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The Canary islands have long been an escape from the cold European winters and surprisingly as a summer escape from the intense heat of the Spanish mainland summers. The Canaries experience a temperate year round climate due to the cooling effect of the Atlantic. This makes the average temperatures range from 20-30c year round.
We have spent the best part of the last decade exploring the Canary Islands, finding hidden beaches and also getting away from the main islands to dive deeper into what the Canaries really has to offer.
Visiting the Canary Islands in November offers a balance of warm weather, affordable prices, and exciting activities. You can swim in the sea, hike dramatic volcanic trails, or simply relax on a quiet beach. With fewer crowds and plenty of sunshine, this is the ideal time for a winter escape. If you are planning your trip, check out our guides to specific islands such as Tenerife, Lanzarote, La Graciosa and Fuerteventura to make the most of your time on these sun soaked islands.
Contents
How to use this guide
Use the contents table above to jump straight to the sections you need, whether that is deciding if the Canary Islands in November is right for you, figuring out how to get here, or planning your perfect place to stay.
This guide is based on real experiences and is designed to help you plan a flexible and responsible trip. Whether you want to focus more on relaxing beach days, exploring cultural sites, learning to surf or enjoying local food and festivals, this guide can help you plan a trip that suits you best.
Why visit the Canary Islands in November?
If you are dreaming of escaping the cold, grey days of the UK, November is one of the best months to visit the Canary Islands. With average daytime temperatures around 20 to 24°C, warm seas, and fewer crowds than peak summer, it is a fantastic time for a winter sun adventure. Whether you want relaxing beaches, surfing conditions, or rugged volcanic hikes, the Canaries deliver year round sunshine.
We have visited the Canary Islands many times islands, here are seven things to know before visiting the Canary Islands in November. There is an estimated 2000-2500 flights between the UK and the canary islands in November, with many of those flights spread across UK airports, meaning there are plenty of flight options to visit these sun soaked islands.
The Weather Is Warm but Can Be Windy
November in the Canaries still feels like summer compared to Northern Europe. Daytime highs sit comfortably between 20 and 24°C, with nights cooling to around 17°C. The south of Tenerife and Gran Canaria usually enjoy the warmest microclimates, while higher-altitude spots such as Mount Teide can be much cooler. This makes November ideal if you want reliable sunshine without the busy summer crowds.
Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are the windiest of the Canary islands. This makes these islands ideal for sports such as wind and kite surfing. Fuerteventura is the windiest due to its flatter landscape. The winds can start to pick up in November, sometimes with strong guest of up to 40kmh and occasionally bringing sand and dust over from the Sahara.
Sea Temperatures Are Still Great for Swimming
You can absolutely swim in the Canary Islands in November. The sea temperature averages around 22°C, which is warmer similar to much of the Mediterranean in summer. Resorts like Corralejo in Fuerteventura and Playa Blanca in Lanzarote are popular for water sports, while Tenerife’s southern beaches continue to attract sunbathers. Whether you want to surf, snorkel, or simply enjoy a beach day, the water is still swimmable in November.
Which Canary Island Is Best in November?
Each island has something unique to offer in November:
Tenerife South is the warmest choice for November with a dry, sunny climate. It is packed with family-friendly resorts, plenty of entertainment, and golden beaches. The south does have a reputation for its party atmosphere, with Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos at the heart of the nightlife scene.
Tenerife North feels a world away from the south. We stayed in a beautiful villa with an infinity pool overlooking the lush tropical cliffs, and it reminded us a little of Bali. The north offers a more authentic, local experience with charming small towns and traditional Canarian culture. The weather here can be more unpredictable than in the south, but the scenery and atmosphere are worth it.
La Graciosa may not be one of the main islands, but it is a hidden gem worth visiting. This vehicle-free island has a laid-back pace, with only locals driving 4x4s to tour the volcanic landscapes. You will find untouched golden beaches and crystal-clear water. To get here, simply catch the ferry from Lanzarote.
Gran Canaria combines golden beaches with a vibrant capital, Las Palmas. It is a great all-rounder, offering a mix of cultural attractions, lively nightlife, and quieter resort areas.
Lanzarote is known for its dramatic volcanic scenery and excellent hiking opportunities. November evenings are cooler, which makes exploring the island’s landscapes and lava fields even more enjoyable. Lanzarote is a great island for water sports such as surfing and Playa de Famara in the north west is particularly popular with surfers.
READ | Our Lanzarote travel guide
Fuerteventura is the Canary Islands’ hotspot for surf and wind sports. With long sandy beaches and year-round waves, it attracts an active crowd looking for adventure. Don’t forget to visit the incredible Playa de Cofete backed by the majestic Jandia Mountains. Playa de Cofete is a wild untammed beach that is beautiful for its rugged beauty. The journey to the beach itself is also a wild ride and we recommend using a 4x4.
El Hierro is the smallest of the main Canary Islands and feels completely off the beaten path. Known for its marine life and diving spots, it is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with peaceful hiking trails.
La Palma is often called La Isla Bonita (the beautiful island). It is lush and green, with dramatic volcanic peaks and starry skies. November is a fantastic month for stargazing, hiking, and discovering its natural beauty.
La Gomera offers rugged cliffs, deep valleys, and the ancient laurel forests of Garajonay National Park. It is one of the best choices for those looking for quiet, unspoiled nature and authentic Canarian culture.
If you are seeking winter warmth, Tenerife and Gran Canaria are the most reliable, while Lanzarote and Fuerteventura appeal to those chasing adventure and sports such as surfing and wind surfing.
November Is Less Busy
November sits in the shoulder season, so you will find fewer crowds compared to the busy summer (July & August) and winter (December & January) months. Prices are also cheaper than during Christmas and New Year.
However, early November sometimes overlaps with UK half-term holidays, so popular family resorts can still fill quickly. It is worth booking flights and accommodation in advance to secure the best deals.
Use our handy interactive map below to browse hotels, resorts and guesthouse options in the Canary Islands.
Zoom in on where you would like to stay and see the options available.
It Is a Great Time for Outdoor Adventures
The cooler yet sunny climate in November makes the Canary Islands perfect for outdoor exploration. Hiking trails are more comfortable without the harsh summer sun, especially in Tenerife’s Mount Teide National Park or La Palma’s Caldera de Taburiente.
Surf season begins in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, with consistent swells drawing surfers from around the world. Cyclists flock to Tenerife and Gran Canaria for training camps, while the clear skies make the Canaries one of the best stargazing locations in Europe.
Surfing in the Canary Islands
November is a fantastic month to visit the Canary Islands if you are chasing reliable waves. The biggest and most consistent swells arrive between October and February, making this the prime surf season across the islands.
Lanzarote is often called the “Hawaii of Europe” thanks to its year-round surf and dramatic volcanic coastline. In reality, every Canary Island has its own character and choice of surf breaks, from mellow beach waves for beginners to world-class reef breaks for advanced surfers.
Some of the most famous surf spots include:
El Confital (Gran Canaria): Renowned for its powerful right-hand barrels.
Famara (Lanzarote): A long, golden beach with consistent waves suitable for all levels.
Los Lobos (Fuerteventura): An iconic, hollow left point break that draws surfers from around the world.
La Santa (Lanzarote): A heavy, reefy wave best left to experienced surfers.
El Frontón (Gran Canaria): Known as one of Europe’s heaviest reef breaks.
Izquierda de Las Palmeras (Tenerife): Famous for its long, peeling left-handers.
With warm water temperatures, plenty of surf schools, and a mix of waves for all abilities, the Canaries are one of Europe’s best winter surfing escapes.
Local Events and Festivities
November is also a lively month for festivals and cultural events across the Canary Islands. Some events to keep an eye out for include:
International Kite Festival (Fuerteventura): Held on the dunes of Corralejo, this colourful event fills the sky with creative kites from around the world.
Winter Pride (Gran Canaria): Maspalomas becomes the centre of vibrant celebrations with live music, parades, and parties.
San Andrés Festival (Tenerife and beyond): A traditional celebration marking the new wine season with bonfires, roasted chestnuts, and wine tastings.
Tensamba Festival (Tenerife): A lively celebration of Brazilian music and culture with concerts and performances.
Festival Traslación (Lanzarote): A contemporary dance festival showcasing innovative performances across the island.
These events add a cultural layer to a November trip, offering travellers the chance to mix island sunshine with local traditions, music, and celebration.
Where to Stay on the Canary Islands
Below is a selection of hotels that offer, comfort, luxury and great locations to explore each island. Stay tuned for a future guide on the best hotels to stay for each island.
Watch our Canary Island playlist
Plan your trip with our guides
7 reasons why La Graciosa Lanzarote should be your next destination
A hidden treasure of Lanzarote | A guide to La Graciosa
The best things to see and do in Lanzarote, Spain
Fuerteventura Travel Guide | The Best Things to Do Including Map
Discover the Wild Beauty of Tenerife | 4 Days in Tenerife
Canary Islands in December | Weather, Festive Events and Where to Stay