Weather Lowdown
August is the hottest month in the purpose-built resort of Playa Paraiso, on the west coast of Tenerife, with the highest number of sunshine hours so it is hardly surprising that this is the peak month for tourist visits to the small town.
The average temperature this month reaches its highest at 24ºC (75ºF) with daily averages going as high as 27ºC (81ºF), particularly towards the end of the month.
Along with the hot temperatures comes the beautiful sunny weather for which Tenerife at this time of year is famous, with days full of sunshine and very little cloud. The sunshine hours reach their longest this month and in July at 12 hours and visitors stand a 70% chance of experiencing a sunny day.
Unlike July, there is some rainfall this month but you would be unlucky to see it with an average of 3mm of rain falling in just one day of the month. To illustrate the point, the chance of rain here at this time of year is just 2% and there is also only a 2% chance of experiencing a cloudy day.
Although temperatures are fairly consistent in most of the resorts along the southern coast like the popular Playa de las Américas, it does tend to be a little bit cooler on the northern coast in places like the island's capital Puerto de la Cruz.
The steady trade winds continue to blow up from the Sahara giving a 60% chance of experiencing a windy day, but these winds are usually welcome, alleviating the hot temperatures on the beaches and in the towns at this time of year.
This is the perfect month to play in the clear waters of the Atlantic whether you like to swim, surf, scuba dive or just take a dip to cool off because the average temperature reaches an inviting 23ºC (73ºF).
Where to Stay
The Roca Nivaria Gran Hotel is an elegant 5 star hotel situated right on the beachfront at Playa Paraiso and is the perfect place to indulge in a little luxury away from the tourist crowds in August. Everything is on your doorstep within the hotel from golf, and a state-of-the-art spa to two stunning infinity pools, stunning gardens and four excellent restaurants. There is evening entertainment, three bars and its own nightclub.
Just down the coast in Adeje is the vast Hotel Riu Arecas. A purpose built beachfront resort fully refurbished in 2015, this is an adults-only option and offers two swimming pools, one of which is a beautiful infinity pool overlooking the ocean.
The Gran Tacande & Spa is an elegant Mediterranean-style resort with ocean views, a short walk from Playa del Duque. The rooms all feature balconies with seating areas and there are several places to eat and three bars in which to relax and socialise in the evenings. The hotel has plenty of room to lie in the sun with two outdoor swimming pools and a kid's pool. There are also tennis courts and, don't forget, this is a spa hotel so lots of pampering facilities and treatments on offer.
Things to Do
People come from all over Tenerife in August to explore the beautiful waters of Playa Paraiso with its caves and crevices, home to giant anemones, moray eels, turtles and dolphins. Local dive centre Aquanautic Club Tenerife have been running dives in the area for 35 years and know all the best spots for catching a glimpse of the fascinating local marine life.
While Playa Paraiso may not have the most beautiful beaches in Tenerife, it more than makes up for it with the huge seawater Lido which is a popular sunbathing spot down on the seafront. Purpose-built, it has been modelled to look like a tropical oasis complete with waterfalls, rocks and even an island at its centre. The Lido is surrounded with sun-bed areas and there's a café/restaurant serving light snacks and other refreshments. Take your towel, rent a sun lounger and spend the day in the sun with stunning ocean views.
Hit the Beach
If you're looking to escape the summer crowds and want a quiet beach to enjoy the average water temperatures of 23ºC this month, then just a short stroll from Playa Paraiso is the fishing village La Caleta and its pretty beach. A combination of pebbles and rock with hidden stretches of yellow sand, this beach remains much quieter than its neighbours at Playa de Las Américas and is lined by a few traditional fish restaurants, giving this beach a great authentic Spanish flavour.
A great choice for a family swim is the Costa Adeje beach of Playa la Pinta with its stretch of golden sand sloping gently into calm clear waters. To encourage the family vibe there are large inflatables and trampolines tethered in the shallow waters for the kids. There are lots of great facilities as well as many restaurants, bars and cafes nearby if you want a drink and the children want an ice cream.
Eating & Drinking Out
Foodie fans should not miss the opportunity to eat in Tenerife's only two-Michelin-starred restaurant, M.B at the Ritz-Carlton Abama while they're here. With a beautiful, peaceful terrace and elegant dining room the environment is perfect for getting serious about the food, which is seriously impressive, inspired by famous Basque chef Martín Berastegui and lovingly prepared by chef Erlantz Gorostiza. Located just up the coast in Guia de Isora, this is well worth the excursion.
A favourite amongst locals and visitors alike is Los Roques in the pretty fishing village of Los Abrigos on the southern tip of the island. Serving contemporary Canarian cuisine with Mediterranean influences on a beautiful terrace with views of the harbour this is a perfect spot for a romantic dinner, although it does get busy in August so making a reservation is strongly advised. The menu is seasonal and always uses the freshest local ingredients and there is an extensive wine cellar.
For a stylish sundowner head down to the exclusive Costa Adeje and enjoy a cocktail at the Kaluna Beach Club. Full of 'beautiful people' this is a popular hangout for the jet set crowd so expect drinks to be priced accordingly. During the day relax on the club's sumptuous sun loungers and swim in the beautiful infinity pool, then watch the sun go down from the terrace and dance until dawn to tunes supplied by the resident DJ.
