Objective: The objective was to evaluate the short as well as the long-term effects of climate therapy, in a sunny and warm climate, on women with rheumatoid arthritis in terms of physical function, disease activity and pain. Methods: 19 female patients with rheumatoid arthritis who received rehabilitation during four weeks in Tenerife were followed for six months. Physical function was evaluated with shoulder movement impairment, index of muscle function (IMF), submaximal treadmill test and the Swedish version of Stanford health assessment questionnaire (HAQ). Disease activity and pain were evaluated with disease activity score (DAS28), C-reactive protein (CRP) and visual analogue scale (VAS). Results: Immediately after the treatment, there were significant improvements in shoulder function, IMF, HAQ, DAS 28 and pain, but not in submaximal aerobic fitness based on Vo2max or CRP. After three months, the effects were still in evidence in shoulder function, IMF, and HAQ, but not in pain or DAS28. At six months, the only improvement remaining was in IMF. Conclusion: Intensive rehabilitation improved physical function in women with RA for at least three months but the improved disease activity and pain were not maintained.