In 2023, the Canary Islands experienced their highest average temperature since 1961, reaching 19.8 degrees Celsius. This represents a significant thermal anomaly of 1.4 degrees above the average. Moreover, it was classified as the seventh driest year since the same period, as reported by the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet).
Throughout the year, the daily temperature averages across the islands were consistently above the normal values established for the reference period of 1991 to 2020. This trend persisted throughout the year, with the notable exceptions of February, several days in May, and the latter part of January, according to Aemet’s updates on the social network X (formerly known as Twitter).
2023 was not only notably warm but also characterized by dry conditions, with an average accumulated rainfall of only 183.4 litres per square metre. This figure represents just 69% of the rainfall expected for the reference period.
This year’s dry conditions placed 2023 as the seventh driest year recorded since 1961, aligning closely with the dry conditions of 2020 and 2021. However, 2022 deviated from this pattern by being warmer than usual but with rainfall exceeding the normal levels, despite having a thermal anomaly of less than one degree.
The highest temperatures across the Canary Islands in 2023 were recorded during the first heatwave of August, specifically between the 11th and 13th, except for La Graciosa, which saw its peak temperature on 9th October. The record temperature for the year was observed in Tacorón-Lapillas-Tortuga on El Hierro, where the mercury soared to 46.2 degrees Celsius on 12th August. On the same day, Gran Canaria experienced its highest temperature at Tasarte, with a reading of 45.8 degrees Celsius.
Tenerife witnessed a maximum temperature of 43.9 degrees Celsius on 13th August at Las Mercedes-Llano de los Loros. La Gomera and La Palma also recorded their yearly highs on 12th August, with temperatures reaching 42.8 degrees at La Gomera’s airport and 42.7 degrees at the El Time viewpoint in Tijarafe, respectively. Furthermore, Fuerteventura saw a high of 42.6 degrees Celsius at Morro Jable’s port in Pájara, and Lanzarote’s airport documented its annual peak at 40.5 degrees, both on 12th August.
