THE WEATHER IN TENERIFE IN JANUARY

The weather in Tenerife in January can be compared to spring in the Low Countries. Travelers heading to Tenerife in January are naturally curious about the climatic conditions and the weather in this subtropical region. To give this article a realistic form, we consulted the meteorological institute and delved into the long-term averages.

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, enjoys a subtropical climate with mild temperatures throughout the year. The month of January reveals some differences in temperature and precipitation between the northern and southern parts of the island. The Las Cañadas Nature Reserve, the Parque Natural del Teide, and Mount Teide are part of a high-altitude climate.

The data presented in this article reflects long-term averages, so the figures might be slightly higher or lower, but significant deviations are unlikely.

Temperature

In northern Tenerife, January is cooler and wetter than in the south. Average daytime temperatures range from 15°C to 22°C. Nights can be chillier, with temperatures around 10°C. Rainfall is typical for the northern region, resulting in lush landscapes and abundant vegetation.

In southern Tenerife, temperatures are higher than in the north, and it is also drier, with less rainfall. Daytime temperatures range from 18°C to 25°C, while nights remain mild, with lows around 14°C. Rainfall in the south is infrequent and minimal. The region boasts a pleasant climate with ample sunshine, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities and events.

Sea temperatures around Tenerife in January average between 19°C and 20°C, making it possible to enjoy the beaches and swim in the Atlantic Ocean. The amount of daylight varies between 10 and 11 hours, offering plenty of time to explore Tenerife’s natural beauty.

The total annual sunshine hours in southern Tenerife exceed 3,000, making it the only European destination with such abundant sunshine. In northern Tenerife (measured at Los Rodeos Airport), the sun shines an average of 1,313 hours per year.
At Tenerife Sur Airport, January averages 6.8 cloudless days, 18.2 partly cloudy days, 6 fully cloudy days, and 3.7 days with rainfall.

Absolute Figures

Maximum temperatures typically hover around 22°C and rarely drop below 19°C or rise above 24°C. The average coldest maximum temperature is 21°C, occurring around January 15.
Minimum temperatures average around 16°C and seldom dip below 13°C or exceed 18°C.

In January, cloud cover in Tenerife gradually decreases, with the cloud percentage dropping from 33% to 29%. The clearest day of the month is January 31, with 71% of the time featuring clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy skies.

Average rainfall remains relatively constant, ranging between 14 and 37 liters, with rare exceptions reaching up to 54 liters. A rainy day is defined as one with at least 1 millimeter per square meter or 1 liter per cubic meter of rainfall. In Tenerife, the likelihood of a wet day gradually decreases throughout January, starting at 10% and ending at 8%.

Daylight increases by 27 minutes in January, averaging a daily gain of 55 seconds and a weekly gain of 6 minutes and 24 seconds. The sun rises at 7:59 AM on January 1 and sets at 6:44 PM on January 31.

Topography

For the weather analysis of December in Tenerife, the geographical coordinates of Tenerife South Airport were used, specifically: latitude: 28.044°, longitude: -16.572°, and elevation: 50 meters.

The topography within a 3-kilometer radius of Tenerife South Airport shows significant elevation differences, with a maximum height variation of 286 meters and an average elevation of 66 meters above sea level. Within a 16-kilometer radius, the elevation differences are even more pronounced (1,931 meters). Within an 80-kilometer radius, the elevation differences reach extreme levels (3,704 meters).

The area within a 3-kilometer radius of Tenerife South Airport is covered by shrubs (44%), farmland (33%), and artificial surfaces (15%). Within a 16-kilometer radius, the area is composed of water (50%) and shrubs (25%), while within an 80-kilometer radius, the predominant coverage is water (88%).

Sources

This article, The Weather in December in Tenerife, illustrates the typical climate in Tenerife, based on a statistical analysis of historical periodic weather reports and model data reconstructions between January 1, 1980, and December 31, 2016.

For those interested in reading the detailed report (in Spanish), it can be accessed HERE.

Guy Devos © Composition
The Weather in Tenerife in January ©