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Tenerife Packing List
Essential Items and Everything You Need to Know About What to Pack for Tenerife

Having visited the island in summer and winter, I’ve learned a lot about what to pack for Tenerife.

Whether you’re planning a summer escape or a winter retreat, having the right items in your suitcase can make all the difference. And believe me, I know how it feels having packed the wrong items…

I am not going to tell you how much underwear to pack for a week in Tenerife.

Here I share an essential Tenerife packing list for summer and another list of what to pack for the winter season to ensure you’re well-prepared for your Canary Islands specifics, no matter when you are travelling.

What to pack for Tenerife in Summer

Clothing

  • Swimwear: You’ll want a couple of swimsuits/bikinis for relaxing on the beautiful black and white beaches. There are also many water activities to enjoy such as learning how to surf, kayaking or just being on a boat and doing some responsible whale watching.

My tip if you need to travel light: I use bikinis as underwear because they’re easy to wash and help me save on clothes.

  • Lightweight Clothing: Pack plenty of light, breathable clothes such as shorts, tank tops, and sundresses to keep cool in the summer heat.
  • Cover-ups: For beach days or strolls through town, otherwise the sun will burn you.
  • Evening Wear: Casual dresses, nice tops, and shorts for dinners and nights out.
  • Hat and Sunglasses: Essential for protecting yourself from the strong Canarian sun. Don’t forget that the sun is particularly strong in these southern latitudes.
  • Shoes: Bring sandals and flip flops as they are comfortable and easy to slip on and off for the beach. Light hiking boots if you want to explore the amazing trails, like those in the Anaga Mountains or Teide National Park. Even for easy hikes like the Roques de Garcia Trail, I recommend a treaded shoe for the volcanic soil.
  • Warm Layers: If you plan to visit Mount Teide or explore the higher altitudes, pack a warm jacket or sweater as temperatures can drop significantly, even in summer.

Accessories

  • Beach Bag: A sturdy, sand-resistant bag for your beach essentials.
  • Sunscreen: High SPF (minimum 30) to protect your skin.
  • Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is key in the summer heat. With a water bottle, you can re-fill it every day and take it with you to the beach and on hikes.

Electronics

  • Portable Charger: For keeping your devices charged while on the go. I use the INIU Power Bank since a year and am very happy with it.
  • Travel Adapter: Double-check if you need one to ensure you can charge your devices.

My Tip: Before booking your flight, check the airlines’ luggage restrictions. Unfortunately, all airlines have different allowances for cabin and hand luggage, with Ryanair being the most strict. You might save money if you can fit everything into your cabin luggage.

What to pack for Tenerife in Winter

Clothing

  • Layered Clothing: Even if it is still warmer in Tenerife than in most parts of Europe, the weather can be variable. Therefore, layers are essential. Pack long sleeves, sweaters, and a cardigan or light jacket.
  • Warm Jacket: A good, insulated jacket for the evenings, breezy days and excursions into the mountains.
  • Jeans and Trousers: Comfortable and versatile for exploring.
  • Closed-Toe Shoes: Comfortable for walking and exploring, plus a pair of dressier shoes for evenings and hiking boots if you are looking into hiking in the mountains.
  • Scarf and Gloves: These can come in handy on particularly chilly days, especially if you plan to visit Mount Teide National Park.

Accessories

  • Umbrella or Rain Cape: Winter can bring occasional rain showers, particularly in the northern part of Tenerife island, where the weather is more humid.
  • Socks: Warm, comfortable socks to keep your feet cozy. I am a big fan of the fantastic socks from FALKE which I use for every occasion!

Electronics

  • Tablet or E-Reader: Perfect for those relaxing evenings in.
  • Portable Charger, Camera, and Travel Adapter: see Summer Packing List for Tenerife above.

If you’re vacationing in Tenerife in winter, it’s harder to pack light and save on clothes because you need to be prepared for different weather conditions. Around the Teide peak, you will also find snow!

I managed once to travel for a week on the island in winter only with hand luggage, but I had to wash some clothes. If you stay in a hotel with a balcony, like all rooms in my favorite Tenerife hotel for hikers, you can certainly do as I did.

MY #1 HOTEL FOR HIKERS
Reflection of a luxury hotel with palm trees and poolside lounge chairs in the clear blue swimming pool at sunset in Tenerife. The Sholeo Lodges Los Gigantes are my favorite place to stay in Tenerife

Sholeo Lodges Los Gigantes

✅Great size outdoor Pool
✅Very tasty breakfast with lots of choices 
✅Directly on the promenade of Playa de la Arena 

⇨ Check availability and book it here

General Information on Tenerife’s Weather

Tenerife enjoys a subtropical climate with mild, warm winters and hot, sunny summers: However, the weather can vary significantly between the north and south of the island, year round, as well as at higher altitudes.

When I was, there is spring, I was sweating on the beach in the south and just a few hours later, freezing with my warm wind jacket in Anaga Rural Park in the north.

Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect in Tenerife throughout the year, including water temperatures.

Summer (June to August):

  • Temperature: Ranges from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F).
  • Weather: Hot and sunny, perfect for beach days and water activities. The south is typically drier and sunnier than the north, which can be cooler and cloudier.
  • Water Temperature: The sea warms up to a pleasant 22°C to 25°C (72°F to 77°F), ideal for swimming and water sports.

Autumn (September to November):

  • Temperature: Between 20°C to 27°C (68°F to 81°F).
  • Weather: Still warm, with cooler evenings and occasional rain. The north experiences more rainfall compared to the south.
  • Water Temperature: The sea remains warm in September at around 23°C to 24°C (73°F to 75°F), gradually cooling to about 20°C to 22°C (68°F to 72°F) by November.

Winter (December to February):

  • Temperature: From 15°C to 21°C (59°F to 70°F).
  • Weather: Mild, with more frequent rainy days in the north but generally still pleasant. Nights can get quite cool, especially in January and February. It may snow on Mount Teide!
  • Water Temperature: The sea is cooler, averaging 19°C to 21°C (66°F to 70°F), which is manageable for certain water activities.

Spring (March to May):

  • Temperature: Between 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F).
  • Weather: Mild and gradually warming up, with blooming flowers and less crowded tourist spots. May can feel quite summery already.
  • Water Temperature: The sea starts to warm up from around 19°C to 21°C (66°F to 70°F) in March to about 22°C to 23°C (72°F to 73°F) by May, making it increasingly inviting for swimming.
Linda smiles for a selfie while hiking through a lush, rainy forest in the north of Tenerife. She is wearing a rain jacket with a hood, and in the background, other hikers walk along the muddy trail surrounded by dense, moss-covered trees.
Rain in the north of Tenerife on a morning in June
Linda stands on a rocky trail overlooking a scenic beach in Tenerife, wearing sunglasses, a white shirt, black shorts, and a backpack. The beach below is dotted with people enjoying the sunny weather and clear blue water. This image highlights the importance of bringing the right footwear for both hiking and beach activities when traveling to Tenerife.
Sun and warmth in the afternoon of that same day in June on the Tenerife south coast

Additional Tips for Your Tenerife Packing List

Plan for Activities: Whether you’re planing on hiking, swimming, or exploring local places, make sure you have the right gear like sturdy shoes for the volcanic soil around mount Teide and a daypack for example. For a more relaxed trip, focus on swimwear and casual outfits.

Check the Forecast: Always check the weather forecast before you leave to ensure you pack appropriately for unexpected weather changes. But remember, if sunshine is expected, it will feel and be warmer in Tenerife compared to Northern Europe.

Sun Protection: Even in winter time, the sun can be strong, so sunscreen and sunglasses are essential year-round.

Reusable Bags: Handy for beach days, shopping, and carrying your daily essentials.

Multi-Purpose Items: Pack items that can be worn in multiple ways to save space. For example, a sarong can be used as a beach cover-up, a scarf, or even a light blanket.

First Aid Kit: It’s always wise to be prepared. Pack a small first aid kit with bandages, disinfectant, painkillers, and any medication you need.

Travel Documents: Ensure you have your ID documents, passport, credit cards, travel insurance, and any documents for accommodation and activity reservations. Keep them organized in a secure wallet or folder, and if possible store copies somewhere online.

⇨ Find here some more Tenerife Travel Tips

Conclusion

Packing for Tenerife doesn’t have to be stressful if you know what to expect. With my travel guide on what to pack for Tenerife, you can feel confident that you’ll have everything you need for a fantastic trip.

Whether you’re enjoying the summer sun or exploring the island during the cooler but still warm winter months, my Tenerife Packing List prepares you for all seasons.

Just remember to pack light things as that can save you some money on your flight and stay prepared for the varying weather, especially in winter and in the higher altitudes. Wishing you a wonderful holiday in Tenerife!

More information for Tenerife

Linda is a travel blogging expert, avid hiker, and island enthusiast. Particularly during the chilly German winters, she finds myself drawn to the sunny European islands. Her mission is to simplify and enhance your island vacations by providing you with all the necessary information for a seamless and fantastic holiday experience.