La Palma has a pleasant climate year-round, but the two sides of the island behave differently. The northeast, facing the Atlantic trade winds, is green and often cloudy even in summer. The southwest is drier and sunnier, and the beach resorts at Los Cancajos and Puerto Naos (when open — see note below) are reliably warm from May to October.
Spring (April–May) and early autumn (September–October) are ideal for hiking: not too hot, and the Caldera trails are at their clearest. The summit at Roque de los Muchachos can have snow in winter, and the summit road is occasionally closed — check before driving up.
Note: Puerto Naos and La Bombilla beaches remain evacuated due to volcanic gas hazard following the 2021 eruption. Check current status before visiting the southwest coast.
The Carnival of Santa Cruz de La Palma in February is one of the most theatrical in the islands, and August is the island's major festival month.