Summer isn’t quite finished with us yet, but you can feel the change coming.
September brings the first signs that the season is turning. The days gradually become shorter, the evenings arrive a little earlier and, after the heat of summer, temperatures start to feel more comfortable.
Officially, autumn begins on 23 September 2026 in the Northern Hemisphere, when the autumn equinox marks the change of season.
Autumn is a little different in Tenerife
Of course, autumn in Tenerife isn’t quite the same as autumn in much of mainland Europe.
There won’t suddenly be a carpet of orange leaves outside your front door, followed by six months of wondering where you put your decent coat.
The Canary Islands generally stay warm through much of the autumn, and September in particular can still feel very much like summer.
But things do start to change.
The days get shorter, the nights longer and the holiday season begins to wind down. Schools reopen, people return to work and normal routines gradually take over again.
Cooler days and changing conditions
As September moves into October, temperatures can become more comfortable, particularly for anyone who finds the height of summer a bit much.
You may also notice changes in the sea, the wind and the weather, with the first autumn rainfall eventually making an appearance.
For me, this is one of the nice things about living in Tenerife. The change of season is subtle rather than dramatic.
The island doesn’t suddenly turn grey and miserable. It just slowly changes gear.
A good time to get outside
As the intense summer heat eases, it’s a great time to explore more of the island.
Walking routes, countryside excursions and trips into the rural areas become much more pleasant when you’re not being slowly roasted by the afternoon sun.
It’s also a good time to see a different side of Tenerife, particularly away from the main tourist resorts.
September and October bring plenty of tradition
Autumn is also a busy time for fiestas across the Canary Islands.
September and October see plenty of local celebrations taking place in towns and villages, bringing together residents, families and visitors.
These events are a big part of island life and provide a chance to keep local traditions, food, music and customs going as the year moves towards its final few months.
So no, summer hasn’t disappeared just yet.
We’re likely to get plenty more sunshine and warm days before the proper autumn weather arrives.
But the seasons wait for nobody, and autumn 2026 is already on its way.