Are you planning a move to the Canary Islands and wondering whether to do it in summer or winter? The choice of season directly affects price, date availability, maritime transport conditions, and even the overall comfort of the move. In this guide we analyse the pros and cons of each period specifically for moves to the Canary Islands archipelago.
The seasonal factor in moves to the Canary Islands
Unlike moves within mainland Spain, where climate and holidays are the only variable factors, moves to the Canary Islands bring two critical additional elements: the peak tourist season (which puts pressure on space aboard ships) and maritime weather conditions (which can delay your container or drive up costs).
Moving in summer (June–September): the traditional option
Advantages
- Coincides with school holidays: ideal if you have school-age children; you use the summer to settle in before the new school year starts in September
- Longer days: loading and unloading take up less of the working day
- Less rainfall at the mainland origin (Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla): no weather-related delays during loading
- Calmer seas in July and August: less rolling, lower risk of damage to artwork or fragile items
Disadvantages
- Higher prices: July and August are the peak maritime season. Shared containers fill up quickly and dedicated containers rise by 15–25%
- Limited availability: you need to book at least 4–6 weeks in advance, whereas 2–3 weeks suffice in winter
- Heat in the port: temperatures inside the container (with no climate control) can exceed 50°C, which is dangerous for candles, cosmetics, waxes, and plastics
- Slower operations in August: many administrative offices (customs, agencies, town halls) work reduced hours
Moving in winter (October–March): the strategic alternative
Advantages
- Lower prices: low maritime season. Discounts of up to 20% on summer rates for shared containers
- Flexible dates: weekly sailings with available space, no need to book far in advance
- Better temperature inside the container: 15–25°C on average, ideal for delicate items
- Smooth customs and administrative processes: zero congestion, DUA processing times at a minimum (24–48 h)
- Arriving in the Canary Islands in spring-like weather: mild temperatures throughout winter (18–23°C), perfect for unpacking without suffering in the heat
Disadvantages
- Rougher seas: October–March is the Atlantic storm season, particularly on the crossing from Cádiz to Tenerife. Possible delays of 1–3 days due to bad weather
- Rain at the port of origin: in Galicia, Asturias, or País Vasco loading can be complicated (rare in Mediterranean ports)
- Short days: the effective moving window is reduced, which can extend the operation by one day
- If you have children: requires a mid-year school change (harder adjustment)
Indicative price comparison
For an average flat move (20 m³) from mainland Spain to Tenerife in a shared container:
- Summer (July–August): 2,200–2,800 €
- Autumn/Spring (April–June, September–October): 1,900–2,400 €
- Winter (November–February): 1,700–2,200 €
For a dedicated 20-foot container, the differences are even more pronounced: savings of up to 800–1,200 € in winter compared to July–August.
What is really the best time of year?
If price is your priority
Move in November, January, or February: maximum savings and seas that are still relatively calm (the strongest storms tend to occur in December and March).
If you prioritise stability and fixed dates
May or June: excellent weather, still below peak-season prices, and before the administrative slowdown of August.
If you have school-age children
Late June or the first week of July: you catch the start of the holidays, giving time to adjust to the Canary Islands summer and enrol in school in September. Yes, you pay more—but the family transition makes it worthwhile.
If you are relocating for work with a fixed deadline
Your job sets the date. If you have some flexibility, avoid the last week of August (offices almost closed) and the first two weeks of January (after Epiphany, many people request moves simultaneously).
What the season does NOT change
Regardless of when you move, there are things you must always do:
- Process the AIEM exemption if you are changing your residence (saves you the Canary Islands import tariff)
- Obtain the registration certificate from your origin address with at least 12 months' history
- Book the shared or dedicated container based on your actual volume
- Arrange bridge storage if the key handover is delayed
Our recommendation
At Horizont Atlantic we coordinate more than 600 moves to the Canary Islands every year and, based on our experience, the best value-for-money period for a family move is usually between late May and mid-June: mild weather, calm seas, prices not yet inflated, and the whole summer ahead to settle in.
If you would like personalised advice on the best date for your specific situation, request a quote and our team will guide you on the most convenient departure schedule.
Frequently asked questions about the best time to move to the Canary Islands
What is the cheapest month to move to the Canary Islands?
November, January, and February. Rates up to 25% lower than July–August (peak season), shipping lines have containers available with greater flexibility, professional teams are not overloaded, and turnaround times are faster.
Is it risky to move to the Canary Islands in winter because of storms?
Generally low risk. Shipping lines operate regular routes year-round with very few actual cancellations. Between November and March there may be 2–4 days of port disruption due to bad weather, but sailings are rescheduled within a few days at no additional cost. For moves to islands served by smaller ferries (La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro) there may be more cancellations in winter.
What about moving to the Canary Islands in August—is it really that bad?
It is the worst month: extreme heat (28–35°C, with calima dust 38°C+), rates up 25%, professional teams overloaded (the best workers on holiday), reduced services at the destination. If you can postpone by 1–2 months, the savings in money and stress are enormous. More detail: moving in August, 7 summer tips.
What about September or June moves (transitional months)?
September is a good option: still warm but more manageable than August, less congestion (summer visitors have already returned), mid-range prices. June is similar but with tourists just starting to arrive. In any case, both are more reasonable than July–August and still better than April–May (frequent rain in northern parts of the Canary Islands).
Are there factors beyond climate that affect the choice of month?
Yes: the start of the school year (families try to move in August–September, driving prices up), the end of the fiscal year for many companies (December with lower availability), Easter (high prices and low availability), Christmas (shipping lines run fewer sailings, longer lead times). The "ideal month" for each person also depends on their work, school, and personal schedule.
