Playa de Las Americas in the south of Tenerife, Canary Islands is one of the top holiday destinations in Europe for families and couples alike. This coastal resort enjoys a subtropical climate, with pleasantly warm weather all-year-round, although there is a small difference in temperature between the scorching summer months and the milder winter months.
Rain is almost unheard of during summer, which lasts from the end of May until the end of September, when the average number of sunshine hours each day is 12. Rainfall is more likely during winter which usually falls between November and February, when the average amount of rainfall is 66mm each month.
Playa de Las Americas attracts all sorts of visitors in search of all types of holidays. There are plenty of family-friendly hotels, action-packed beaches and children's activities available to keep the families happy, whilst groups in search of a livelier, fun-filled holiday will be overjoyed with the range of extreme excursions and heady nightlife on offer.
What's the weather like in Playa de las Americas in January
Temperature
Although Playa de Las Americas enjoys year-round pleasant temperatures, January is the coldest month of year to visit. During this time, the resort experiences an average temperature of 19°C, which drops down to 18°C in the final few days. Daily highs and lows follow the same pattern, falling from 22°C to 21°C and from 16°C to 15°C, respectively. Although it's a rare occurrence, temperatures can sometimes exceed 24°C or drop below 14°C in Playa de Las Americas in January.
Extreme Temperatures
In January, the highest temperature which has ever been recorded at the Reina Sofía south airport the closest weather station to Playa de Las Americas is 28.2°C, which was recorded on January 5th in 1982. On the other hand, the lowest temperature ever recorded here during this month is 9°C which was registered on January 16th 1988.
Rain
With an average precipitation of only 6mm divided between five days of the month, it's likely you won't experience any rainfall at all during your holiday. This means you can safely leave your umbrella at home and fill your suitcase with suntan cream instead.
The chance of precipitation falling decreases as the month progresses. Rainfall is most likely to make an appearance on January 2nd, when it falls on 16% whilst precipitation is least likely to fall on January 31st, when it only appears on 13% of days.
If you are unlucky enough to experience some form of precipitation during your holiday, it will most likely be drizzle, moderate rain, light rain or heavy rain. Whilst thunderstorms are also possible at this time of year, you'll be pleased to hear that snowfall is completely unheard of.
The highest monthly rainfall ever experienced by Playa de Las Americas in January is 135.2 l/m2, which occurred in January 2006. At the other end of the scale, the lowest month rainfall ever experienced in the resort during January is 0 l/m2, which occurred in January 2013.
The greatest number of days ever affected by rainfall in Playa de Las Americas during this month is ten, which occurred in January 2006. The maximum rainfall ever experienced in a single day in the resort is 46.2 l/m2, which fell on January 27th 2007.
November to February is when Playa de Las Americas receives the most of its rainfall and thanks to insufficient draining systems throughout the resort, flash floods frequently occur. If you do experience a rainstorm during your holiday, it will most likely be extremely heavy and over within a few hours at the most. The ever-present Canarian sunshine is always quick to dry up any flood water, so you should be able to get back on the beach the very next day.
Average Sunshine Hours
Throughout January, Playa de Las Americas enjoys an average of nine hours of sunshine every day, giving you plenty of time to soak up some rays at the beach or take it easy by the pool.
Average Sea Temperature
If you do fancy spending a day at the beach, you'll be pleased to hear that the average sea temperature during this month is 20°C, which is more than warm enough for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving.
Wind
Over the course of an average January in Playa de Las Americas, typical wind speeds vary from 2 m/s (light breeze) to 9 m/s (fresh breeze) almost never going above 13 m/s (strong breeze). The highest average wind speed of 6 m/s (moderate breeze) occurs around January 29th, when the average daily maximum is 9 m/s. On the other hand, the lowest average wind speed of 5 m/s (gentle breeze) happens around January 8th, when the average daily maximum is 8 m/s (fresh breeze).
During January, the length of the day remains essentially constant, with a difference of only 27 minutes between the first and last day of the month. The longest day in Playa de Las Americas in January is January 31st, with ten hours and 51 minutes of daylight, whilst the shortest day of the month is January 1st with ten hours and 24 minutes of daylight.
Weather Hazards
Whilst they make less of an appearance in the winter months, calimas and siroccos can occur at any time of the year in Playa de Las Americas even in January. These unpleasant weather conditions are caused by sand storms blown over from the west coast of Africa and can last for anything from a few hours up to ten days.
Whilst they don't pose any real danger, calimas bring with them very high temperatures, low visibility and a general discomfort for everyone in the resort. Siroccos bring with them the same conditions, as well as extremely strong winds.
Playa de las Americas Hotels in January
Pueblo Torviscas is another great choice for families and couples looking for somewhere to stay during their holiday in Tenerife. This complex is comprised of studios and one-bedroom apartments which sleep up to three and four people, respectively. The list of onsite amenities is extensive and covers numerous swimming pools, Jacuzzi, 24-hour reception, bars, restaurants, internet access and daily activity programme.
When it comes to affordable luxury, Hotel Mediterranean Palace ticks all the boxes. Ideally-located in the heart of Playa de Las Americas, this hotel is only a short walk away from the beach, a shopping centre and plenty of nightlife. Guests are encouraged to take advantage of the numerous facilities which include swimming pools, bars, restaurants, kids' club, entertainment and regular parties.
If you're looking for a budget holiday in Tenerife, be sure to check out the Paraiso Royal Apartments. Only a stone's throw away from the beach and a variety of bars, restaurants and shops, this complex offers a variety of spacious and comfortable studios and one-bedroom apartments. There are plenty of services and amenities to enjoy, including swimming pools, sun terrace, reception, bar and satellite TV in all rooms.
Families and couples looking for somewhere to stay during their holiday in Tenerife should take a look at Vina del Mar. One of the best-rated low-cost complexes in the resort, Vina del Mar is made up of spacious and well-equipped rooms which are located in the centre of the resort. There are plenty of features available in the complex, including bar, restaurant and swimming pool, as well as more facilities and serves available close by.
Gala Hotel is one of the most popular complexes in Tenerife. Here you'll find a wealth of onsite amenities, including swimming pools, kids' water park, spa, gym, padel courts, bar, restaurant, WiFi access, hair dressers and entertainment programme. There are two types of rooms for guests to choose from standard and Club Alexandre ensuring something for every budget.
Playa de las Americas Beach for January
Found in front of Palm Beach Club, Playa de Troya is without a doubt one of the best beaches in Playa de Las Americas. Here you'll find soft dark sand which provides plenty of room for children to play lined by warm, clear waters which are perfect for swimming. There are plenty of facilities to enjoy, including sun loungers, shades, showers, lifeguards and a wealth of water sports, as well as a bustling promenade just a few steps away.
Another great option is Playa de Torviscas, found in the most western part of Playa de Las Americas. This beach features lighter, more golden sand and very calm waters which are ideal for children and unconfident swimmers to enjoy. Visitors can take advantage of the huge number of amenities here, which includes sun bed and shade rental, showers, toilets, beach bars and water sports, as well as a great selection of bars, restaurants, shops and supermarkets nearby.
Bars and Restaurants
With such a huge choice of international eateries available, you'll be spoilt for choice during your holiday in Playa de Las Americas. First Love is an award-winning restaurant which boasts a menu full of Italian delicacies. Here you can choose from a number of tempting dishes, such as homemade pasta with prawns, steak with garlic butter and handmade pizza. Make sure you leave room for tiramisu and a shot of limoncello at the end of your meal.
If you find yourself craving a curry during your stay, be sure to head to Krishna 2 Indian Tandoori Restaurant. Here you'll find an amazing selection of traditional Indian starters, mains, sides and desserts with something for every curry aficionado to enjoy. Whether you prefer a mild korma or a fiery vindaloo, you're sure to find just what you're looking for here.
When it comes to family-friendly bars in Playa de Las Americas, Scotch Corner Bar is a great choice. There is a fantastic selection of drinks available behind the bar, with everything from imported beers to local wines and children's cocktails. The staff are incredibly friendly and will do everything they can to ensure you have a great night out.
Sports fans won't want to miss the chance to enjoy a drink at the Sporting Jester. This bar shows a wide range of live sporting events, including football and horse racing. Come nightfall, the bar takes on a cabaret scene with entertainment in the form of singers, dancers, comedians and tribute acts.
Things to do in Playa de las Americas in January
Playa de Las Americas in Tenerife is full of things to see and do for the whole family. If you'd like to take in a show during your holiday, make sure you stop by the Piramide de Arona and find out what the current performance is. This venue can accommodate more than 1,800 guests and comes equipped with all the latest audiovisual technology, which makes for an amazing night. With such a wide range of shows everything from flamenco dancing and magic shows to ballet performances and rock gigs there's something for everyone to enjoy.
If you'd like the chance to see the amazing marine life found underneath the water's surface, but don't want to get wet, why not sign up for a Submarine Safari excursion? This group organises transport from Playa de Las Americas directly to Amarilla Golf where you'll enter the submarine and begin your journey. The waters surrounding Tenerife are teeming with all sorts of colourful coral formations, exotic fish and other aquatic animals, so don't forget to take your camera.
