Moving in August in the Canary Islands is a very different experience from moving in February. Intense heat and sunshine, possible calima (Saharan dust), high humidity in coastal areas, and a lot of people on holiday — including the technical staff you need. If circumstances mean you cannot postpone your move, this guide gives you the 7 most important tips for surviving an August move in the Canary Islands without losing your mind.
Why August is the worst month to move in the Canary Islands
- Heat: temperatures of 28–35°C, even 38°C+ during calima (Saharan wind days)
- Intense direct sunlight: UV index 10–11+, a real risk of sunburn and heatstroke
- High humidity on the coast: feels like 38–40°C even when the thermometer reads lower
- Calima: 4–8 days per month with suspended Saharan dust (reduced visibility, respiratory problems)
- Higher prices: peak season, 15–25% above the base rate
- Lower availability: companies fully booked, best crews on holiday
- Reduced services: many businesses closed, slower telephone support
The 7 tips for surviving an August move
1. Start at 7–8 in the morning
The coolest part of the day is between 7 and 10 in the morning (22–28°C). Use these hours for the loading, the most physical part of the job. By 11 or 12 noon it is already very hot and the team's performance drops dramatically.
The van should be at your door by 7:30–8:00 with the team ready to go. That means:
- Book a specific date and time with the company (not just a time window)
- If you live in a building with restricted access hours, obtain special permission
- Shower and sort out your personal things before the team arrives
2. Long lunch break (12:00–16:00)
The 4 central hours of the day are simply unbearable. Professional teams do NOT work during these hours due to the real risk of heatstroke:
- Load between 8:00 and 12:00
- Long break from 12:00 to 16:00 (lunch and rest in a cool place)
- Transfer and unload from 16:00 to 20:00 as the temperature drops
If your move is between islands or over a long distance, the ferry or truck journey should be made overnight (cooler for delicate items).
3. Mass hydration
As the client, you have an ethical responsibility to keep the team — and yourself — hydrated:
- Large bottles of fresh water available throughout the day (1.5 L per person per hour)
- Sports drinks (Aquarius, Powerade) to replenish salts
- Iced coffee or tea to maintain concentration
- Fresh fruit (watermelon, melon, grapes) — hydrating and provide glucose
This is non-negotiable. A dehydrated operative can fall ill in the middle of the move.
4. Sun protection and appropriate clothing
For yourself and for any team members working in the sun:
- SPF 50+ sunscreen (reapply every 2 hours)
- Cap or headscarf
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Breathable clothing (cotton, linen) in light colours
- Closed but lightweight footwear
5. Special care for delicate belongings
Heat damages many materials if they are left exposed for too long:
- Candles, vinyl stickers, old photographs: melt above 35°C. Pack in cool boxes, give them transport priority
- Wines and oils: heat spoils flavour. Transport overnight or in the coolest part of the van
- Electronics: do NOT leave screens, batteries or hard drives in direct sunlight
- Plants: if you are taking them, do not put them in a sealed van in full sun (interior temperatures can exceed 60°C)
- Pharmaceutical products: many require storage at ≤25°C. Carry them with you in a thermal bag
6. Check the calima forecast
Calima (Saharan dust) in the Canary Islands is common between July and September. Days with calima bring:
- Reduced visibility (dangerous on the road)
- Extreme heat and dryness
- Respiratory problems (asthma, COPD, allergies)
- Accumulated dust that soils furniture left outdoors
Check the AEMET forecast 2–3 days in advance. If there is a serious calima warning, try to postpone by 1–2 days. If that is not possible: cover furniture with protective sheets and close the windows at your destination before unloading.
7. Switch on air conditioning or fans at your destination before you arrive
When you arrive at the new home with the furniture, it must already be cool:
- If there is air conditioning: switch it on 2–3 hours before arrival
- If there are only fans: ask someone to turn them on
- Keep the blinds down to maintain a cool interior
- Cold bottles of water in the fridge (if one was left in the property)
Arriving at a house at 35°C and starting to unpack is masochism. Arriving at a house at 24°C with air conditioning is manageable.
If you can avoid it: when is a better time to move than August?
If your move can wait or be brought forward:
- September: still warm but more bearable, less pressure on availability
- October: ideal temperature (22–27°C), good availability
- November: low season, significantly reduced prices
- January–February: the best months — cool, uncrowded, minimum prices
For a seasonal breakdown: moving in summer or winter.
Situations where you simply have to move in August
- New school year starting (families with children)
- Job change with a start date in September
- Rental contract that ends with no flexibility
- Property purchase with completion fixed in August
- Move caused by separation or break-up with inflexible deadlines
Extra cost of moving in August
Compared with February (the cheapest month), August brings higher costs:
- Local move in Tenerife: +15–25% above the base rate
- Mainland Spain → Canary Islands move: +25–35% (more containers, limited priority)
- Inter-island move: +20–30%
- Possible "heat surcharge": approximately 50–100 € per team working in extreme conditions
Frequently asked questions about August moves in the Canary Islands
Is it better to move at night in August?
Only in extreme cases (very large moves in central areas with sweltering heat). Night moves carry a 50% surcharge and are restricted due to noise (neighbours). The best strategy: start very early (7:00) and leave the unloading for 17:00–20:00.
Do removal companies operate throughout August?
Yes, large companies (including Horizont Atlantic) operate throughout August. That said, some staff are on holiday, so we strongly recommend booking at least 4–6 weeks in advance for an August move.
Do ferry companies reduce their frequency in August?
Generally no — they maintain or even increase their frequency. However, containers are in higher demand (holidays, returning tourists) and transit times may be 1–3 days longer than in other months.
What if there is a yellow weather warning for extreme heat on moving day?
AEMET extreme heat warnings are becoming increasingly common in the Canary Islands in summer. If temperatures above 40°C or very severe calima are forecast, a professional company may propose:
- Postponing by 1–2 days (the most sensible option)
- Starting earlier (5:00–6:00 in the early morning with lights)
- Splitting the move over 2 days
The safety of the team and the condition of your belongings take precedence over strictly keeping to the scheduled date.
How do you prevent heatstroke during a move?
- Continuous hydration (a sip of water every 15 minutes — do not wait until you are thirsty)
- Rest breaks every 30–40 minutes in a shaded, cool spot
- Watch for warning signs: dizziness, nausea, extreme fatigue, confusion, hot and dry skin
- If any appear: stop immediately, cool down with cold water, find shade or air conditioning
- If symptoms do not improve within 15 minutes: call 112
Does your company carry out August moves without a surcharge?
No — August carries the standard peak-season surcharge. What we do offer, at no extra cost, is specific planning (optimised timetables, a reinforced team for extreme days, appropriate equipment for the heat). The quality of the service in August must be the same as in any other month — or even higher, given the added difficulty.
A well-planned August move
At Horizont Atlantic we have a specific protocol for summer moves in the Canary Islands: optimised timetables, proper hydration and rest breaks, protective covers for delicate items, and coordination with weather forecasts. Request a quote, let us know your exact August date and we will respond with a tailored proposal.
