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Weather in La Palma
The beautiful island with the world's clearest skies
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About La Palma
La Palma is the beautiful island in the Canaries—lush interior forests, volcano peaks, and coastal cliffs create stunning scenery. Stargazing is extraordinary here; daytime hiking is equally rewarding. This island feels both exotic and accessible.
Best months to visit
May, June, July, August, September, October
Things to do in La Palma
Hike to Caldera de Taburiente crater and lake
Stargaze at the Roque de los Muchachos observatory area
Beach at Puerto de Naos or Playa Échentive
Visit the Visitor Centre for volcanic and ecological information
Explore tiny coastal villages like Tijarafe
Hike the northern island's laurel forests
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
20C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
February
20C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
March
21C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
April
22C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
Recommended
May
23C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
June
25C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
July
28C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
August
29C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
September
27C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
October
26C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
November
23C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
December
21C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
La Palma earns its nickname 'La Isla Bonita' through sheer drama — a giant volcanic crater (the Caldera de Taburiente) at its centre, lush laurel forests on its northern slopes, and some of the darkest skies in the world, protected for astronomy at the Roque de los Muchachos observatory. Unlike its busier Canary Island neighbours, La Palma has resisted large-scale resort development, leaving black-sand beaches and steep, terraced villages largely as they've been for generations. It's the choice for hikers and stargazers over sun-loungers.
Best areas to stay in La Palma
Santa Cruz de La Palma
The colourful colonial-era capital, with balconied houses along the harbour.
Caldera de Taburiente area
The dramatic volcanic crater at the island's centre, a major hiking destination.
Los Llanos de Aridane
The island's second town, a good base for exploring the west coast and volcanic landscapes.
Roque de los Muchachos
The high-altitude observatory area, known for stargazing and panoramic views.
Getting to La Palma
✈
Flights
La Palma Airport has connections via Tenerife or Gran Canaria, with some direct seasonal European flights.
⏱
From London
~5-6 hours by air from London including a connection.
🚕
Getting around
A hire car is strongly recommended due to the mountainous terrain and spread-out villages.
Frequently asked questions
What makes La Palma different from Tenerife or Gran Canaria?
It has far less resort development, with a focus on hiking, nature and astronomy rather than beach tourism — black volcanic beaches replace the sandy resorts found elsewhere.
Is La Palma good for hiking?
Yes — the Caldera de Taburiente National Park and the GR routes crossing the island offer some of the best hiking in the Canary Islands, through varied volcanic and forest landscapes.
Why is La Palma known for astronomy?
Its clear, dark skies host the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, one of the world's premier astronomical sites, and the island is a certified Starlight Reserve.
When is the best time to visit La Palma?
Year-round mild climate makes it suitable any time, though spring and autumn are best for hiking with comfortable temperatures.
How do I get around La Palma?
A hire car is recommended given the island's mountainous terrain and the spread-out nature of its villages and trailheads.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Hiked across the Caldera de Taburiente over two days and it was one of the best hikes I've ever done. So much greener than I expected from a Canary Island.
Wolfgang S. · April 2024
★★★★★
Stayed up for a stargazing tour near Roque de los Muchachos — genuinely the clearest night sky I've ever seen.
Camille D. · October 2023
★★★★☆
Much quieter than Tenerife, felt like a real escape. Black sand beaches aren't for everyone but the landscapes more than make up for it.
Esteban L. · February 2024
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