Posted by Emma Fletcher
Tenerife in September? Ah, the sweet spot! The scorching summer crowds have thinned out, the weather is still glorious, and the island is buzzing with a vibrant energy. Let me tell you, this is the perfect time to experience the true magic of Tenerife without melting into a puddle or battling the August tourist hordes.
As a Brit who’s swapped rainy Manchester for the sunshine of Costa Blanca five years ago, I’ve made it my mission to explore every corner of Spain. And Tenerife in September? It’s an absolute corker that keeps me coming back year after year.
The Weather: Sunshine Without the Swelter
Let’s talk about the weather, shall we? (How very British of me!) September in Tenerife is what I’d call Goldilocks weather—not too hot, not too cold, but just right. You’re looking at average daytime temperatures of 26-28°C (79-82°F), with evenings cooling to a pleasant 20-22°C (68-72°F). No need for that winter jacket you’ve hopefully left gathering dust back in Blighty!
The south of the island, as always, tends to be sunnier and warmer than the north. Places like Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas practically guarantee you 9-10 hours of sunshine daily. I once spent a week in Costa Adeje in September without seeing a single cloud—my pale British skin didn’t know what had hit it!
Rain? Not likely to spoil your holiday. September typically sees only 2-3 days of light rainfall, usually in the northern parts of the island. If you’re staying in the south, you might not see a drop all trip.
As for packing, it’s straightforward: summer clothes, swimwear, a light jumper for evenings (particularly if you’re heading up to Mount Teide, where it’s always cooler), sunscreen (factor 50 for us pasty Brits!), and perhaps a light raincoat if you’re planning to explore the northern forests. I learned the hard way that hiking in the Anaga Mountains can mean experiencing all four seasons in one day!
Things to Do: Beyond the Beach
While Tenerife’s gorgeous beaches are a major draw (and rightfully so), September’s mild temperatures make it the ideal time to explore the island’s diverse offerings. Here are my top picks:
1. Conquer Mount Teide
September is absolutely brilliant for hiking in Teide National Park. At 3,718 meters, Mount Teide is Spain’s highest peak, and the views from the top are proper jaw-dropping. The cable car takes you most of the way, but for the summit, you’ll need a free permit booked well in advance. I recommend a sunrise hike—yes, it means a 3 am start, but watching the sun rise over the Atlantic while standing above the clouds is, as we say back home, the dog’s bollocks!
2. Whale and Dolphin Watching
The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are home to resident populations of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. September’s calm seas make for perfect spotting conditions. I booked a small boat tour from Los Gigantes last year and was absolutely chuffed to bits when we spotted a pod of dolphins playing just meters from our boat. Look for the smaller, eco-friendly operators rather than the massive tourist boats.
3. Explore Masca Village
This tiny mountain hamlet was once a pirate hideout and remains one of Tenerife’s most picturesque spots. September means you can tackle the famous Masca Gorge hike without the summer heat making you feel like you’re trekking through the Sahara. Just be warned—the narrow roads to get there will test your driving nerve! I nearly had kittens navigating those hairpin turns.
4. Siam Park Water Kingdom
If you’ve got kids (or are a big kid yourself), Siam Park is an absolute must. Voted the world’s best water park multiple times, it’s less crowded in September but still warm enough to enjoy. The Patong Rapids & Tower of Power slide still gives me nightmares—in a good way!
5. La Laguna Old Town
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a charming maze of colorful buildings, historic churches, and buzzing tapas bars. September sees the return of university students, giving the town a lively atmosphere without the tourist crowds. I spent a delightful afternoon getting lost in its cobbled streets, popping into quirky shops and stopping for the occasional cerveza.
6. Stargazing at Teide
Tenerife boasts some of the clearest skies in Europe, and September’s typically cloudless nights are perfect for stargazing. Book a guided tour that includes telescopes and an expert astronomer. Lying on my back on the still-warm volcanic soil, gazing up at the Milky Way with a glass of local wine in hand, was one of those “pinch me” travel moments.
7. Anaga Rural Park
This ancient laurel forest in the northeast feels like stepping into “Jurassic Park” (minus the dinosaurs, thankfully!). The cooler September temperatures make hiking here much more pleasant. The misty forests, rugged ravines, and tiny villages feel a million miles away from the resort beaches of the south.
Local Food and Drink: A Feast for the Senses
Tenerife’s cuisine is a delicious blend of Spanish tradition with African and Latin American influences. Here’s what you absolutely must try:
1. Papas Arrugadas con Mojo
These “wrinkly potatoes” cooked in sea salt and served with spicy mojo sauces (red for heat, green for herb lovers) are a Canarian classic. The best I’ve had were at a tiny guachinche (local, no-frills restaurant) near Puerto de la Cruz, where the potatoes were so fresh they’d been dug up that morning and the mojo made me reach for my water glass faster than you can say “picante!”
2. Fresh Seafood
Being an island, Tenerife’s seafood game is strong. In September, look for cherne (stone bass), vieja (parrot fish), and pulpo (octopus). My top tip: head to the fishing village of Tajao, where the restaurants cook what was caught that morning. The grilled vieja at Restaurant El Secreto del Sur was so good I went back three days running!
3. Gofio
This toasted grain flour has been a Canarian staple since the island’s aboriginal Guanche people. You’ll find it in everything from desserts to stews. Try gofio escaldado (mixed with fish broth) or gofio mousse for dessert. It’s an acquired taste, I’ll admit, but when in Rome and all that!
4. Local Wines
Tenerife’s volcanic soil produces some cracking wines, particularly from the Tacoronte-Acentejo and Valle de Güímar regions. September coincides with the harvest season, making it a brilliant time to visit a bodega. I spent a thoroughly enjoyable (and slightly tipsy) afternoon at Bodegas Monje, sampling their volcanic reds with spectacular views across the vineyards to the sea.
5. Barraquito
This layered coffee drink—liqueur, condensed milk, espresso, milk foam, lemon peel, and cinnamon—is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Cafe Nummo in Santa Cruz makes them to perfection.
Events and Festivals: September Celebrations
Tenerife loves a good fiesta, and September doesn’t disappoint:
The Fiestas Patronales del Santísimo Cristo de La Laguna (September 9-15) transforms the historic city of La Laguna with processions, music, and fireworks. I stumbled upon this last year and was mesmerized by the solemn candlelit procession followed by an absolutely banging street party!
In the south, Arona’s Summer Festival continues into early September with outdoor concerts and cultural events. Last year they had a brilliant 80s night that had me dancing to Duran Duran under the stars—pure magic!
Wine lovers should head to Tacoronte’s Wine Harvest Festival in mid-September. I spent a delightful afternoon sampling local wines, watching traditional grape-stomping demonstrations, and joining in folk dances despite having two left feet.
Tips for Travelers: Making the Most of Your September Visit
After numerous September holidays in Tenerife (all in the name of research, of course!), here are my hard-earned tips:
Booking accommodations: While not as frantic as July-August, September is still popular. Book at least 2-3 months in advance for the best deals, especially if you’re eyeing those lovely boutique hotels in Puerto de la Cruz or fancy apartments in Costa Adeje. I prefer Agoda to search great rates.
Renting a car: Absolutely essential if you want to explore beyond your resort. Book ahead and specify air conditioning (trust me on this one). The mountain roads can be hairy, but the views are worth every white-knuckle moment! Have a look at DiscoverCars for best options.
Click Here To Check Car Hire RatesNorth vs. South: The island has two distinct characters. The south (Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje) is sunnier, drier, and more resort-focused. The north (Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava) is greener, more authentic, and slightly cooler. In September, you can comfortably enjoy both—I usually split my time between the two.
Crowds: While September sees fewer families (as schools reopen), it’s popular with older travelers and couples. Popular attractions can still be busy, especially on weekends. Book Teide cable car tickets and Siam Park entrance in advance.
Tides: Some beaches, particularly those with black volcanic sand, can have strong currents. Always check local advice and flag warnings. Playa Jardín in Puerto de la Cruz nearly swept me off my feet—and not in the romantic way!
The Verdict on Tenerife in September
September in Tenerife offers that perfect sweet spot—summer without the swelter, authenticity without the emptiness. It’s when the island shows its true colors, beyond the package holiday image. I also love it here in June, too.
Whether you’re hiking through ancient forests, sipping volcanic wines as the sun sets, or simply relaxing on a beach with a good book, September in Tenerife offers a slice of paradise without the premium August price tag.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your sunscreen (and maybe leave room in your suitcase for a bottle or two of that lovely Malvasia wine), and discover why this Canary Island gem keeps calling me back every September. You might just find me at that little seafood restaurant in Tajao, ordering my fourth vieja of the week!
Have you visited Tenerife in September? Let me know your experiences in the comments below!
Emma Fletcher is a British travel writer based in Javea, Spain, who specializes in authentic Spanish travel experiences. When not exploring new destinations, she can be found attempting to perfect her tortilla española recipe and trying to train her rescue dog, Churro, with limited success.
