitors without a permit) and guides take you to some hidden places.

Аlso, you won’t need to worry about trail choices, transport, or how to put the route together.

4. Plan beach days in the south without peak-summer crowds

If you want pool days, beach clubs, coastal time, or lazy afternoons by the ocean without July-August pressure, May is a very good month for that. Beaches are half-empty, with plenty of space for everyone. In many places, sunbeds are also available to rent, and getting one is usually not a problem because there are fewer people around.

Many luxury hotels (like beautiful Tivoli in Lа Саletа or Dreams Jardin Resort, for example) and all-inclusive resorts in Tenerife South, located by the beach, drop their prices, so there is also a chance to get more for what you pay.

5. Go to Teide for sunset and stargazing tour

This is one of the best tours to do in May because temperatures are already much more comfortable than in the previous colder months, and because of that the whole experience feels easier and more enjoyable.

If you like dramatic landscapes, sunset views, and something that feels a bit more special than a standard sightseeing stop, this is one of the strongest experiences to book.

There are plenty of evening tours to Teide, but I recommend this one (or something similar) because it is run in a small group (only 8 people) rather than on a huge bus, and experience feels much more personal. If you decide to go by yourself with a car, then read my tips for successful stargazing in Tenerife.

There is also a chance to join a sunset hike with a small group of hikers:

6. Do not miss Teide National Park during the Day Too

A day tour to Teide works especially well in May because this is the kind of month when being outdoors at higher elevations still feels comfortable.

It is a very good option for first-time visitors, people staying in the south without a car, or anyone who wants to see Tenerife’s volcanic side.

The best and most convenient way to go to Teide is by car, but if you don’t plan to rent one, then simply join a tour.

I recommend this half-day small group tour to see volcanic and forest parts or private nature and culture tour of Teide.

7. Visit higher viewpoints while visibility is still very good

It is a good month for scenic mountain stops and viewpoints where you actually want to stop, not just tick them off.

To give you a few examples, here are must-visit viewpoints: Mirador de Chipeque (one of the best stops for views over the Orotava Valley, the sea of clouds, and Teide), Mirador de Jardina (a very good stop on the way toward Anaga), Mirador Pico del Inglés (one of the strongest panoramic viewpoints in Anaga), Mirador de Humboldt (better for the Orotava Valley, Puerto de la Cruz, and banana plantations.

But you need to read my full guide to the best Tenerife views, where I include more stops and descriptions.

8. Go on a coastal hike or scenic seaside walk

Going to hike by the coast is one of the best things to do in Tenerife North and a must-do in Tenerife South at any time of the year, but more so in May when the weather and visibility are great.

Horizon is clear on most days, which means you can see far, enjoy the views and take beautiful photos. Being near the water at this time of the year feels good too.

Depending on where you stay, I recommend you include an easier walk around Montaña Roja in El Médano, a more rugged route through the Malpaís de Rasca area, or a scenic stretch around Punta del Hidalgo if you happen to drive to that region.

When visiting Puerto de la Cruz (even if just for one day there), do not miss Rambla de Castro trail and/or a walk towards Playa El Bollullo through banana plantations. I also love hiking in Guimar town by the coast, in Bajamar, and Buenavista del Norte.

9. Аttend the Cruz festivities in Los Realejos if your dates match

The Cruces y Fuegos de Mayo festival takes place on May 2-3 and is one of the best-known early May events on the island, with decorated crosses and a major fireworks tradition in Los Realejos. That is a real May-specific thing, not generic filler.

10. Be on the island for Día de Canarias at the end of May

Día de Canarias is on May 30 and brings traditional food, music, folklore, dress, and local celebrations across the islands.

If you want Tenerife to feel more local and less like a standard resort trip, late May is a very good time for that.

11. Join the Masca or Teno area guided nature trip

This is a very good experience for May travel to Tenerife because it lets you enjoy one of the most beautiful parts of the island when it is green and colorful (lots of flowers are blooming here at this time).

It works especially well if you would like to see dramatic scenery and a less touristy side of Tenerife. Both Teno and Masca are tricky areas (where climate changes quickly and many trails are challenging).

This is why I recommend you go only with a guide, not to have stress figuring everything out alone and not having a chance to get lost (every year, tourists go off route in this part of the island and rescue teams are dispatched to the forest, so don’t take it lightly).

For more things to do in May, get my map with a wide range of activities and places in Tenerife:

Who Will Love visiting Tenerife in May

May in Tenerife is best for people who want to experience a bit of everything and do not want the trip to depend on just one thing.

It is a very good month for combining beach time with visiting various towns, going on scenic drives (or traveling on tours to different areas), and overall for active travel.

It is also a smart month for people on a budget, because prices are lower while the weather is already very reliable.

Who Will Not Enjoy May in Tenerife That Much

Although I think May is the best spring month to visit, I still admit that it will not be the best fit for everyone.

If your main goal is a hot escape with a warm sea in Europe at this time of year, then May is not going to deliver that. July, August, and September are the best times to visit Tenerife for this type of trip, not May.

If you also want Tenerife at its busiest, with that full holiday-resort atmosphere, parties and lots of things going on, May is also not a good month, it’s just too calm. Even Las Аmericas with its bars and clubs is kind of too quiet (almost as calm as these peaceful areas in the south).

What to pack for Tenerife in May

Packing for Tenerife in May is not difficult, but I would not treat it like full summer yet either.

For the south, you will want proper warm-weather clothes – light outfits, swimwear, sandals, good sunglasses (that provide 100% UVA and UVB protection), and everything you would normally pack for sunny days by the coast.

But I would still bring one light layer for evenings or for places where wind picks up (and that is by the coast, in La Laguna or Tacoronte, in Аnaga, Teide, and Masca).

If you are planning to spend time in Teide or do mountain drives and viewpoints, then definitely pack something warmer too. It does not need to be anything heavy, but a hoodie, light jacket, or long trousers.

Don’t forget to bring good walking shoes too if you want to explore beyond beaches and resort areas. And of course, sun protection is a must – sunscreen (always, even when just going for a walk in the town), hat (but you can also purchase it here in one of the shops), because the sun is already very strong in May.

So overall, pack for warm weather, but leave room for a few layers if you plan to see more than just the south coast.

Keep Planning Your Tenerife Trip

• Tenerife for First-Timers – what might surprise you most
• Tenerife North or South – how to decide between the two
• Places to Stay for Couples – unique areas and hotels
• Christmas in Tenerife – where to celebrate and tips
• Best Museums in Tenerife – great for both adults and kids
• Cafes and Restaurants in Puerto de la Cruz – my favorite options for lunch or dinner