Lanzarote weather

Lanzarote weather averages and climate

Although The Canary Islands are politically part of Spain, they are on the same latitude as Morocco and very close to the Western Sahara. However, the weather is much less extreme than that of north Africa because of two factors: the northeasterly trade wind and the Canary Current.

The northeasterly trade wind often reaches the Canaries from across the Atlantic where it has a significant cooling effect.

When the wind swings south and crosses the Sahara first, it brings completely different weather: the 'calima', often carrying fine sand. When this happens, temperatures and humidity rise dramatically and the sand can reduce visibility and give some people breathing problems. It's rare but it may briefly interrupt your stay: head indoors if it causes problems.

The Canary Islands also sit right in the middle of the Canary Current, a broad swathe of the Atlantic Ocean characterised by cold water welling up from deep in the ocean. It flows south-east along the African coast and gives the islands cooler bathing waters and clearer skies than the surrounding seas.

Average daily maximum temperature (°C)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
20.8	21.5	22.9	23.7	25.0	26.8	28.4	29.1	28.3	26.8	24.2	21.9	24.9

Average daily minimum temperature (°C)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
14.0	14.3	15.0	15.7	16.8	18.8	20.4	21.2	20.8	19.4	17.2	15.4	17.4

Average relative humidity (%)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
66	66	64	63	63	64	65	66	68	68	65	68	65

Average monthly rainfall (mm)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
22	14	13	6	1	0	0	0	2	11	13	23	102

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
10.7	12.0	12.6	14.5	14.6	15.9	19.3	17.2	13.1	11.1	10.6	10.5	13.5

Average sea surface temperature (°C)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
19	18	19	19	20	21	22	23	23	23	21	20	21

When is the best time to visit Lanzarote?

There is no bad month to visit Lanzarote. Europeans rightly think of it as a winter sunshine destination, but it is even more sunny in the summer, with pleasant breezes and ocean currents which take the edge off the hottest days. 

Lanzarote weather in January

Reliable warmth keeps winter holidaymakers coming to Lanzarote throughout the year. It is one of the warmest resorts that is easily accessible from the UK in winter, both in terms of distance and cost, so it is with good reason that holiday flights to Lanzarote carry on flying throughout the year.

Lanzarote weather in February

Although there is more cloud in winter than in summer, southern and western resorts often enjoy warm, cloudless days at any time of year. Temperatures will reach the low twenties on most days.

Lanzarote weather in March

Spring is perhaps less obvious as a separate season here than in some places, due to the warm temperatures and dry weather all year round. However, this is a good time for flowers, especially the millions of native daisies and purple flowering echiums.

Lanzarote weather in April

April is ideal for an Easter beach holiday in Lanzarote, but you might want to bring some warmer clothes for those evening outdoor cocktails as temperatures quickly cool to an average of 14 ºC.

Lanzarote weather in May

The morning often starts a little cloudy in May, but the cloud tends to burn off, leaving hot afternoons and evenings. The power of the sun is starting to increase, so it’s easy to burn here without sun protection. The international “ironman” event takes place on the island in late Ma each year. Cycling 180 km up and down hills is pretty demanding at 25 ºC.

Lanzarote weather in June

The weather for the island is hot but not scorching throughout summer. There's very little cloud and rainfall, but if the "calima" is blowing from the east (fairly unusual) it can quickly become a drought with temperatures as high as 40 °C.

Lanzarote weather in July

In July, sunshine and hot weather is almost guaranteed. It is the windiest month, and you’ll probably enjoy the brisk warm breeze taking the edge off the temperatures.

Lanzarote weather in August

August is the hottest month but also the busiest time on the island. Air temperatures sometimes rise above 30 ºC but sea temperatures of 22 ºC are not as hot as the Mediterranean and probably more refreshing.

Lanzarote weather in September

As other resorts start to wind down after the end of the school summer holidays, Lanzarote still experiences summer weather throughout September, with clear blue skies, plenty of sunshine and high temperatures almost guaranteed. You'll be perfectly comfortable in beachwear in the day, and thin light clothing on an evening.

Lanzarote weather in October

There is a little more chance of cloud and rain in October than in the middle of the summer. Even so, most days will be dry and bright with average rainfall about a tenth that of Blackpool.

Lanzarote weather in November

Sea temperatures of 23 ºC in November are actually warmer than those in July and August, so the sea will feel warm at any time of day or night. Because Lanzarote is so much nearer the equator than most European resorts, the winter day length is longer. It will still be light at 6pm throughout the year.

Lanzarote weather in December

December is when you're most likely to see rain, especially in the north, but the beaches are less busy outside the European holiday season. The sea temperature is higher than 20 ºC, and it remains pleasant enough to bathe or enjoy water sports all year round.

Regional variation

Lanzarote holiday weather falls into two broad areas. In the north and east there is more rainfall, wind and cloud. This helps vegetation, so the region appears greener.

Two mountain ranges interrupt the flow of the northeasterlies across the island, making sure most of the rain falls before it reaches the west and south. This leaves these areas relatively dry,and  almost desert-like. There's also less wind, so although the temperatures across the island are virtually identical, the south and west feel significantly hotter.

Lanzarote tourist information

Evidence recovered from a recent archaeological dig suggests that, although no records of settlements exist, ancient Romans had traded with the settlers of Lanzarote; the Romans' presence in North Africa between the first and fourth centuries A.D. adds weight to the theory.

Lanzarote is home to many landmarks both natural and man-made - the Timanfaya National Park set among the middle of the island is home to many natural breeds of exotic flora and fauna; an especially commendable feat considering the landscape is nothing but volcanic rock, although the fertile volcanic soil has proven very beneficial to many crops and grape production.

Far underground there is still some volcanic activity, as demonstrated by pouring water down into the ground and seeing it jet back up in geyser form.

Such is its otherworldly appearance that many films and TV programmes have been shot here to give the appearance of a different planet. Tourist buses frequently trek over the rocky ground, affording tourists the opportunity to capture the sights on film.

Many of the other spectacular sights on the island were built by legendary artist and architect César Manrique - his foresight proved valuable in boosting the tourist economy of Lanzarote by forcing a ban on high-rise buildings on the island so as not to spoil anyone's view. On the northeast of the island he created the Jardin de Cactus; a beautiful cactus garden which covers five square kilometres. Also of note on the island is the Jameos del Agua; an astonishing landscape built into the rocks on the north of the island; from a distance it looks like Tracy Island from Thunderbirds!

All these beautiful attractions are ably backed up by Lanzarote great nightlife; the resorts on the south of the island near Arrecife airport can always put on a great show, while the museums and concert venues on offer provide great entertainment for those keen to explore too.