Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit the Canary Islands
Searching for the cheapest and most expensive times to visit the Canary Islands? This guide has you covered and will help you plan when to go based on your travel budget.
Most Expensive Time to Visit the Canary Islands
The most expensive time to visit the Canary Islands is during its peak holiday seasons, when demand for warm-weather escapes is at its highest. Flight and hotel prices rise sharply during these months, and availability can be limited.
- Winter Sun Season (December to February)
Tourists from across Europe flock to the Canaries to escape the cold. Resorts in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote are especially busy over Christmas and New Year, when hotel rates can double. - Easter (Semana Santa, March/April)
A major Spanish holiday week that fills ferries, flights, and hotels. Prices rise significantly as both domestic and international visitors descend on the islands. - Summer (July and August)
The islands see another tourism spike during Spanish school holidays. Family-friendly resorts fill up, and demand pushes rates higher. - Festivals Adding to Costs:
- Carnival (February–March, Tenerife & Gran Canaria) – The world’s second-largest Carnival, bringing parades, music, and huge crowds.
- Fiesta de San Juan (June 23–24) – Celebrated with bonfires on beaches, attracting large crowds.
- Fiesta de la Rama (August, Gran Canaria) – A traditional festival that adds to already high summer demand.
Cheapest Time to Visit the Canary Islands
The cheapest time to visit the Canary Islands is during the shoulder and off-peak months, when weather remains pleasant but tourism slows, bringing lower prices for flights, hotels, and activities.
- Spring (April to early June)
After Easter, crowds thin out, and the islands enjoy warm, sunny weather with much cheaper rates. - Autumn (September to mid-November)
The sea is warm, the skies are clear, and prices drop significantly compared to summer and winter. - Late November to Early December
Just before the Christmas season, the Canary Islands are at their quietest and most affordable, while still offering warm temperatures.
Price Summary Table for Canary Islands Travel
| Time Period | Price Level | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-Dec – Early Jan | 💲💲💲 Highest | Holiday season; huge demand for warm-weather getaways |
| Feb–Mar (Carnival) | 💲💲💲 Very High | Tenerife & Gran Canaria’s Carnival fills hotels and flights |
| July – August | 💲💲 High | Summer holidays; family demand raises resort costs |
| Easter Week (March/April) | 💲💲 High | Semana Santa domestic & international tourism peak |
| April – Early June | 💲 Moderate | Shoulder season; warm weather, fewer crowds |
| Sept – Mid-Nov | 💲 Low | Another shoulder season; cheaper hotels and flights |
| Late Nov – Early Dec | 💲 Lowest | Pre-Christmas lull; warm weather with budget-friendly rates |
How To Save Money When Visiting the Canary Islands
- Travel in spring or autumn for the best balance of weather and affordability.
- Choose lesser-known islands like La Palma, El Hierro, or La Gomera instead of Tenerife or Gran Canaria for cheaper stays.
- Book flights early for winter if you must travel then—prices rise quickly.
- Opt for self-catering apartments to save on dining costs in resort towns.
- Use inter-island ferries instead of booking separate flights to explore multiple islands.
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