Fuerteventura weather

The weather is quite steady throughout the year. Like all of the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura weather averages show little difference between summer and winter, though mid-winter months may be wet.

Fuerteventura weather averages and climate

Fuerteventura tends to avoid the extremes of temperature. So while it can be a refuge from the scorching Spanish mainland in summer, Fuerteventura is often the place to sunbathe through winter. There are some 3000 sunshine hours a year, averaging 9 a day in mid-summer and 6 in mid-winter. 

The island's northern coast is sheltered somewhat by Lanzarote, less than 10 miles to the north. While the northern coasts of the Canary Islands are generally where the rain falls, much of Fuerteventura's is 'stolen' by Lanzarote. What there is - on average only 101 mm a year - falls mostly in December and January.

Average temperature (daily maximum °C)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
20.8	21.2	22.5	23.3	24.6	26.4	27.4	27.8	27.5	26.3	24.2	22.1	24.5

Average relative humidity (%)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
69	68	67	65	65	66	68	70	71	68	72	69	71

Average rainfall (monthly total mm)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
16	9	10	7	1	0	9	0	7	9	10	23	101

Average daily sunshine (hours)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
7	7	7	8	9	9	9	9	8	7	7	6	8

Average wind speed (mph)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
11.6	12.6	12.9	14.3	14.0	14.0	14.7	16.1	14.7	11.2	11.6	11.5	13.1

Compared with the Spanish mainland or Morocco, the summers tend to be a few degrees cooler. Don't forget the figures on this page are averages, though. The sunniest summer days can be stunningly hot: up to 40 degrees.

When is the best time to visit Fuerteventura?

The best time to visit Fuerteventura is in late spring or early summer when peak temperatures are in the mid-20s, rainfall is minmal, humidity is low and it's the sunniest time of the year. Average sunshine is about 9 hours a day. At this time of year, before continental Europe is in holiday mode, there's also a lot more room on the beach.

Summer 

Lying so close to Morocco and the Sahara, Fuerteventura sees a lot of dry and sunny weather from June to August. The average peak temperature for these months is more than 27 ºC with nights in the low 20s. The average water temperature is a comfortable 22 ºC: a degree or two more refreshing than the 'hot tub' feel of the late-summer Mediterranean or Indian Ocean.

Winter

If you're really unlucky, you might get a whole week of rainfall in December or January, but it's unlikely to last longer. The days are a little shorter with an average 6 - 7 hours of sunshine, and the evenings can be quite cool. But average winter maximum temperatures are still pleasant at just over 20, a few degrees warmer than the water.

Wind

Anyone visiting Fuerteventura soon becomes aware of the wind. Being relatively small and low-lying in a vast ocean, the Canaries are rarely without a breeze. An average 13 mph of wind throughout the year has helped make the islands very popular with wind sports enthusiasts and surfers. In summer, the north-east Trade Winds offer a relatively steady 16mph while the long reach of the Atlantic brings a good swell for surfers.

Scirocco

Fuerteventura is close to the Sahara desert, which is responsible for the hot, dry easterly winds. Sometimes they blow a little harder than usual and bring sand with them, this is known as the Scirocco. It can reduce visibility and take temperatures on Fuerteventura sharply upwards. It might make life uncomfortable if you're sunbathing or have respiratory problems. Although infrequent, sandstorms tend to hit the islands from February to April.

Fuerteventura tourist information

Despite the island having a major tourist draw, it has not been lost completely to tourist resorts and modern buildings, still keeping the natural beauty of the island. The tourism met the beauty of the island with the Villa Winter building, built by German engineer Gustav Winter. Situated in one of the lesser-populated areas of the island, the villa looks out to sea over placid beaches of the stunning Fuerteventura coast.

With 3000 sunshine hours a year, it is no surprise that the island is so popular. The coast is a surfer's paradise year round, with the summer bringing Trade Winds and the Atlantic providing the swells through the winter months. Temperatures rarely drop below 16 °C, even in the winter months, with the coastal winds keeping it a little cooler during the summer. Thanks to the warm, sunny, climate the winter months can be a good off-season destination to come and relax.

The island is rife with outdoor activity, from hiking through the soft peaked mountain ranges, to the extensive sand dunes along the coastline which create a haven for windsurfers. The natural beauty of the island alongside the fantastic education system has earned it UNESCO status.

It is believed that the first settlers arrived on the island from North Africa and established cave and semi-subterranean lodgings. The remnants and remains of a few have been discovered relatively recently, which has leant to extensive research into the history of the island. The conquest of 1402, commanded by French conqueror Jean de Béthencourt and Gadifer de la Salle, had them settle in Lanzarote before continuing on excursions to neighbouring islands. It was not until 1405 when Béthencourt completed the conquest of the island. He left his legacy by giving his name to the former capital, Betancuria, on the west coast. Fuerteventura itself is literally translated to strong (Fuerte) wind (ventura).

Fuerteventura's economy is largely based on tourism; mainly centred around Corralejo and Morro Jable, along with the purely tourist location of Caleta de Fuste. Other exports are made up of fishing, taking advantage of their coastline and the Mediterranean offerings from the ocean. Their agricultural economy is based on vegetables and cereal.