Carmen
Travel editor at Reisedrop · 2026-10-02
The Canary Islands in January are a classic choice from Denmark because the flight time is manageable from CPH, BLL and in some periods also AAL, while the weather is usually milder and more reliable than in southern Europe. But the warmest island is not always the best one for everyone. In January, shelter, wind direction, coast side and the exact hotel location matter almost as much as the temperature itself. To choose well for a winter trip, focus on three things: where it feels warmest, where the wind is least noticeable, and where sea swimming is most realistic.
Which island is warmest in January?
If you follow typical winter patterns, the warmest and sunniest options are often on the south and west sides of the islands furthest to the southwest. Tenerife, Gran Canaria and parts of La Palma can feel mild, but for most travellers the south coasts of Tenerife and Gran Canaria work best in January. Fuerteventura and Lanzarote can also have pleasant daytime temperatures, but wind more often becomes part of the equation. So the short answer is not just one island, but one type of location: south-facing, low-lying and sheltered.
Tenerife or Gran Canaria: the safest winter choices
If you want to reduce the risk of cool evenings, cloud and noticeable wind, southern Tenerife and southern Gran Canaria are usually the most dependable choices. In Tenerife, areas such as Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas often feel more sheltered than the north of the island. In Gran Canaria, Maspalomas, Meloneras and Puerto Rico are classic winter bases precisely because the mountains help protect them from weather changes. For Danish travellers who prioritise a sun terrace, pool time and a few hours on the beach, these two islands are usually the safest January pick.
Fuerteventura and Lanzarote: mild days, but windier
Fuerteventura and Lanzarote attract many January travellers because the light is clear, the landscapes are dry and daytime temperatures often feel pleasant. The trade-off is that wind can be more persistent, especially on open beaches and in exposed holiday areas. That matters if you dream of lying by the water or swimming without feeling chilled soon after. These two islands suit travellers who want walks, surfing, nature and winter light, and they are less ideal if your priority is the most stable beach day in swimwear.
Can you swim in the sea in January?
Yes, but with realistic expectations. January in the Canary Islands is rarely classic summer sea-bathing, and the water can feel cool, especially if there is wind or cloud. For many Danish travellers, swimming is still possible around midday on sunny southern beaches, especially when the air feels mild and the beach is sheltered. If swimming is a key requirement, a hotel with a heated pool is often a more important decision than the island itself. Also choose broad sandy beaches or sheltered bays rather than fully exposed stretches of coast to improve your odds of a good swim day.
Which island should you choose by trip type?
Choose southern Tenerife if you want the widest mix of reliable January weather, many hotels and easy access to different beaches. Choose southern Gran Canaria if you value shelter, a classic beach-holiday feel and short distances between beach and hotel. Choose Lanzarote if you prefer quieter resort areas, volcanic scenery and attractive winter days, but can live with more wind. Choose Fuerteventura if beaches and open landscapes matter most, and you accept that wind can change the entire beach experience from one day to the next.
From Denmark: how to think about routes and timing
From Denmark, CPH usually offers the widest choice, while BLL often provides strong alternatives, and AAL can be relevant in more limited periods. If your goal is the Canary Islands in January with the most warmth for your budget, direct flights and short transfer times are often more important than chasing the one island with the highest daytime temperature on paper. If you travel outside the most obvious Danish holiday weeks, options are often more flexible. For straightforward winter sun, southern Tenerife or southern Gran Canaria are usually the safest first places to look.
Compare flights, hotels and cruises separately on Reisedrop.
Fancy exactly this? Zazou, our travel assistant, puts flights, hotels and a route together in seconds - and tells you honestly when it gets cheaper.
Plan this trip with Zazou