When to go to El Hierro?
Well, that depends on your criteria…
Here’s our complete guide to help you choose the best period for you:
- Weather (temperature, rain, wind, etc.),
- Crowds and prices,
- Sea temperature, when to swim in El Hierro,
- Diving and snorkeling,
- Hiking and stargazing,
- …
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Our favorite car rental platform: DiscoverCars
When to go to El Hierro – Summary
Best month to visit El Hierro
El Hierro, the smallest and most isolated of the Canary Islands, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It’s a year-round destination, thanks to its mild, stable climate. Our favorite months are May and October, when temperatures are pleasant, visitor numbers are low and the sea is ideal for both diving and swimming.
Best time to visit El Hierro
It all depends on what you’re looking for:
- Best time for sunbathing: June to September, when the days are long and the heat is moderate thanks to the trade winds.
- Best time to swim in the ocean: July to October, when water temperature exceeds 22°C .
- Best time for hiking: March to May and September to November
- Best time to dive: May to November, when underwater visibility is optimal in the La Restinga reserve.
- The best time to escape winter in Northern Europe is from December to March, when the sun shines and temperatures hover around 20°C .
When to visit El Hierro – Criteria
If you don’t want to read the whole article, here’s a summary based on what you’re looking for:
- Weather, temperatures, wind –
El Hierro enjoys a mild oceanic subtropical climate all year round. Summer temperatures hover around 24-26°C during the day. In winter, the thermometer reads 18 to 22°C depending on altitude. The island’s geographical position protects it from the strongest winds, although the trade winds blow regularly in summer. At higher altitudes, in the laurel forests, mist is common and temperatures drop by a few degrees. - Swimming –
Sea temperatures range from 19°C in winter to 24°C in late summer. The natural pools (Charco Azul, Charco Manso, La Laja, Tacoron) can be enjoyed almost all year round, swell permitting. The best time to take full advantage of the natural pools is between June and October.
- Crowd –
El Hierro is the least touristy of the Canaries. The island is never as busy as other destinations in the archipelago. The busiest periods are July, August and Easter week, mainly for Spanish visitors. The rest of the year, you’ll find the natural sites remarkably quiet. - Price –
Accommodation and car rental rates are generally stable on the island. Seasonal variations do exist, but remain moderate compared with the other Canaries. Booking in advance in July and August is recommended, as the supply of accommodation is limited.
Our 3 favorite places to stay in El Hierro:
- Las Puntas, for the scenery
- Tamaduste, for the scenery and pools
- Restinga, for the scenery and the diving
See the best-rated accommodations on the island
See our detailed comparison of the best places to stay on the island (with map and photos).
When to go to El Hierro – Weather and conditions
Climate
El Hierro shares the subtropical climate of the Canaries, often described as eternal spring. We found that the island offers pleasant conditions in all seasons. There’s little rain, the sun shines brightly and the heat remains bearable even in the height of summer. In winter, you can walk around in a t-shirt during the day, while a light sweater is sufficient in the evening. Altitude plays an important role: the island’s higher elevations, culminating at Malpaso at 1,501m, are cooler and often shrouded in mist, which nourishes the laurel forest.
North, south, east or west?
Weather conditions vary slightly from coast to coast. The south of the island (La Restinga) is generally drier and sunnier. The north and west (El Golfo) receive more humidity, which explains the greener vegetation in this valley. We’ve observed that it’s not uncommon to leave overcast skies on the higher ground, only to find bright sunshine on the way down to the coast. This diversity of microclimates is part of the island’s charm.
Length of day and sunshine
Like the other Canary Islands, El Hierro lies closer to the equator than mainland Europe. Winter days are therefore a little longer than in France or Belgium. On average, daylight hours vary from 10h20 at the winter solstice to 13h56 at the summer solstice. Annual sunshine levels are high, with an average of 7 to 8 hours of sunshine per day. So you can enjoy beautiful light in both summer and winter.
Rain in El Hierro
El Hierro receives more rainfall than Lanzarote or Fuerteventura, thanks in part to its relief. Rainfall is concentrated from November to February, mainly at higher altitudes and on the northern slopes. By contrast, the south of the island remains dry for most of the year. The summer months are virtually devoid of precipitation. But there could be a storm passing through at any moment… Nothing is guaranteed!
Wind in El Hierro
El Hierro is less exposed to the wind than Fuerteventura or Lanzarote. The trade winds blow more in summer, especially in July and August, but their strength remains moderate. Some coastal sites, such as Charco Manso on the north coast, can be agitated by swells. Generally speaking, wind is rarely an obstacle on the island. Instead, it helps make summer temperatures bearable.
Crowds and prizes
El Hierro has long remained off the beaten tourist track. Even today, the island attracts a different kind of traveler: hikers, divers and lovers of unspoiled nature. Even in summer, the sites remain quiet compared with the other Canaries. The natural pools and some beaches fill up at weekends, mainly with local residents.
The busiest periods are:
- July and August
- Easter week
- Holiday season
Prices vary little with the seasons. Accommodation on the island is limited (no large hotel complexes), so early booking is essential in high season. In low season, you’ll easily find reasonably priced accommodation.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Lanzarote
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- A small car is all you need.
- But you can also choose a larger one if you wish, as the parking spaces are rather large.
- Demand is high, so book early.
Sea temperatures in El Hierro – when to swim
El Hierro boasts a number of natural pools and rocky coves ideal for swimming. The water temperature depends on the season, but also on the swell: in rough seas, some pools become inaccessible.
The sea temperature in El Hierro varies:
- January, February, March, April: between 18 and 19°C
- May and June: between 20 and 21°C
- July and August: between 22 and 23°C
- September and October: between 23 and 24°C
- November and December: between 20 and 22°C
Popular swimming spots include Charco Azul, Charco Manso, Piscina Natural La Laja, Tacoron pools and Tamaduste lagoon. We prefer La Laja and Tacoron to the south, where the water is generally calmer and warmer.
When to dive in El Hierro
La Restinga marine reserve is recognized as one of the best diving spots in Europe. Underwater visibility is often exceptional and biodiversity impressive: nurse sharks, rays, moray eels, groupers and a dense invertebrate fauna populate these protected waters.
Diving is available all year round in El Hierro. However, we recommend May to November for optimum conditions. Water temperature is higher (21 to 24°C), visibility regularly reaches 30 to 40m and the sea is generally calmer. Several diving centers offer supervised outings from La Restinga, accessible to beginners and experienced divers alike. Snorkeling from the shore also makes for great viewing.
Best time to go to El Hierro – other criteria
When to hike in El Hierro
El Hierro boasts over 600km of marked trails, from north-south crossings to loops around volcanic craters. The island offers a rare diversity of landscapes over such a short distance: lauriferous forest, lava fields, coastal cliffs and high moors.
We consider spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) to be the best periods for hiking. Temperatures are moderate, the light is beautiful and the trails are not crowded. In summer, the heat can make low-altitude walks a real challenge, so start early in the morning. In winter, the heights can be cool and the paths damp, giving the forests of La Llanía a striking atmosphere.
When to go stargazing in El Hierro
El Hierro is one of Europe’s top destinations for observing the night sky. The island has very few buildings and therefore very little light pollution. Clear nights offer a remarkable spectacle, both to the naked eye and to the telescope.
The summer months (June to September) are the most propitious: the sky is clear almost every night and night-time temperatures remain mild. In winter, the nights are also clear on the south coast, but the higher parts of the island can be covered by clouds. We advise you to choose a spot at altitude, away from Valverde, to enjoy the show to the full.
When to visit museums and cultural sites
El Hierro’s cultural sites – the Ecomuseo de Guinea, the Lagartario, the Museum of Volcanism, the volcanic tube – are open all year round. They are an excellent alternative in rainy or rough seas. The island doesn’t have a marked cultural season, but the Bajada de la Virgen de los Reyes, a traditional pilgrimage held every four years, is a major event. We recommend checking the dates if you wish to attend.
There’s so much to discover: be sure to rent a car.
It’s not a very touristy island, so book early for the best choice.
Description of the seasons in El Hierro
Spring in El Hierro
Spring (March to May) is an ideal time to discover El Hierro. Temperatures are mild, vegetation is at its greenest and hiking trails are at their best. We particularly enjoyed this period for the variety of landscapes: the island’s heights are adorned with dense vegetation, while the south coast is bathed in generous sunshine. The sea gradually warms up, diving becomes pleasant again from May onwards and the tourist sites remain calm.
Summer in El Hierro
Summer (June to August) is the hottest season, but El Hierro doesn’t experience the excessive temperatures that can be found on the mainland. The days are long and sunny, perfect for enjoying the natural pools and diving in the La Restinga reserve. The trade winds blow a little more in July and August, tempering the heat. This is the period when the island receives the most visitors, mainly Spanish families on vacation. We advise you to book your accommodation and rental car in advance.
Autumn in El Hierro
Autumn (September to November) is a period we particularly recommend. Water temperature peaks in September and October (23-24°C), visitor numbers drop after the summer and hiking conditions are excellent. The low-angled light of this season sublimates the volcanic landscapes and coastal cliffs. Occasional showers may fall in November, but this will not affect activities. It’s also a great time for diving: underwater visibility remains very good.
Winter in El Hierro
Winter (December to February) in El Hierro remains mild and pleasant, especially on the southern coast. Daytime temperatures fluctuate between 18 and 22°C. It’s an excellent destination for escaping the European cold and enjoying the winter sun. The higher parts of the island are cooler, and clouds can sometimes envelop the peaks for several days. We have found that this period gives the laurel forests their most striking atmosphere. The sea is cooler (18-19°C) and the swell can be heavy, which can limit access to certain natural pools.
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Events to see or avoid
Depending on your interests, you should take into account events that may impact your trip and adapt your departure dates:
- If you really want to see a party
- If you don’t want to be blocked by an event
Festivals in El Hierro
- January
Three Kings Parade (Cabalgata de Reyes) - February / March
Carnival – celebrated in the island’s villages, especially Valverde - May 30
Canary Day (Día de Canarias) - June
San Juan patron saint’s festival in La Frontera - July
Festivities of the Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of fishermen – celebrated in La Restinga - Every 4 years
Bajada de la Virgen de los Reyes – the island’s largest pilgrimage, an exceptional event that mobilizes the entire population of El Hierro.
Best month to visit El Hierro
To help you choose, here’s a month-by-month overview of conditions in El Hierro:
- January – Mild (18-20°C), occasional rain on the higher ground, quiet and little frequented. Ideal for hiking and visiting museums.
- February – Similar temperatures, carnival in the villages. The forests are lush and the waterfalls fuller.
- March – Spring sets in. Temperatures are rising slowly (19-21°C). Excellent month for hiking.
- April – Pleasant conditions, little rain. The vegetation is dense and the days are getting longer. Good time for outdoor activities.
- May – One of our favorite months. The sun is shining, the sea is starting to warm up (20-21°C) and the island is calm. Diving becomes very pleasant again.
- June – Long, sunny days, temperatures around 23-25°C. The water rises gradually. A good compromise between warmth and tranquility.
- July – Start of high season. Trade winds cool the atmosphere. Natural pools are at their best. More visitors.
- August – The busiest month, as accommodation fills up fast. Temperatures of 24-26°C. Remember to book early.
- September – Visitor numbers drop, the sea is at its warmest (23-24°C). Excellent for diving, swimming and hiking.
- October – Our other favorite month. Mild temperatures, still warm sea, absolute calm. The light is wonderful for photography.
- November – Transition to winter. A few showers are possible, but the south is often sunny. A good month for hikers.
- December – Mild and calm (18-20°C). The festive mood in the island’s villages is discreet but warm.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO El Hierro
- Best of
Why visit El Hierro
Best attractions in El Hierro
Hiking (coming soon)
Arches (coming soon)
Natural pools (coming soon)
- Practical advice
How to get to El Hierro
Getting around (coming soon)
Rent a car and drive (coming soon)
When to visit (coming soon)
How long
