The trade winds have played a crucial role in the history of the Canary Islands, not only in shaping the archipelago’s climate but also in world history.
These steady winds made the Canaries a strategic point for navigation and exploration, as demonstrated by Christopher Columbus’s famous voyage to the Americas.
Trade winds blow consistently from subtropical regions toward the equator.
In the Canary Islands, they usually come from the northeast at an average speed of about 20 km/h, their reliability made them essential for sailing, especially during the Age of Exploration.
In the 15th century, Portuguese navigators were among the first to take advantage of them for their trade routes. However, it was Columbus who used them innovatively, paving the way for the discovery of the New World.
On August 3, 1492, Columbus set sail from the port of Palos de la Frontera with his three ships: the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María. His first stop was the Canary Islands, where he arrived on August 11.
This was no random stop—Columbus knew how strategic the archipelago was as the last European outpost before crossing the Atlantic.
During his stay, he repaired his ships and stocked up on water and food.
On September 6, he set sail from La Gomera, ready for the unknown.
Columbus’s genius lay in his understanding of the trade winds.
He knew these winds would push his ships westward, making the Atlantic crossing easier.
And so it happened: from September 9, the caravels sailed for a whole month with the help of the trade winds, without seeing land. Finally, on October 12, 1492, after 36 days at sea, they spotted an island in the Bahamas, which they named San Salvador.
This moment marked the beginning of a new era of exploration and exchange between the Old and New Worlds.
Today, the trade winds continue to shape the climate and life in the Canary Islands.
Together with the Azores High, they create unique weather conditions, making the archipelago a popular tourist destination year-round.
The trade winds generate microclimates on the islands by interacting with their geography.
On the northern slopes, they produce clouds that increase rainfall, while on the southern slopes, they create a drier climate.
This climatic diversity is reflected in the vegetation and landscape of the islands.
Modern weather forecasts confirm that the trade winds continue to dominate the Canary Islands’ climate, contributing to the mild and stable weather that defines the archipelago for most of the year.
The impact of the trade winds goes beyond climate and history.
Today, these winds make the Canary Islands an ideal place for water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Their steady air currents provide perfect conditions, attracting enthusiasts from around the world. Additionally, the trade winds are still important for modern navigation.
Many sailors rely on them to cross the Atlantic, following the same routes established centuries ago by Columbus and other explorers.
In summary, the trade winds are a fundamental natural force for the Canary Islands.
From Columbus’s historic voyage to modern weather patterns, these winds have shaped the history, climate, and economy of the archipelago.
Columbus’s understanding and use of the trade winds not only changed the course of history but also made the Canaries a crucial point in transatlantic navigation.
Today, while tourists enjoy the climate and water activities made possible by these winds, they are unknowingly benefiting from the same natural phenomenon that propelled Columbus toward the New World more than 500 years ago.
In an era of climate change and advanced technology, the Canary Islands' trade winds remind us of the enduring power of natural forces over history and daily life.
Just like in Columbus’s time, they remain the silent yet powerful engine that guides the destiny of these Atlantic islands.