Are you wondering what to pack for the Canary Islands? In this month by month guide, we will tell you exactly what to wear in the Canary Islands for every season.
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But before we get onto the specifics of what to pack for the Canary Islands, along with some outfit inspiration we thought it would be worthwhile to talk about exactly what and where the Canary Islands are, and how the seasons will affect your Canary Islands Packing List.
Where are the Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands are a series of islands off the Southwest coast of Spain. Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands but other notable islands are:
- Lanzarote,
- Gran Canaria and
- La Gomera
But what should you wear when visiting the Canary Islands?
Canary Island Dress Code
As with many places in Spain, the Canary Islands don’t really have a dress code per se. However, you will find that some of the more upscales resort restaurants will have a smart casual dress code.
What to Wear in the Canary Islands in Summer (June, July and August)
Chances are if you are looking to visit the Canary Islands and wondering what to wear is that you will be visiting during the Summer Months which is peak tourist season on the islands.
During the Summer in the Canary Islands you can expect lots of sunny days and very little rain as summers are long hot and dry. In terms of temperatures, in the summer you can expect to see average high temperatures of 26°C / 78.8F to 28°C / 82.4F
As such we would recommend putting the below on your summer Canary Island packing list:
Maxi Dresses and Maxi Skirts
Due to the hot weather you will see a lot of Maxi Dresses and Maxi Skirts in the Canary Islands in Summer, especially at tourist attractions, on the beach and in restaurants at night.
We recommend packing loose and flowing clothes as they will keep you cooler and sticking to natural fabrics which are more breathable in the heat.
Trousers
We don’t recommend packing jeans for your Canary Islands Summer packing list as they are just too hot. However, linen trousers and cotton trousers are a great pick for the Canary Islands in Summer.
If you do decide to pack linen be sure to check out our guide on how to pack linen to prevent wrinkles.
Other good fabric choices are cotton and capri pants.
Shorts
Although we don’t recommend wearing shorts if you plan on visiting religious settings they are perfect for beach and pool days in the Canary Islands.
Again we try and avoid denim as they can be uncomfortable in the heat. Instead we like cotton and quick dry shorts for the day and chino tailored shorts for evenings.
Tank Tops and T Shirts
These are perfect for out exploring Canary Islands and can be paired with skirts or shorts. Just don’t wear a tank top into a church, at least not without a cardigan or pashmina to cover your shoulders.
Blouse
A loose blouse made of natural fabric is another great choice for dealing with the heat in the Canary Islands. I like to wear a blouse when eating in dinner in at a more upscale restaurant aka not a tapas bar.
Swimwear
We always pack at least 2 pieces of swimwear for Spain beach vacations one for wearing and one for drying.
If you do plan on doing a beach day trip we also advise you bringing a quick dry towel and a beach cover also.
Beach Cover
As you will be spending a lot of time on the beach in the Canary Islands we also recommend packing at least two beach covers that can work as part of a beach capsule wardrobe. These are great for walking to and from the pool and in beachside restaurants.
Sun Hats
Sun hats are a staple on any Spain packing list for summer.
Be sure to pick a wide-brimmed straw hat instead of a baseball cap to fit in more with locals and to add more shade to your outfit.
Pashmina
I never travel anywhere in Spain without a pashmina. It is great in the evenings in case you get chilly dining al fresco and for religious sites.
Although churches won’t be the primary activity you do anywhere in the Canary Islands, you may want to look inside the some so it is worth having your pashmina with you to cover your shoulders. Just be sure to also wear an maxi skirt or trousers on your bottom half instead of shorts.
Underwear
Goes without saying
Socks
We recommend wearing sneaker socks when visiting in Canary Islands in Summer when wearing sneakers to help reduce odor and sweat.
PJs
We recommend packing lightweight PJs as not everywhere in Canary Islands will have Air conditioning. You may want to check out whether or not your accommodation has air conditioning before booking.
Note: If you want to know what to wear in Canary Islands for men I recommend packing a mixture of chinos and linen trousers and some smarter shorts alongside plain t shirts and polos and short sleeve shirts for summer.
And if you are visiting other areas of Spain in Summer be sure to check out our other SPanish Summer packing Lists:
- What to wear to Spain in June
- What to wear to Spain in July
- What to wear to Spain in August
- What to wear to Barcelona in June
- What to wear to Barcelona in July
- What to wear to Barcelona in August
- What to wear in Madrid
What to Wear to the Canary Islands in Spring and Autumn (March, April and May and September, October and November)
Depending on when in Spring or Fall you are visiting will depend on how hot the temperatures are. March and November are definitely much cooler than the other shoulder season months, while May and September can feel pretty summery.
For this reason we recommend generally packing the same as for the summer but with a few extra layers. So on top of the items listed above we recommend bringing:
Cardigan
Shoulder season evenings can be cooler than summer one so be sure to add a cardigan or two to pair to your dress and trousers outfits.
My personal favorite type of waterfall style.
Sweater
This is great for exploring in March and November
Jacket
This may be needed if you are visiting Canary Islands in March and November. And in other shoulder season month a denim jacket or blazer can be a great addition.
Note: if you plan to go up Mount Teida on Tenerife you may want a warmer jacket with you.
Want to know what to wear in other regions of Spain in Fall? Check out the below guides:
- What to wear to Spain In September
- What to wear in Spain in October
- What to wear in Spain in November
- What to wear in Barcelona in September
- What to wear to Barcelona in October
- What to wear to Barcelona in November
What to Wear in Canary Islands in Winter (December, January and February)
The Canary Islands in Winter is much colder than summer, however, it isn’t freezing. Generally speaking the key to your Canary Islands Winter packing list is layers, layers and more layers.
You will definitely want cardigans and sweaters for the day time and for the evenings you will want some additional layers such as jackets and fleeces. As although the temperatures aren’t freezing you will definitely feel it when the temperature drops.
I also recommend packing something like a fleece. This layer is light and easy to pack away when not needed but is really insulating in the cold and as an added bonus is quick drying if it gets wet.
And it is a good idea to have some waterproof wear with you for Winter as there are usually at least 6 rainy days in December.
For this reason we recommend packing:
Jacket, waterproof
A warm jacket is a good idea for Winter evenings in the Canary Islands . If possible we recommend a waterproof one as you can get rainy.
Cardigans, Sweaters and Top Layers
We recommend packing a few different types of top layers with you for instance a combination of cardigans, sweaters, fleeces and hoodies of different weights so you have enough variety in case of a very cold snap.
Long Sleeve Tops
It is unlikely you will only be wearing short sleeve t shirts in Canary Islands in Winter so we recommend packing a variety of long sleeve tops and blouses with you including some smarter ones for dinners.
Jeans
For Winters in Canary Islands we recommend swapping out the linen and cotton trousers for heavier weight ones such as jeans.
Pashmina
I never go to Spain without one.
Underwear
Goes without saying
Pjs
A slightly heavier weight pair are better in Winter.
Best Shoes for the Canary Islands
Sneakers
- adidas womens Sneaker
The best shoes for the Canary Islands no matter the season is a sneaker. Sneakers are perfect for no matter the season you visit as they are the best kind of shoes for walking and can cope with everything from cobbles to beaches.
For summer I like a versatile white sneaker such as the Addidas Cloud Foam ones.
If you can bring ones with some waterproofing for Winter these would be ideal.
Sandals
In Summer and the shoulder seasons you will want a sandal with you too. Perfect for the beach and dinner in summer and shoulder seasons.
If you plan on doing lots of hiking you may want a hiking sandal or something like a Teva sandal which offers more support. Otherwise, you could go for something dressy for fancier meals.
Boots
If you are in Canary Islands in Winter then ankle boots can be a good addition.
Flip Flops
These are great for days on the beach and around the pool.
What Else to add to your Canary Islands Packing List
So now you know what to wear in the Canary Islands we will turn to what to add to your Canary Islands packing list that isn’t clothing!
Travel adaptor
Travel adaptors are always on my international packing lists. The Canary Islands use standard European plugs so if you are coming from outside of Mainland Europe you will need a travel adaptor
Click here to shop universal travel adaptors.
Sun Cream / Sunscreen
No matter when you traveling you will need sun cream with you. We recommend getting a high SPF, we recommend SPF 50.
Also as you are going to spend a lot of time in the water we recommend only bringing reef safe sunscreen with you to help protect the marine life of Canary Islands .
Click here to shop coral safe sun screen here.
Aloe Vera
No one wants to get burnt on vacation but just in case we recommend packing aloe vera / aftersun.
Click here to shop aloe vera / aftersun
Lip Balm with SPF
Although it is very important to protect your skin from the sun, it is also important to protect your lips. For this reason we recommend packing a lip balm with SPF. Our current favorite lip balm with SPF is Sun Bum. Click here to shop lip balm with SPF.
Toiletries
You will always be able to get toiletries on arrival however our toiletries packing list will give you a quick overview of things you may want to pack if you have space in your case.
Click here to shop the best shampoos and conditioners for tropical climates.
Also when looking at packing makeup remember to pack waterproof mascara as you will be spending lots of time in the water.
Beach Bag
For use on the beach.
Inflatables
If you like to use swim aids or inflatables in the pool we recommend bringing these with you.
CLick here to shop cheap inflatables.
Camera
The Canary Islands are beautiful so it should come as no surprise that you will want to take a lot of photos. Be sure you have a good quality camera with you. On top of a regular camera you may also want
Waterproof Phone Case
If you plan on using your phone on the beach and in the pool we recommend taking a waterproof phone case with you. This will not only keep your phone safe from water but is also a good theft deterrent. Click here to shop waterproof phone cases for travel.
Battery pack
A requirement of any packing list. Click here to shop battery packs.
FAQs About what to pack for Canary Islands
Is it too hot to wear jeans?
If you are visiting in Summer it is likely to be too hot to wear jeans. However, if you are visiting in Winter jeans are a great pick.
What to wear to dinner?
There are some amazing restaurants in the Canary islands. Most don’t have a dress code but some more upscale will have smart casual dress codes.
Have you been to the Canary Islands ? What was your packing essential?