Canary Islands in November: weather, sea, daylight and events

In November the south coast of Tenerife averages a daily high of 24.8 °C and a low of 18.2 °C, with about 26 mm of rain falling on just 1.9 days — AEMET's 1981–2010 normals for Tenerife Sur airport. The sea is still around 22–23 °C, but daylight is shrinking: sunset in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is at about 18:20 on 1 November and 18:08 on 30 November. The month is mild and mostly settled on the sunny coasts, wetter and cooler in the north, and properly cold only on the high mountain.

What is the weather like in the Canary Islands in November?

The figures below are AEMET's valores climatológicos normales for 1981–2010, read from each station's official page. They are long-term averages, not a forecast; our wider month-by-month weather guide explains how to read them.

Three things stand out:

• The south and the east stay warm and dry. Tenerife Sur and Lanzarote both average a daytime maximum above 24 °C and only 2–3 rainy days in the month.
• The north is the wet side. At 632 m, Tenerife Norte airport records 81 mm of rain on 8.3 days and only 155 hours of sun, against 193 hours at Tenerife Sur. Grey, damp days are far more common there.
• The mountain is another climate. At Izaña, close to Teide National Park, the mean November minimum is 4.5 °C, with 3.8 frost days and 0.6 snow days on average.

Is November warmer or cooler than October and December?

It sits in between, and the change is gradual. At Tenerife Sur the mean maximum falls from 26.8 °C in October to 24.8 °C in November and 22.8 °C in December, while monthly rain rises from 12 mm to 26 mm and then 30 mm. At Tenerife Norte the maximum goes 22.5 °C, 19.6 °C, 17.1 °C and the rain 47, 81 and 82 mm. In other words, early November still feels like late summer on the coast, and the last week already feels like winter in the north.

Is the sea warm enough to swim in November?

For most people, yes on the south coasts. A satellite analysis of NASA MODIS data by oceanographer Charles Troupin puts the monthly mean sea-surface temperature around the islands between roughly 18 °C and 24 °C over the year, warmest in September and October and coldest in February and March. That study does not give a November figure. A commercial sea-temperature site, based on ten years of daily readings for south Tenerife (it does not name its data provider), reports a November average of 22.8 °C, with daily values between 21.3 °C and 25.3 °C. Treat that as an approximate guide: the water is cooling from its autumn peak but is still comfortable for a swim, and a day-to-day swell or wind often matters more than the exact degree.

How many hours of daylight are there in November?

Fewer than many visitors from northern Europe expect, because the islands are at about 28° N and the winter sun sets early. Times below were calculated for Santa Cruz de Tenerife (28.46° N, 16.25° W), local time.

Plan outdoor days to finish by late afternoon: civil twilight ends at 18:44 on 1 November and 18:34 on 30 November. Hikes in the mountains, where the temperature drops quickly once the sun goes, are best started in the morning.

What should you pack for the Canary Islands in November?

This follows directly from the data above:

• Summer-weight clothing and swimwear for the south and east, where daytime highs are above 24 °C and nights stay around 17–18 °C.
• A light jacket or sweater for evenings and for the north, where the mean minimum is 13.3 °C and rain is frequent.
• A rain jacket or small umbrella if you will spend time in the north of Tenerife, La Palma or La Gomera; the north-facing slopes are the wettest part of each island.
• Warm layers, hat and gloves for Teide or any high-altitude viewpoint: at Izaña the mean November maximum is only 11.1 °C and frost is possible.
• Sun protection: Tenerife Sur still averages 193 hours of sunshine in November, so sunscreen belongs in the bag.

Which island should you choose in November?

If you want the most reliable beach weather, the sunny south of Tenerife and the dry east are the safest bets: Lanzarote's airport averages 207 hours of sunshine and 15 mm of rain this month. If you prefer green landscapes and walking, the north and the western islands such as La Palma are lovelier but will give you more showers. Our guide Which Canary Island is right for you? compares what each island suits.

What festivals and events happen in November?

November is the month of new wine and chestnuts in the islands, with several traditions tied to the end of the harvest. Dates move from year to year, so confirm them with the organiser before you plan around them.

• San Andrés, Tenerife (late November). On the eve of San Andrés, 29 November, the new wine is opened in the north of Tenerife. In Icod de los Vinos locals slide down steep streets on wooden boards (tablas). In 2026 the tablas are due on Sunday 29 November, with the first bottle of the new harvest uncorked on Friday 27, according to Canarian public broadcaster RTVC. In Puerto de la Cruz the same eve is marked by los cacharros, the custom of dragging tin cans through the streets.
• San Martín, La Palma (10–11 November). On the night of 10 November, the eve of San Martín, new wine is tasted from the barrels at wineries across the island, with roasted chestnuts around a bonfire.
• Tenicosquey, Fuerteventura (9–15 November in the tourism calendar). The festivities honour San Martín de Porres with hiking routes, contests, theatre, dances and a pilgrimage; check the year's programme.
• November, month of wine, El Hierro. The official tourism calendar lists a month-long programme in La Frontera (31 October–30 November in the listing) with tapas routes, guided tastings and workshops.

What should you check before you travel?

Two practical points for November. First, the weather is changeable on the north-facing slopes and at altitude, so look at AEMET's warnings and the forecast on our weather page the day before a mountain or coastal outing. Second, some beaches are closed for swimming from time to time when water-quality tests exceed the permitted limits. Playa Jardín in Puerto de la Cruz, for example, was closed four times in 2026 up to 9 October, according to RTVC, and its central cove reopened on 9 October after Public Health analyses. Check the current status of a beach on the day.

So is November a good time to visit?

If you want mild temperatures, warm sea on the south coasts and local festivals, yes. If you need guaranteed dry weather, shorter days are the main limit, and the north and the mountains can be damp or cold. Choose your base by the data above, keep a rain layer in the bag and aim to be back from the hills before the early sunset.