What's the weather like in Tenerife in September
Temperature
Along with August, September is one of the hottest months for Tenerife, Canary Islands, when the days are long and sunny, the nights are warm and short and rain is almost guaranteed not to fall. During this month, the average temperature for the island is 23⁰C, created by average highs of 27⁰C during the daytime and average lows of 20⁰C at night.
Both the weather and the temperature can vary greatly between Tenerife North and Tenerife South. The southern resorts, such as Los Cristianos and Playa de Las Americas, generally enjoy higher temperatures and more sunshine than northern resorts, such as Puerto de La Cruz. So if you're a sun worshipper and want the highest temperatures and clearest skies possible, you're best off staying in Tenerife South in September. Nevertheless, if you prefer slightly cooler temperatures and don't mind the odd cloudy day, Tenerife North might be better for you.
In September, daily averages gradually decrease as the month develops. Daily averages start off at 26⁰C during the first few days of the month, before they drop down to 25⁰C. During the final two weeks of the month, daily averages fluctuate between 25⁰C and 24⁰C. This makes the first week of September the hottest time to visit Tenerife.
Highs and Lows
The highest temperature ever registered in Tenerife in September is 41.8⁰C, which was recorded at Tenerife South Airport on September 6th 1986. The lowest temperature ever registered on the island during this month is 0⁰C, which was recorded at Izaña on September 14th 1970.
If you don't like hot temperatures and would prefer to visit Tenerife when things are a bit milder, consider holidaying in October or June, when average temperatures are 21⁰C-22⁰C.
Rain
Tenerife receives only a tiny amount of rainfall in September, when the likelihood of precipitation steadily increases as the month develops. In Tenerife North, the probability of rainfall starts off at 18% on September 1st and rises up to 28% by September 30th. In Tenerife South, the chance of rainfall begins at 5% on September 1st and rises up to 10% by September 30th.
Throughout the month, the whole of Tenerife receives an average of 9mm of rainfall which falls on a single day. The most common types of precipitation you can expect to see on the island during this month are drizzle, light rain or moderate rain.
The highest monthly rainfall ever registered in Tenerife in September is 142.3mm, which was recorded at Izaña during September 1967. The 12th of that month was declared the wettest September day ever, when 75.9mm of water fell within a single 24-hour period. What's more the maximum number of wet days Tenerife has ever seen in September is 14, which was registered at Tenerife North Airport during September 1993.
Average Sunshine Hours
During September, Tenerife boasts an average of eight hours of daily sunshine, along with median cloud coverage which slowly increases as the month develops. In Tenerife South, median cloud coverage begins at 31% on September 1st and steadily rises up to 38% by September 30th. In Tenerife North, cloud coverage begins at the slightly higher 40% and climbs up to 44% by September 30th.
Average Sea Temperatures
Thanks to the year-round mild temperatures that Tenerife enjoys, the sea is almost warm enough for swimming in. In September, the average sea temperature for the island is 24⁰C that's as hot as it gets in the Canary Islands.
Humidity
The relative humidity for Tenerife in September averages at around 70%, ranging between 51% (mildly humid) and 82% (very humid), rarely reaching as high as 100% (very humid) or dropping below 24% (dry).
In Tenerife North, the air is driest around September 1st, when the relative humidity falls below 61% (mildly humid) three days out of four, whilst it's at its most humid around September 23rd, when it rises above 88% (very humid) three days out of four.
In Tenerife South, the air is driest around September 1st, when it drops below 61% (mildly humid) three days out of four, whilst it's at its most humid around September 22nd, when it rises above 78% (humid) three days out of four.
Wind
Over the course of an average September in Tenerife, typical wind speeds vary between 1 m/s (light air) and 10 m/s (fresh breeze), rarely rising above 13 m/s (strong breeze). The highest average wind speed of 6 m/s (moderate breeze) happens around September 1st, when the average daily maximum wind speed is 10 m/s (fresh breeze).
The lowest average wind speed of 5 m/s (gentle breeze) occurs around September 30th in the north and September 26th in the south, with the average daily maximum is 7 m/s (moderate breeze) in the north and 9 m/s (fresh breeze) in the south. The strongest wind ever registered in Tenerife in September is 38.3 m/s, which was registered in Izaña on September 14th 2014.
Weather Hazards
Calima
Even though calimas can affect Tenerife during any month, they're especially bad when they happen during summer and the months either side, like September. A calima occurs when instead of cool trade winds blowing in from the north east, they blow in directly from the east.
When they blow in this way, the winds first pass over the Sahara Desert in northern Africa, bringing with them high temperatures (often as high as 10⁰C above the average) and low visibility due to a high concentration of dust and sand particles in the air. Although there is no severe danger caused by a calima, it is generally uncomfortable for everyone on the island, especially those with breathing conditions.
When there's a calima, the Canarian MET office issues a weather alert. On September 7th 2011, the weather office issued a yellow alert for high temperatures of up to 35⁰C in south, west and east of the island. This alert was then upgraded to orange on September 8th 2011, when temperatures were expected to be in excess of 40⁰C in Tenerife, as well as in Gran Canaria.
Tenerife Hotels in September
H10 Costa Adeje Palace
With a boastful location right by La Enramada beach and the historic La Caleta fishing village, the H10 Costa Adeje Palace is ideal for a range of holiday-goers. Relax and unwind on-site with the wellness centre, and swimming pool or utilise the hotel's private tennis court. Guests can also enjoy the nearby Costa Adeje golf course.
Each of the comfortable guestrooms is inclusive of its own terrace, private bathrooms, TV, safe, and air conditioning. The hotel also offers wonderful dining options at the a la carte restaurant and buffet. Evening shows, discos and live music performances are also provided to keep the whole family entertained.
Sunwing Resort Fanabe
When it comes to family-friendly accommodation in Tenerife South, Sunwing Resort Fañabe is one of the best. Located in Fañabe in Costa Adeje just a five-minute walk away from the Playa Fañabe beach, this family-friendly resort has a large swimming pool with a smaller children's pool, several kids' clubs for different age groups and mini discos. For adults, there's a solarium surrounding the swimming pools, a well-equipped gym with organised workout classes and spa with body massages and facial treatments.
There are two onsite restaurants Vicente's Kitchen & Grill which serves Mediterranean cuisine for lunch and dinner, plus the main breakfast room where a buffet selection is served every morning. There's also a pool bar, a show bar which hosts live entertainment, a minimarket and a deli. There are loads of money-saving options when it comes to kids' meals from fixed-priced ice cream cards and all-inclusive programmes to free buffets when accompanied by an adult.
The accommodation comes in the form of small, standard and large one-bedroom apartments, each of which is decorated with brightly-coloured adornments and features WiFi access, air conditioning, satellite TV and kitchenette with fridge, hob, toaster, microwave and tea/coffee making facilities.
Hotel NH Tenerife
If you'd rather stay in the north of the island, check out Hotel NH Tenerife. Based in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, this hotel is ideally located for exploring the local area on foot, with the Tres de Mayo shopping centre, Nuestra Señora de Africa fresh product market, TEA art gallery, the city's major shopping streets and loads of local cafes all within easy walking distance. This three-star hotel has 64 modern rooms decorated with dark wooden floors, neutral colour schemes and red highlights.
Each standard and superior guestroom includes free WiFi access and air conditioning, with junior suites being significantly larger and also boasting plus lounges. There is one sophisticated onsite restaurant which serves healthy and continental options for breakfast, plus Mediterranean cuisine a la carte on the evening.
Although there's no swimming pool, there is a rooftop terrace with sun loungers, tables and exercise machines which you can use whilst admire the cityscape. If you simply can't manage without a pool, the Parque Marítimo César Manrique is only a 15-minute walk away from the hotel.
Tenerife Beach for September
Playa Fanabe
If you're looking for a family-friendly beach in the south of Tenerife, Playa Fañabe in Costa Adeje is ideal. This beach is backed by a long promenade where you'll find a wealth of British and international cafes, bars and restaurants, plus souvenir shops and supermarkets. The sand here is a cross between golden and volcanic, which can sometimes make it look a bit grey. The eastern side of the beach is the most family-friendly section, where you'll find sun loungers and parasols available to hire, plus showers, toilets, lifeguards, a beach bar and water sports, including jet skiing, pedaloes and banana boats.
The western side of the beach is more upmarket and has more expensive beach bars which play chilled out dance music, Balinese-style beds and the same facilities you'll find at the eastern side of the beach.
The sea at Playa Fañabe is protected by the harbour on the eastern side and several rocky breakwaters staggered along the rest of the coast. Not only do these breakwaters make sure the sea stays calm and perfect for swimming in all weather conditions, but they also provide the perfect environment for snorkelling and diving. If you get tired of sunbathing and swimming, head to the promenade where you can play a round of crazy golf or watch the kids have fun on the trampolines.
Playa El Camison
For something a bit quieter, visit the Blue Flag Playa El Camison in Playa de Las Americas. This small golden sandy beach is located just a short walk down from the Safari Centre and has basic facilities, including sun beds, shades, showers, toilets and an ice cream kiosk, as well as a small and rather expensive restaurant which closes early evening.
There is a sloped grassy section shaded by palm trees which runs the length of the beach and makes for a popular sunbathing spot for holidaymakers when the beach is full. Although during busy seasons, you might struggle to get a spot even here! Thanks to its small size and the rocky structures which wrap around the outside of this bay, the sea at Playa El Camison is really calm, making it popular with swimmers of all abilities.
Bars and Restaurants
Harriet's Tea Room
Harriet's Tea Room in Costa Adeje is a great place to go for afternoon tea.
Recommended by both TripAdvisor and EasyJet, this popular British eatery serves all kinds of cakes, scones, biscuits, pies, crumpets, tea cakes, and freshly prepared sandwiches, with several gluten-free and diabetic options available, too.
Full English breakfasts are served all day long, with burgers, jacket potatoes, salads, and pancakes served for lunch. If you're after something more filling, visit Harriet's Tea Room between 6.30 pm and 10 pm Monday to Friday, when British pub grub-style meals (like fish and chips) are served.
Harley's American Diner
Harley's American Diner is one of the best places in the south of Tenerife for live music.
Located at the foot of San Eugenio in Playa de Las Americas, this bar-restaurant has an all-American feel with music and movie memorabilia decorating the walls, ceiling, and floors. Most people visit for its extensive cocktail list (all cocktails are made to order by trained mixologists) which you can browse before watching the live rock bands which take to the stage every night at around 10 pm. There's also a varied menu available, loaded with Tex-Mex and American classics, such as ribs, steaks, burgers, burritos, enchiladas, and salads.
Things to do in Tenerife in September
Anaga
Anaga is a beautiful part of north eastern Tenerife which includes mountains, coastline, forests, ravines and remote villages. This area is a protected landscape and includes the famous Roques de Anaga large rock formations in the sea which have been shaped by erosion. The Barranco de Las Huertas is another interesting part of the area where you can see amazing views which stretch on for miles over the green mountainous parts of the area and out to sea.
Walkers and hikers of all abilities will love the numerous walking trails. These trials are very clearly signposted and last for anywhere from ten minutes to six hours, making them suitable for everyone. Since Anaga is so high up and mountainous, this part of Tenerife is often very cool, cloudy and misty all-year-round. So make sure you take a jumper or jacket and a pair of trousers to throw on before you go exploring.
Parque Taoro
Parque Taoro in Puerto de la Cruz is a great place to spend the day, whatever the weather. This park covers 100,000m2 and is divided into three sections La Atalaya where you'll find the impressive lookout point, el Camino de La Sortija and Los Jardines del Taoro. All the gardens are bursting with flower beds full of native species, stone steps, ponds, waterfalls, old maps and great views.
There are also loads of small lizards throughout the park which will be happy to eat any leftovers if you brought a picnic with you. There are also several cafes in the area, where you can relax and enjoy a coffee as you watch the world go by. This park is open all day 365 days a year and is totally free to enter.
