You're standing at the luggage carousel in Gran Canaria, sweating in your heavy wool sweater, watching locals stroll by in flip-flops. It happens every year. People see "November" on the calendar and their brain screams "winter," but the Canary Islands don't really do winter. Not in the way London or Berlin does. Honestly, the canary islands temp november is one of the most misunderstood bits of weather data in the travel world because it’s not just one number. It's a chaotic, beautiful mess of microclimates.
The islands are basically the "Islands of Eternal Spring," a cliché that actually holds water. While the UK is shivering under a grey blanket of sleet, the Canaries are soaking up the last of the African warmth. It's weirdly pleasant. You can go from a sun-drenched beach to a misty, shivering pine forest in forty minutes. That’s the magic—and the headache—of visiting in late autumn.
The Raw Data vs. Reality
If you look at the official stats from the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET), you’ll see an average high of about 23°C to 24°C (73°F to 75°F). That sounds nice, right? But it’s misleading.
In the sun, it feels like 28°C.
In the shade, with the Atlantic breeze hitting your damp skin, it feels like 18°C.
The sea temperature is surprisingly stable. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the water lingers around 21°C or 22°C. It’s actually warmer than it is in June because the ocean has spent the entire summer absorbing heat. You can absolutely swim. Most tourists do, though the locals might look at you like you’ve lost your mind as they break out their light down jackets for the "chilly" 19°C evenings.
Gran Canaria: The Mini-Continent
Gran Canaria is the wildest example of why a single temperature forecast is useless. The island is split by a massive mountain range. The north, around Las Palmas, can be cloudy and humid—the famous panza de burro (donkey’s belly) cloud cover. Meanwhile, down south in Maspalomas, the dunes are baking.
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If you're staying in Puerto Rico or Mogán, you’re in a bubble. These spots are protected by cliffs, trapping the heat and blocking the wind. It’s significantly hotter there than in the capital. I’ve seen people get a localized sunburn in Mogán while it was drizzling in the mountains of Tejeda just a few miles away.
Tenerife: The Teide Factor
Tenerife follows a similar pattern. The south (Adeje, Los Cristianos) is the safe bet for sun worshippers. But November is when the first dusting of snow can appear on Mount Teide. It’s a bizarre sight. You’re lying on a beach in 24°C heat, looking up at a 3,715-meter peak capped in white.
If you plan on taking the cable car up Teide, don't be the person in shorts. The temperature at the summit can plummet to near freezing, even when the coast is tropical. The "Canary Islands temp November" experience is entirely dependent on your altitude. For every 100 meters you climb, you lose about 0.6°C. Do the math before you hike.
The Wind and the Dust
We have to talk about the Calima. It’s this weather phenomenon where hot, dust-laden winds blow over from the Sahara. It doesn't happen every week, but when it hits in November, it flips the script.
Suddenly, the sky turns a hazy orange. The temperature spikes. It can hit 30°C in the middle of November. Your eyes get itchy, and the air feels thick. It usually lasts two or three days. While it’s great for a "heatwave" feel, it’s actually pretty annoying for hiking or photography. Keep an eye on local alerts if you have asthma, as the air quality drops significantly during a Calima event.
Rainfall: Should You Bring an Umbrella?
Statistically, November is one of the "wettest" months. But "wet" in the Canaries is a joke compared to Northern Europe. We’re talking maybe 3 to 5 days of rain in the entire month. Most of it falls in the north or the highlands.
- Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are almost desert-like. Rain there is a rare event.
- La Palma and El Hierro are greener and catch more Atlantic moisture.
- The southern coasts of the big islands stay remarkably dry.
When it does rain, it's usually a short, sharp burst. The ground drinks it up instantly. You don't need a heavy raincoat; a light, packable windbreaker is plenty.
The Daylight Situation
One thing people forget is that the Canaries are much further south than mainland Spain. In November, you’re getting about 10 to 11 hours of daylight. The sun sets around 6:00 PM or 6:30 PM.
This matters.
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The moment the sun dips behind the horizon, the temperature drops fast. It’s not a slow cooling; it’s a "where did I put my hoodie?" kind of drop. If you’re dining alfresco—which you definitely should—you’ll want a light layer. The "real" Canary Islands temp November after dark settles around 17°C or 18°C.
Comparison: Which Island is Warmest?
People always ask which island to pick for the best November weather.
Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are generally the "driest" and feel consistently warm because they lack high mountains to trap clouds. However, they are windy. Fuerteventura literally means "strong wind" (well, sort of, the etymology is debated, but the wind is real). That wind can make 22°C feel quite brisk if you're just sitting on a beach.
Tenerife and Gran Canaria offer the most variety. If you want guaranteed heat, stick to the south-southwest coasts.
La Gomera and La Palma are for the hikers. In November, these islands are lush and gorgeous. They feel like a temperate rainforest. It won't be "bikini weather" 24/7, but it's perfect for smashing out a 15km trail without overheating.
Practical Insights for Your Trip
Stop looking at the 14-day forecast on your phone. Those apps usually pull data from the airport stations, which are often in windy, exposed coastal areas. They rarely reflect the microclimate of your specific resort.
Instead, use Ventusky or Windy.com. These sites show you the cloud layers and wind gusts in real-time. It’s much more accurate for islands with this much topographical drama.
What to pack:
Forget the heavy coat. Bring layers. A base t-shirt, a light sweater or fleece, and a wind-resistant shell. This combo handles everything from a beach sunset to a mountain drive. You’ll also need high-SPF sunscreen. The UV index in the Canaries stays high year-round because of the latitude. You will burn in November. I’ve seen it happen to countless "I don't need cream, it's autumn" travelers.
Where to stay:
If you are a total sun-seeker, look at places like Playa Blanca in Lanzarote, Maspalomas in Gran Canaria, or Costa Adeje in Tenerife. These are the heat sinks of the archipelago. If you prefer a "cool autumn" vibe with cozy fires and misty walks, head to the northern villages like Teror or La Orotava.
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November is arguably the best month to visit. The summer crowds are gone, the prices haven't hit the Christmas peak yet, and the ocean is at its most inviting. You get to live in a perpetual state of "late September" while the rest of the world is digging out their de-icer.
Check the local ferry schedules between islands. The sea can get a bit choppier in November compared to August, so if you’re prone to seasickness, the short flights between islands (Binter or Canaryfly) are a better bet than the Fred Olsen express ferries.
The most important thing to remember about the canary islands temp november is that you are in control of it. If you’re too cold, drive south for twenty minutes. If you’re too hot, head up a mountain. It’s the only place in Europe where you can choose your own season on any given Tuesday.
Actionable Next Steps
- Book South/Southwest: If your primary goal is tanning, prioritize accommodation on the southern or southwestern shores of the islands to stay shielded from the trade winds.
- Monitor the Calima: Check the AEMET website specifically for dust warnings if you have respiratory issues.
- Layer Up for Sunsets: Pack a lightweight "emergency" layer for dinner, as the coastal breeze makes the evening temperature drop feel more significant than the thermometer suggests.
- Reserve the Cable Car Early: If you plan to visit Teide, book your permit or cable car tickets weeks in advance; November is popular for hikers wanting to avoid the summer heat.
- Trust the Water: Don't skip the beach. The Atlantic is at its thermal peak in November, making it significantly more comfortable for swimming than in the spring months.