You’re sitting at your desk in London or Berlin, staring at a grey sky that looks like a wet wool blanket. You want out. You want the sun. So, you look at the flight maps and there they are—the "Islands of Eternal Spring." But then you hesitate. It's November. Is it actually going to be "bikini weather," or are you going to spend a week huddled in a fleece watching rain hit a volcanic rock?
Honestly, the term "Eternal Spring" is a bit of a marketing trap. November in the Canaries isn't a single experience; it’s a chaotic mix of microclimates where you can get a sunburn at noon and need a light jacket by 6:00 PM. If you go to the wrong side of the island, you’ll be damp. If you go to the right side, you'll be golden.
Temperatures in Canary Islands in November: The Reality Check
Let's get the numbers out of the way first, but take them with a grain of salt. On average, temperatures in Canary Islands in November hover around a maximum of 23°C to 24°C (73°F to 75°F). At night, it dips to a cool 17°C or 18°C (63°F to 64°F).
That sounds perfect, right? It is, mostly. But here is what the brochures don't always tell you: the Atlantic is a cooling machine.
While the air feels warm, the sun in the Canaries hits differently because you're sitting right off the coast of the Sahara Desert. Even if the thermometer says 22°C, the "perceived temperature" in direct sunlight often feels like 27°C. You will burn. Fast. I’ve seen enough tourists looking like boiled lobsters by day two to know that the November sun is deceptive.
The North vs. South Divide
This is the biggest mistake people make. If you book a hotel in the north of Tenerife (like Puerto de la Cruz) because you like the greenery, you are gambling with the clouds. The trade winds hit the northern mountains and dump moisture. You’ll get "donkey's belly" (panza de burro)—a thick, grey layer of clouds that can sit there for days.
South Tenerife, southern Gran Canaria, and the eastern islands like Lanzarote are basically deserts. They stay dry. In November, the difference can be 5 degrees and 100% more sunshine just by driving 45 minutes south.
Which Island Should You Actually Pick?
Not all islands are created equal when the calendar turns to November.
- Lanzarote and Fuerteventura: These are the "flat" islands. Because they don't have high mountains to stop the clouds, they are the sunniest. Fuerteventura is notoriously windy, though. Great for windsurfing, potentially annoying if you’re trying to read a book on a towel without getting sand-blasted.
- Gran Canaria: Usually the winner for raw heat. The southern pockets like Mogán or Maspalomas are heat traps. The mountains in the center act as a massive wall, keeping the African warmth pinned to the southern coast.
- Tenerife: The crowd favorite. Just stay south of the airport (TFS). Places like Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje are reliably warm. If you head up to Mount Teide, though? It could be 2°C up there. Pack a hoodie.
The Wildcard: The Calima
Every now and then, the wind shifts. Instead of the refreshing trade winds from the Atlantic, you get a blast straight from the Sahara. This is the Calima.
It’s a thick, hot haze of fine desert dust. When it hits in November, the temperatures can spike into the 30s (°C). The sky turns a weird, apocalyptic orange-grey. It’s dry, it’s dusty, and it makes the air feel heavy. Usually, it only lasts 3 to 5 days, but it’s something to keep in mind if you have asthma or just hate feeling like you're living inside a vacuum cleaner bag.
Is the Water Warm Enough for Swimming?
The short answer: Yes.
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The long answer: It depends on how "brave" you are. The Atlantic Ocean isn't the Mediterranean; it doesn't get "bath water" warm. However, because the ocean has been baking all summer, November is actually one of the best months for sea temperatures.
You’re looking at a steady 21°C to 22°C (70°F to 72°F). It’s refreshing. Once you’re in, it’s lovely. If you’re traveling with kids, though, make sure the hotel pool is heated. An unheated pool in the shade in November will feel like an ice bath.
The "Real" November Vibe
One of the best things about the temperatures in Canary Islands in November isn't just the sun—it's the lack of crowds. The "winter sun" rush hasn't fully peaked yet, and the summer families are gone. You get these wide-open volcanic beaches and hiking trails that don't feel like a theme park queue.
Hiking is actually better in November than in August. Trying to hike the Masca Gorge in 30-degree heat is a nightmare. Doing it in 22-degree weather with a light breeze? That’s world-class.
What to Pack (Don't Mess This Up)
Basically, you need to dress like you're living three different lives.
- Beach Life: Swimwear, flip-flops, and the strongest SPF you can find.
- Evening Life: A light sweater or denim jacket. Once the sun drops behind the horizon, the temperature falls fast.
- Adventure Life: If you’re going into the mountains or taking a ferry between islands, you’ll want a windbreaker. The wind on a ferry in the middle of the Atlantic is no joke.
Actionable Tips for Your November Trip
- Book the South: Unless you specifically want a moody, rainy, green "Forest of Laurisilva" vibe, stick to the southern coasts of Tenerife or Gran Canaria.
- Check AEMET: The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) is much more accurate for the islands than your generic phone weather app.
- Rent a Car: If it’s cloudy where you are, it’s almost certainly sunny 20km away. Having a car lets you "chase the sun" across the microclimates.
- Watch the Sunset: November sunsets in the Canaries are legendary because the dust in the atmosphere (even without a full Calima) turns the sky deep purples and oranges.
If you’re looking for a guaranteed tropical sweat-fest, go to Thailand. But if you want a reliable, comfortable 24°C where you can actually breathe and hike without melting, the Canary Islands in November are probably the best value-for-money flight you can book right now.