Canary Islands - Weather

Canaries Weather for Sailors

Despite its position close to the tropics, the Canaries are not too hot in summer, 21-29°C, pleasantly warm in winter, 15-20°C, and can be regarded as an all-year cruising ground. The frequency of gales is low and the islands are not affected by hurricanes.

In the trade wind belt, the prevailing wind is north-easterly throughout the year, being strongest in July and August and lightest in October and November. The high volcanic islands cause some local variations in both wind direction and strength. As a rule, there are different winds in the lee of the islands compared to the coasts exposed to the trade winds. When the NE trades are blowing strongly, an opposing wind usually blows on the other side of the island, varying in strength with the strength of the trade wind. A funnelling effect is also felt along the coasts of some of the mountainous islands and the trades can be accelerated by up to 15 knots in places.

The occasional “calima” brings Sahara dust, affecting visibility and creating hazy conditions.

You need to plan carefully in the Canaries as the harbours are 20 to 40NM apart. Have back-up plans in case the wind changes and you need to move harbour.

Sailing in the Canaries introduces you to dynamic seas, influenced by the region’s complex geological makeup. The islands’ positioning exposes them to swells from various directions. Expect choppy waters and large waves for most of your sailing time here.

Canaries Weather Resources

Don’t rely heavily on the weather predictions as what they predict are often not what you get. Winds and seas can be radically different depending on which side of an island you are located.

• Spanish Met Office (Canaries forecast)
• Teletiempo (Maritime Forecast), Tel: 0034 906 365 373. Local weather forecast in Spanish. They give a complete description of the weather, wind force, state of the sea for every island.
• For links to free global weather information, forecast services and extreme weather information see the Noonsite Weather Page