Tenerife South Weather in January, Spain

What's the Weather like in Tenerife South in January

Temperature 

January is the coldest month of the year for Tenerife South, Canary Islands. Although it's cold for locals, most holidaymakers from Europe will find the temperatures pleasantly warm. At this time of year, the average temperature for the region is 18.4°C, created by average highs of 22°C during the warmest part of the day and average lows of 15°C during the coldest part of the night. Daily averages fluctuate between 18°C and 19°C throughout the month, making it one of the warmest holiday destinations in Europe in January.

The highest temperature ever registered in Tenerife in January is 28.2°C, which was recorded on January 5th 1982 at Tenerife South Airport. On the other hand, the lowest temperature ever registered on the island during this month is 9°C, which was recorded at Tenerife South Airport on January 16^th 1988. Not only was this the oldest January day for the south of the island, but it is the coldest day the south of the island has ever experienced during any month.

If you want to make the most of your holiday time and visit Tenerife South when it's hottest, forget about going in January and plan your holiday for August or September instead, when average temperatures are around 25°C.

A calima is a common weather occurrence which can happen at any time of year in Tenerife South, including in January. Whilst the trade winds normally blow in a north easterly direction over Tenerife, a calima occurs when the winds blow in directly from the east, crossing over the Sahara Desert in northern Africa and bringing with them high temperatures and low visibility, due to a high concentration of sand and dust particles in the air. In Tenerife South, January 2015 kicked off with a calima which saw average temperatures of 20°C-22°C.

Rain

During January, Tenerife South is subject to a fair bit of rainfall, with an average of 17mm falling over the course of two wet days. The likelihood of precipitation occurring drops as the month develops, starting at 16% on January 1^st and falling down to 13% by January 31^st. The most common types of precipitation you can expect to see in Tenerife in January are drizzle (which occurs on 31% of days with rainfall), moderate rain (29%), light rain (20%) and heavy rain (13%). When it does rain in Tenerife South, it's usually over with very quickly and only comes in short spells, so it shouldn't affect your holiday too much.

The highest monthly rainfall ever registered in Tenerife South in January is 135.2mm, which fell in January 2006. Arona reported 95mm of rainfall and San Miguel de Abona reported 80mm. This month also had the highest number of wet days a January has ever seen in Tenerife South ten. January 27^th 2007 was declared the wettest January day ever, when 46.2mm of rainfall fell within a single 24-hour period.

Although it rains heavily 2-3 times each winter in Tenerife South, the region is sorely unprepared. Drains often get blocked up at this time of year, which causes flash flooding, often resulting in the closure of roads. Fortunately, the island's major attractions in the South such as Siam Park, Aqualand, Jungle Park, Monkey Park and, of course, the many beaches rarely close for rain, so you'll always find something to do.

Average Sunshine Hours 

Over the course of an average January, Tenerife South boasts an average of six hours of sunshine each day, along with median cloud coverage which stays roughly the same throughout the month. It begins at 40% on January 1^st and steadily drops down to 37% by January 31^st. On an average day, the sky is clear/mostly clear 39% of the time, partly cloudy 19% and mostly cloudy/overcast 16%.

Average Sea Temperature

Thanks to Tenerife South's year-round pleasant temperatures, the sea is always warm enough for swimming in. In January, the average sea temperature is 21°C. Although the sea in January is much cooler than it is in June or July, it's still definitely warm enough to go swimming in.

Humidity

The relative humidity for Tenerife South in January averages at around 62%, ranging between 48% (comfortable) and 79% (humid), rarely falling below 29% (dry) or rising above 90% (very humid). The air is at its driest around January 13^th, when the relative humidity falls below 58% (mildly humid) three days out of four, whilst it's at its most humid around January 2^nd, when it rises above 73% (humid) three days out of four.

Wind

Over the course of an average January, typical wind speeds in Tenerife South range between 2 m/s (light breeze) and 9 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 January 29^th, when the average daily maximum wind speed is 9 m/s (fresh breeze). The lowest average wind speed of 5 m/s (gentle breeze) occurs around January 8^th, when the average daily maximum wind speed is 8 m/s (fresh breeze). 

Tenerife South Hotels in January

If you're looking for accommodation in a quiet resort, take a look at Santa Barbara in Golf del Sur. This white-washed holiday complex is located on the seafront and is just a five-minute walk away from a line of international bars and restaurants, including a Mexican Cantina and Asian Teppanyaki restaurant. San Blas is a ten-minute walk away and is home to even more international restaurants and bars, plus live entertainment each evening, a supermarket, beauty salons and tourist shops.

At Santa Barbara, accommodation comes in the form of standard and elite studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments, each of which features a marble bathroom, well-equipped kitchen, living room with sofa bed and flat-screen TV, and balcony with sea view. There are loads of children's facilities onsite, including a large saltwater swimming pool with shallow kids' section, children's club, games room, animation staff and paid WiFi access. For adults, there's an Italian restaurant, poolside snack bar, large indoor theatre-bar with nightly entertainment, spa with hot tub and sauna, mini market, gym and paid private parking.

The three-star Royal Park Albatros is also located in Golf del Sur, just a short walk away from the resort's golf course, as well as the neighbouring resort of Amarilla Golf. Set in a quiet residential area of the resort, this complex offers 160 self-catering apartments which are clustered around a large outdoor swimming pool with waterfalls and bridges, all surrounded by tropical gardens. There are studios, one-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom apartments and four-bedroom apartments to choose from, each of which has a lounge with sofa bed, fully-equipped kitchen, complete bathroom and furnished balcony with views of the gardens.

Onsite dining options include the poolside restaurant which hosts evening entertainment and the lobby bar which serves everything from snacks and soft drinks to afternoon tea and cocktails. For children, there's the Barney Bee's kids' club and heated outdoor swimming pool and for adults, there are two Jacuzzis, WiFi access, giant chess board and reading garden.

On the western coast of Tenerife in Los Gigantes lies Ona El Marques. This complex is made up of one- and two-bedroom apartments which each feature a fully-equipped kitchen, complete bathroom and living room with satellite TV, air conditioning and paid WiFi access. Some of the apartments also boast balconies with sea views. The centre of the resort, where you'll find a small selection of local and international bars, restaurants and cafes, plus supermarkets, souvenir shops and the harbour, is just a ten-minute walk away downhill. Within the complex you'll find two outdoor swimming pools (one for adults and one for children), pool bar with outdoor terrace and restaurant with nightly entertainment

For something a bit more central, try Playa Olid Apartments. Set 700m away from Playa Fañabe beach in Costa Adeje, just steps away from a wealth of shops, bars, restaurants and cafes, this complex is comprised of 183 one-bedroom apartments and 19 studios, each of which is spacious and airy with modern décor in black, white, brown and silver.

Each apartment features a complete bathroom, lounge with satellite TV, well-equipped kitchen and terrace or balcony. The staggered apartments are built around a large recreational area with swimming pool, children's pool, Jacuzzi, solarium and pool bar with barbecue facilities. There's also one buffet restaurant, karaoke bar, children's playground and free WiFi access in public areas. Guests can stay on a self-catering or all-inclusive basis.

When it comes to rural accommodation in Tenerife, Hotel 4 Esquinas is a top pick. Set inside a 19^th century restored building and located in the hills of San Miguel de Abona, this hotel has panoramic views which stretch across the south of the island. Hotel 4 Esquinas has been voted the best rural hotel by Trivago and provides comfortable accommodation in the form of seven double rooms.

Each guestroom boasts wooden beamed ceilings, rustic furniture, hardwood floors and traditional Canarian décor, alongside satellite TV, bathroom with hairdryer and WiFi access. There is one onsite restaurant which specialises in traditional Canarian cuisine and local wines, free WiFi access, free parking, relaxing lounge and bicycle hire.

Tenerife South Beach for January

Playa Las Vistas is one of the most popular beaches in the south of Tenerife, tucked in between Playa de Las Americas and Los Cristianos. This golden sandy beach stretches on for about 500m and is backed by a busy promenade lined with international bars, cafes and restaurants, as well as several supermarkets and tourist shops.

The sea here is protected by several breakwaters, so the beach rarely sees any large waves even during strong winds. There are many facilities and services provided, including sun loungers, parasols, toilets, showers, jet ski rental, pedalo rental, parasailing and one beach bar at each end. There is no life guard cover, so make sure you keep an eye on your little ones and there is no nearby parking either, so you're best off walking.

If you're staying in Callao Salvaje during your holiday in Tenerife South, check out Playa de Ajabo. This small black sandy beach is 100m long and 20m wide, making it perfect for families who need to keep an eye on their kids. The bay is flanked by towering cliffs which protect it from strong winds and rough waves, which makes swimming here safe for everyone almost all the time.

Due to its small size, facilities and services are limited to showers, toilets, changing rooms, parasols and sun loungers, but there is a bar just a few metres away from the beach, plus additional bars, cafes, restaurants and supermarkets just a short walk away in the centre of the resort. There is ample nearby parking and a bus stop close by.

Bars and Restaurants

Oliver's With a Twist in Los Cristianos has repeatedly been voted the best restaurant in Tenerife by TripAdvisor. But since it's so popular, tables get booked up on average three months in advance. So if you want to visit, you'll definitely need to make reservations before you go on holiday. If you are lucky enough to eat here, you'll get to pick from a two-course set menu made up of traditional British starters and main courses, each of which incorporates a modern or Canarian twist.

There is a small dessert menu available, too, with a choice of handmade puddings, plus an extensive drinks menu with a variety of English, Canarian and international beers, ciders, wines, cavas, spirits, soft drinks and coffees. Although the restaurant is remarkably small (there are only about 15 tables) the décor is superb and features many quirky trinkets which will have you looking all over the place.

Things to do in Tenerife South in January

Thanks to Tenerife's year-round warm weather, the sea is always warm enough for swimming in even in January. This makes the start of the year a great time to practise water sports such as parascending. Parascending Tenerife is based in Puerto Colon, Playa de Las Americas and provides parascending excursions from the harbour in the resort.

You can parascend on your own, in a pair or in a group of three and everyone from as young as 18 months can give it a go. If you don't fancy soaring 100m above the sea, Parascending Tenerife also organises whale watching tours, jet ski safaris and boat trips.

If you've got a taste for heights, sign up for a trip with Helidream Canarias. This company is based in Costa Adeje and offers five helicopter tours which cover everything from Tenerife's south coast, beaches and ravines to a flight over Mount Teide and a trip across the whole of the island. You can even create your own personalised itinerary or arrange to have a helicopter pick you up at the airport for an exclusive luxury transfer.