Even though spring is already on the calendar, the landscape outside is still bleak. Why not add colour to life by heading to warmer climes for vitamin D, fresh fruit, sea air and new experiences? Kidpassage has found one fantastic place on the map that will satisfy all your needs. It's Tenerife.
Its proximity to Africa and subtropical climate turned it into an island of eternal spring. When at our latitudes, the sun's warmth just begins to peek through the grey clouds, spring has already taken possession here. So it's no wonder that visitors flock here all year round. Kidpassage tells you all the details of a March holiday in these parts.
.jpg)
Photo: shutterstock.com
Holidays in Tenerife in March: pros and cons
With the coming of spring, the island blossoms in the literal sense of the word. Amazing flowers bloom on the green fields, filling the air with a heady aroma; the forests are filled with fresh greenery, and there is a smell of pine. Tenerife, without exaggeration, is called a natural paradise on Earth. Negative reviews about holidays in Tenerife in March rarely appear, as this place is beautiful at any time of the year.
What advantages does the island boast in the first month of spring?
- Good weather. Hiking in the mountains, strolling through the resort streets, and visiting the sights — March creates ideal conditions for sightseeing.
- Fewer holidaymakers. Many tourists prefer to visit the island resorts later because the water still needs to be at optimum temperature. The beaches are free, and there are still no queues at the excursion sites.
- Cost of services. Prices for holidays are reduced, as the high tourist season has yet to start.
- Fruits and vegetables. Cherries and strawberries, asparagus and celery — the local markets are full of healthy natural products.
Tenerife in March is undoubtedly good, but still not perfect. Here are the disadvantages of tourists who visited here in early spring:
- Cold ocean. The water is not yet suitable for swimming, so you will have to limit yourself to sunbathing on the beaches.
- Cool evenings.
- Winds. At the beginning of spring, such a natural phenomenon as Calima is possible — sandy winds from the desert. Calima lasts only a few days; sunglasses and a hat save you from the sandy haze.
Weather in Tenerife in March
The weather in Tenerife in March and April is comfortable for sightseeing but not ideal for swimming. However, tourists can still enjoy lounging on the beach, soaking up the sun and breathing in the healing sea air.
The weather in early March is unstable. Rains and wide gaps between day and night temperatures are possible. The good news is that the daylight hours are getting longer, meaning more time for excursions.
Temperatures rise in Tenerife during mid-March, but evenings are still cool (you'll need a jumper for walking). Don't be fooled by the pleasant coolness — it's easy to get sunburnt by the March sun.
Around mid-month, Calima hits the island. This hot wind originates in Africa and blows warm air into Tenerife. As the Calima is a mixture of grains of sand and dust from the Sahara, this natural phenomenon reduces visibility by blurring the skyline.
The weather in Tenerife during late March is sunny and warm. Few overcast days are to be expected during this period. Visitors to Tenerife can enjoy brilliantly blue, cloudless skies.
The weather on the island varies from region to region. The North is always colder than the South. Accordingly, the ocean warms up much later on the north coast. In the South, it rarely rains, unlike in the North (which, incidentally, makes this part of the island so green).
Air and Water temperature
The local subtropical climate characteristic of Tenerife is very attractive to foreigners. There is no intense heat and severe frosts here (snow lies only on mountain peaks). The off-season is warm but often rainy.
Air temperature in Tenerife in March
The average daytime temperature in Tenerife during March is +17.4°C. At night, the thermometer drops to +13.2°C. At night, the thermometer drops to +13.2°C. Despite these low numbers, it's best to wear sunscreen and sunglasses as March's rays are pretty deceptive, and it's easy to get burnt during this time.
Sea Temperature in Tenerife in March
The ocean is slowly warming up. The average temperature in the ocean in March is +18.8°C. Only the most hardened guests on the island can swim, but even young children can get a tan.
Amount of precipitation
Only two rainy days are expected for the month, bringing 24.6 mm of rainfall. Bad weather doesn't spoil the holiday experience. You can do without an umbrella and mackintosh.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
Remember to take your sunglasses, as the number of sunny days is 61% (19 days). Cloudy skies are not uncommon here either — 32% of the time, the sun hides behind fluffy clouds. Overcast days are also possible, but only a few — just 7%.
Beach holidays in Tenerife
Photo: shutterstock.com
As we mentioned above, the waters of the Atlantic are still chilly in early spring. However, this doesn't stop some brave ones from dipping on the local beaches, even in early March. However, the water is too cold for children, so it's better not to risk their health and not to let them splash in the salty waves.
The local beaches are worth visiting, even if swimming is impossible. While the kids build sandcastles, the adults relax on a sun lounger with a book. In addition, the sea and mountain air is very healthy, as is sunbathing.
As the Canary Islands are of volcanic origin, the local beaches in Tenerife feature black sand. Exotics, which attract those who want to take an unforgettable photo, are only found in some places; there are also ordinary places with yellow sand (mostly imported).
South of Tenerife
It's warmer and less windy in the South, so there are far more holidaymakers here in March than in other parts of the island. This part of the coastline is suitable for holidays with children as, in addition to the advantages mentioned above, there is smooth entry into the water and breakwaters that make bathing completely safe.
Furthermore, the southern seaside resorts of Las Américas, Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos offer some of the best beaches on the island.
Cafés and shops abound along the coast. The beaches offer tourists various water activities: diving and snorkelling, surfing and windsurfing.
North of Tenerife
On the northern side of Tenerife, the weather is a little worse — the thermometer is lower, and it rains more often. The north, however, has an incredible natural beauty and is surrounded by greenery and flowers. In addition, the bathing areas are covered in natural black sand. If you want unique shots, this is the place to go.
The beaches at the local resorts are not sheltered from the wind and unsuitable for family holidays but are ideal for outdoor activities such as surfing. There is rarely a dry spell, and calm waters and sunny weather are rare on the northern beaches in March.
To the east and west are the quiet resort towns, which are generally sparsely populated. When it comes to beaches, there are both well-established areas and 'wild' beach areas.
All beaches belong to the city, not to specific hotels. Tourists can freely access absolutely any area of the coast. Sun loungers and umbrellas are charged, but beach access is complimentary.
Tour Holidays in Tenerife
Don't be put off because you can't spend all day swimming in the ocean, as there's so much to see and do on the island that you'll have plenty of time to explore. And the long walks are comfortable, even in early March.
When it comes to the sights of Tenerife, the first thing that comes to mind is the active volcano Teide. So start your excursion with a visit to the national park, Tenerife's main tourist attraction.
Teide National Park
Photo: pixabay.com
A majestic volcano rises in the park's vast area (3,500 metres high). Climbing to the top is a must on the list of things to do in Tenerife, either on foot or by cable car.
The park has diverse flora and fauna; at the volcano's foot, you can see lava remnants frozen into bizarre shapes. One of these frozen monuments even has its name, the Finger of God, symbolising Spain. At the end of March, nature is in full bloom, so the park is fragrant and colourful.
Pyramids of Guimar
Photo: pixabay.com
The island's most mysterious landmark is probably the Guimar Pyramids. The mystery of the place lies in the fact that experts have not yet clarified its history. The structure is made of rectangular stones of volcanic origin stacked in a stepped structure. The Guimar pyramids resemble the pyramids of Mexico and Peru.
They are surrounded by an ethnographic park with a museum and exhibition on the explorations of Thor Heyerdahl. This traveller made a significant contribution to the study of the Guimar Pyramids.
Plaza de España (Spain Square)
The island's capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, has a huge square ideal for walking. Plaza de España is set next to the coast, and San Cristóbal Tower's historic ruins are also close. During the tour, you can see the town hall, fountains, seawater ponds, monuments, ancient arches, and more. In addition, three pavilions offer access to a real dungeon.
Those who come to the island with children should visit the following places:
The island has abundant attractions that will appeal to adults and children of all ages. In addition, the weather conditions in early spring are ideal for long walks in the open air.
Holidays, events, festivals
Photo: pixabay.com
On 19 March, the island celebrates Father's Day, or Jose's Day as the locals call it. There are no events on this day, but there are significant discounts on 'men's' goods in the shops. This is a great chance to buy perfume or cufflinks at an affordable price.
Carnival is also held in the southern part of the island (celebrations continue through the first week of March). The fun is contagious in the streets of Los Gigantes, Playa de la Arena and Puerto de Santiago. It's simply impossible to refrain from the fiery dancing and loud chanting.
As you can see, the festivities in Tenerife in March are infrequent. Don't let the festivities get you down, though — there are plenty of options for fun even without the festivities.
Cost of vacation in March
Photo: pixabay.com
A holiday in the Canary Islands can hardly be called cheap. But if you compare prices in Tenerife in March with other months, tourists pay slightly less than in high season and a little more than in winter.
Package Tours
Travel agencies will delight customers with affordable prices for vacations in March. The weather is still unstable in the first month of spring, so people prefer to wait for a holiday in Tenerife. An influx of visitors is not expected until the end of the spring season.
Flight Cost
With the coming of the calendar spring, prices start to rise gradually. In March, a flight will cost 4% more than in February. In April, the cost increases by 4%.
Accommodation
When it comes to accommodation, there are hardly any savings in March. In early spring, guests pay 14% more than in February. In mid-spring, hotel room rates are 41% lower than in March. The average room rate in February is €147, €168 in March and €118 in April.
Food and Transport
Photo: pixabay.com
Even if you're staying in an all-inclusive hotel, grab a local meal at least once. Spanish cuisine is considered one of the best in the world, so hurry up and see for yourself. A lunch in an inexpensive cafe costs about €15, but a similar meal in a restaurant will cost you €60-€70.
The TITSA bus network is well-developed on the island, with fares varying from kilometre to kilometre. In general, the price varies from €2 to €10. Taxis also run between the resorts of Tenerife (boarding is about €3, with each subsequent kilometre costing €1).
- What to Eat in Spain — 48 Spanish Foods You Must Try
- Spanish Fruit and Vegetables — A Seasonal Guide
What to wear on holidays in March
You don't need to pack your suitcase with warm clothes. Shorts, T-shirts and light dresses are comfortable during the day. In the evenings, you'll have to wear more confined clothes: jeans, sweatshirts and sometimes even windbreakers.
Although the water in the ocean is still cool, pack a swimming costume. You can sunbathe at local beaches and swim at hotel pools. You'll also need swimwear at the water parks. White swimwear is not advised, as the black volcanic sand quickly turns the fabric grey.
Sandals, flip-flops and trainers are the recommended footwear. Don't forget a hat and sunscreen to protect you from heatstroke and sunburn.
Tips for travelling with kids
Whether March Tenerife is, a good or bad time for families is hard to say. There's so much to do here that there are pros and cons.
Those solely aiming for a beach holiday should come here a little later, closer to summer. On the other hand, visitors who want to introduce their children to the local attractions will be pleased with their spring trip.
Tenerife in March is not the wrong place for a family holiday. The only negative things are the winds and the cold ocean. Otherwise, Tenerife has an abundance of greenery and an extensive excursion programme.
The Island of Eternal Spring is the most unique and, therefore, most visited in the entire Canary Archipelago. Don't believe it? Read the Kidpassage article "13 interesting facts about Tenerife". After experiencing this corner of Spain first hand, you'll want to visit.
