Tenerife or Lanzarote: Which Is Better for Winter Sunshine?

There's something rather appealing about leaving behind a cold, grey British winter and stepping off a plane somewhere you can comfortably sit outside for lunch.

And when it comes to finding a little winter sunshine without travelling halfway around the world, the Canary Islands are understandably popular.

Two destinations that regularly catch people's attention are Tenerife and Lanzarote.

Both offer beaches, holiday resorts, plenty of places to explore and generally mild winter temperatures.

But which island would I recommend?

My starting point would be southern Tenerife if you're looking for a resort-based holiday with plenty of entertainment and attractions nearby.

If you'd rather combine beach time with unusual scenery, quieter days and exploring different parts of an island, Lanzarote would be high on my list.

And before anyone asks, neither island has signed a contract guaranteeing sunshine for your particular Tuesday!

First things first: Is one actually warmer?

Let's look at what the weather records tell us.

Spain's national weather agency, AEMET, publishes historical temperature averages for both islands.

These are the average daily maximum temperatures recorded over the 1981–2010 climate reference period:

So, southern Tenerife has a slight advantage, generally around one degree in this comparison.

But I wouldn't choose an entire holiday based on that small difference.

Both islands can offer lovely afternoons outdoors in winter, along with cooler evenings, occasional rain and days when the wind makes itself known.

These figures are averages from airport weather stations, not forecasts for every hotel or resort.

And there's another useful consideration: the swimming pool.

If you're hoping to spend your February holiday swimming every afternoon, a heated hotel pool might make more difference than which island has the slightly higher temperature.

A pool looking inviting in the brochure doesn't tell you what stepping into it will feel like!

Official weather records: AEMET Tenerife South and AEMET Lanzarote.

Tenerife: Plenty of choice and plenty going on

One of Tenerife's biggest advantages is the variety of holidays available.

You can find large family resorts, quieter hotels, lively nightlife, beaches, restaurants and some excellent attractions.

But there's an important distinction between the north and south of the island.

The north is generally greener and wetter, while the southern resorts tend to offer drier conditions. And once you head into the mountains, the weather can be completely different again.

For a winter holiday focused on warmth and time outdoors, I'd normally start by looking at the south.

Costa Adeje

Costa Adeje is a strong option for anyone wanting a comfortable resort holiday, with beaches, restaurants, shopping and a wide choice of accommodation.

There are some lovely hotels here, including properties with plenty of facilities for families and couples.

It's worth paying attention to the hotel's precise location, though. Parts of Costa Adeje are hilly, and a hotel having the resort name in its address doesn't necessarily mean it's a short, level walk to the beach.

Playa de las Américas

If you like a livelier atmosphere, Playa de las Américas deserves a look.

There's plenty happening, particularly around the bars, restaurants and nightlife areas.

For some holidaymakers, having entertainment on the doorstep is exactly what they're after.

For others, particularly anyone hoping for peaceful evenings, the location of the hotel can make a big difference.

This is a good example of why I'd rather recommend the right hotel than simply a popular resort.

Los Cristianos

Los Cristianos offers a slightly different atmosphere, with its harbour, beaches, restaurants and places to enjoy a walk.

It could be a lovely choice if you enjoy getting out of the hotel, finding somewhere for lunch and spending time around the resort.

And for anyone who prefers exploring rather than spending the whole week beside the pool, it's certainly worth considering.

Lanzarote: Beaches, volcanic landscapes and a different atmosphere

Lanzarote has its own personality.

The island's volcanic scenery is immediately distinctive, and there's plenty to discover beyond the main resorts.

I particularly like it as an option for people who want to mix relaxing days with sightseeing.

You can spend time on the beach, visit vineyards, explore extraordinary landscapes and enjoy some lovely seaside towns.

And although it's smaller than Tenerife, there's more than enough variety for a week or two away.

Playa Blanca

If you're looking for a slightly more relaxed resort atmosphere, Playa Blanca would be one of my first suggestions.

There are beaches, waterfront restaurants and lovely places to enjoy a stroll.

It's well worth considering for couples or families who don't necessarily want a busy nightlife scene.

Accommodation ranges from larger resorts to quieter properties, so there's still plenty of choice.

Puerto del Carmen

Puerto del Carmen offers a good mixture of beaches, restaurants, bars and shops.

It could suit someone who enjoys having plenty within reach without needing to plan an excursion every day.

Different parts of the resort have different atmospheres, so choosing the right location matters.

You might want to be close to the main promenade, or perhaps somewhere a little quieter.

Costa Teguise

Costa Teguise is another resort worth looking at, especially if you enjoy beach time and watersports.

It's particularly associated with windsurfing, which gives you a clue about one of the local weather considerations!

For some people, a breeze is very welcome when they're out enjoying themselves.

For others, especially anyone trying to read a paperback beside the pool, it might be rather less appreciated.

What about exploring beyond the hotel?

This is where the two islands offer quite different experiences.

Tenerife

Tenerife has some brilliant attractions.

You could visit Siam Park, explore the dramatic landscape around Mount Teide or spend time discovering different towns and parts of the island.

Mount Teide is particularly striking, and visiting the national park can feel like travelling into a completely different landscape.

Just remember that mountain weather is very different from conditions down at the beach. Even when it's pleasantly warm at your hotel, it can be much colder at altitude.

Lanzarote

Lanzarote's volcanic landscape is one of its biggest attractions.

Timanfaya National Park offers extraordinary scenery, while the vineyards of La Geria provide a fascinating contrast to the island's beaches.

Then there are places associated with the artist and architect César Manrique, including Jameos del Agua, where art, architecture and nature come together.

For anyone who likes discovering somewhere unusual, Lanzarote has plenty to keep you interested.

My preference? If your holiday is mainly about the resort and large-scale attractions, Tenerife has a great deal to offer.

If exploring volcanic scenery and discovering interesting places is high on your wish list, I'd give Lanzarote serious consideration.

Which island is better for families?

This is where I'm going to disappoint anyone hoping for a definitive winner.

I'd choose the hotel before choosing the island.

A fantastic family hotel in Lanzarote could be far more suitable than a poorly matched hotel in Tenerife, and vice versa.

Southern Tenerife has a wide choice of large resorts, waterparks and attractions, which can be particularly appealing for families with children who enjoy plenty of activities.

Lanzarote offers some excellent family accommodation too, alongside opportunities to explore the island.

For younger children, I'd pay attention to things like heated pools, suitable sleeping arrangements, food choices and transfer times.

For teenagers, the entertainment and activities available might be much more important.

And if you're travelling over Christmas, February half-term or Easter, it's worth knowing which hotel facilities and children's activities operate during your actual dates.

There's no point choosing a hotel for its wonderful waterpark only to discover part of it isn't operating when you're there.

Flights and travel arrangements can tip the balance

One thing I always consider is how much of your holiday will be spent travelling.

Both Tenerife and Lanzarote have direct flights from a number of UK airports, although routes and schedules vary depending on when you're going.

For a seven-night holiday, a convenient morning departure and sensible return flight might make one option much more appealing than the other.

Tenerife also has two airports, North and South, which can mean very different onward journeys depending on where you're staying.

And then there's the transfer to your hotel.

A coach journey making several stops isn't quite the same as heading directly to your accommodation.

Sometimes the practical details decide between two holidays that otherwise look equally attractive.

So, Tenerife or Lanzarote?

If I were helping you narrow down the options, this is where I'd start.

Choose southern Tenerife if:

• You enjoy larger resorts with plenty of facilities.

• Waterparks, entertainment and major attractions appeal.

• You want a wide choice of hotels and different resort atmospheres.

• You're looking for a slightly warmer historical winter temperature average.

Choose Lanzarote if:

• You'd enjoy a mixture of beaches and exploring.

• Volcanic scenery, interesting places and sightseeing appeal.

• You like the idea of relaxed coastal resorts.

• You want a holiday with opportunities to discover something beyond the hotel.

But these are starting points, not rigid rules.

I've seen enough holiday descriptions to know that a hotel can look wonderful on paper and still be completely wrong for the people travelling.

Ultimately, I'd rather find you the right accommodation, flights and location than recommend one island simply because its average January temperature is a degree warmer.

Let's find your winter sunshine

Whether you've already decided on Tenerife, have your heart set on Lanzarote or simply want somewhere pleasant to escape the British winter, I'd love to help.

Tell me who's travelling, when you'd like to go, which airports suit you and what makes a good holiday in your eyes.

I'll help compare the options and find something that works for the holiday you actually want.

And while I can't personally arrange sunshine on demand, I can certainly help with the bits we do have some control over!