January Weather in Tenerife
Tenerife, like the rest of the Canary Islands, lies off the western coast of Africa. The island is situated at the same latitude as the Sahara Desert. Due to the northeasterly trade winds and the Canary Current, temperatures in Tenerife are a little cooler than on the North African mainland. Regardless, Tenerife’s climate is warm all year round.
Temperatures in January
In January, Tenerife experiences mild and pleasant weather – a perfect destination if you are seeking a winter escape. Tenerife’s diverse microclimates mean that the weather may differ between the northern and southern parts of the island. The southern part of Tenerife, including popular tourist areas like Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas, tends to be sunnier and warmer than the northern regions.
Air Temperature
Daytime temperatures
In the coastal areas and popular tourist destinations in the southern part of the island, daytime temperatures typically range from around 18 to 22 degrees Celsius (64 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit).
The northern parts of the island may experience slightly cooler temperatures compared to the southern and coastal areas. Areas situated at higher elevations typically encounter temperatures in the single digits during January, and it is not unusual to see snow on Mount Teide.
Nighttime temperatures
On average, you can expect nighttime temperatures in the range of approximately 10 to 15 degrees Celsius (50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit).
Sea Temperature
Tenerife lies in the Atlantic Ocean. At the beginning of the year, the sea temperatures are at their lowest and in January they usually range from 18 to 20 degrees Celsius (64 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit). However, this is still fairly comfortable compared to the Mediterranean Sea, where water temperatures drop even further during the winter months.
Sunshine
Daylight Hours
January is part of the winter season, and daylight hours are shorter compared to the summer months. On average, you can expect around 10 hours of daylight in Tenerife during this month.
Number of Sunny Days
Tenerife typically experiences a considerable number of sunny days in January. On average, you can expect around 21 days of sunshine during this month. While January is part of the winter season, Tenerife’s subtropical climate ensures milder temperatures and relatively sunny weather compared to many other European destinations during the winter months.
UV-Index
The UV-index is a measure of the strength of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun that reaches the Earth’s surface. It’s an important indicator of the potential for harm from unprotected sun exposure.
In Tenerife during January, the sun index typically ranges from 4 to 6 on average. This falls into the “moderate” range, which means there is a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Even in the winter months, it’s essential to take precautions to protect your skin from the sun, such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak UV hours.
Rainfall
January is considered one of the wetter months in Tenerife, but the rainfall is still relatively low compared to other destinations. On average, Tenerife can experience roughly 6 to 7 days or around 20 to 40 millimetres of rainfall in January. Compare this to an average of 15 to 20 rainy days / 50 to 100 millimetres of rain in England and 20 to 25 days / 60 to 150 millimetres in Scotland! In Tenerife, the amount of precipitation is often moderate, and rain showers are typically short-lived.
The distribution of rainfall can vary between the northern and southern parts of the island. The northern regions tend to receive more rainfall than the southern areas, which are often drier and sunnier. Coastal areas also generally experience less rainfall compared to higher-altitude locations.
Wind
Generally, January is not known for particularly strong winds in Tenerife with an average wind speed of 4.7 mph / 7.6 kmh. However, do keep in mind that Tenerife has a diverse landscape, including mountainous areas, which can influence local weather patterns. Therefore, the level of wind in Tenerife in January can vary depending on the specific location on the island and prevailing weather patterns.
In the coastal areas, especially in the southern parts of the island where many popular tourist destinations are located, the winds are usually milder. On the other hand, the northern and higher-altitude regions may experience slightly stronger winds.
What to Wear in Tenerife in January
In the daytime, you can often get away with a T-shirt and shorts. On a sunny day, you may even be able to sunbathe in your swimming trunks or bikini, if you find a sheltered location. It is advisable to bring a light jacket or jumper for the evenings, especially if you plan to be outdoors or at higher elevations.
Check the forecast
Before you set off on holiday, don’t forget to check the forecast for your travel dates to get the up-to-date information on temperatures and weather patterns during your stay in Tenerife.
