Hottest Canary Islands in February

 By Mark Hodson, Sunday Times Travel Writer

If you’re looking for winter sun in February, the Canary Islands are the place to go. The islands stay sunny while the UK freezes, so you’ll have plenty of chances to top up your vitamin D.

Gran Canaria is the hottest island in February, remaining warm even in the evenings. You’ll be grateful for that extra degree if you like evening strolls by the seafront.

This is the best time of year to visit Tenerife as its Carnival in Santa Cruz comes to a riotous close – try to be there in the seven days leading up to Ash Wednesday (2 March in 2022). It claims to be the second most popular carnival in the world after Rio.

• London

Average maximum temperature: 7ºC
Average minimum temperature: 2ºC
Hours of daily sunshine: 2

• Gran Canaria

Average maximum temperature: 20ºC
Average minimum temperature: 14ºC
Hours of daily sunshine: 7

There’s so much more to Gran Canaria than pile-’em-high package resorts. It has wonderful beaches and a stunningly beautiful volcanic interior. See our pick of the best places to stay in Gran Canaria along with some charming boutique hotels. You could discover the island’s canyons and coastline on this amazing walking holiday. Carnival is also celebrated in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

• Lanzarote

Average maximum temperature: 20ºC
Average minimum temperature: 13ºC
Hours of daily sunshine: 7

There’s no shortage of hotels in Lanzarote but we really like this selection of villas with a private pool. Young families will love the Princess Yaiza Resort, while this collection of boutique hotels is perfect if you’re looking for some local charm and authentic Spanish style. You could also opt for a walking holiday on Lanzarote.

• Fuerteventura

Average maximum temperature: 20ºC
Average minimum temperature: 13ºC
Hours of daily sunshine: 7

We really like this selection of hand-picked places to stay in Fuerteventura. There is plenty to discover on this fascinating island – you could rent a car or embark on an independent walking holiday.

• Tenerife

Average maximum temperature: 18ºC
Average minimum temperature: 12ºC
Hours of daily sunshine: 7

Couples should check out these luxury hotels in Tenerife. For families, our editors recommend The Ritz-Carlton, Abama and the Sheraton La Caleta. If you want to stay somewhere with authentic charm and character, see these boutique hotels in Tenerife. As well as the main carnival in Santa Cruz, there’s another celebration in Puerto de la Cruz, where the highlight is the Mascarita Ponte Tacon – the Men’s Marathon in High Heels.

You can spot pilot whales and dolphins on boat trips all year round, but between November and February, you can see migratory whales including humpbacks and finbacks.

You should also consider some of the lesser-known Canary Islands.

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