Weather and climate in Lanzarote (Canary Islands)

The island of Lanzarote, the most north-eastern of the Canary Islands, has a very mild and desert climate, with very mild winters and warm, sunny summers.
The island is particularly exposed to the trade winds, which blow constantly throughout the year, from the northeast, especially in the afternoon. The waves generated by these winds are particularly appreciated by surfers.
Temperatures in Lanzarote are very mild, spring-like for much of the year: during the day, they range from 21 °C (70 °F) in January and February to 29 °C (84 °F) in August and September.
Temperatures generally tends to stay around the average, however, from December to March, there can be some cool days, with highs below 20 °C (68 °F). On the coldest days of the year, which typically occur in February, the temperature typically drops to 10/11 °C (50/52 °F) at night, while the maximum remains around 17/18 °C (63/64 °F). The coldest record is 7.5 °C (45.5 °F), recorded in February 2018.
On the other hand, a hot, dry wind from Africa can sometimes blow, which can reduce visibility by carrying dust or sand from the desert, and brings abnormally high temperatures, which usually lasts three or four days; this phenomenon has become more frequent in recent years due to global warming. Together with Fuerteventura, Lanzarote is particularly exposed to these hot winds. The heat record is 43.5 °C (110 °F), recorded in August 1980. In July 2004 and August 2010, the temperature reached 43 °C (109.5 °F), while in 2015, it reached 42.5 °C (108.5 °F) in May and 37 °C (98.5 °F) in October.
Here are the average temperatures in Arrecife, the largest city, located on the south-east coast, where the airport is also located.

Along the coasts, rainfall amounts to less than 150 millimeters (6 inches) per year. Rain occurs when low pressure systems reach the island in the period from October to March, while in summer, it basically never rains.
Unlike other islands of the archipelago, in the interior of Lanzarote, there are no mountains high enough to cause a substantial increase in precipitation. However, at the highest point of the Famara massif, 670 meters (2,200 feet) above sea level, where the military station and the Ermita de las Nieves are found, the landscape is a bit greener, mist and fog can form quite often, and there are terraced fields.
Here is the average precipitation in Arrecife.

The sun in Lanzarote shines all year round, however, in addition to the low pressure systems that can pass over the island from October to March, in summer, cloud banks can form on the Atlantic Ocean and reach the island. On the northern coast, and especially on the hill slopes exposed to the north, local clouds and mists can form. The south coast is therefore the sunniest one.
Here are the average daily sunshine hours in Arrecife, where there are about 3,000 hours of sunshine per year.

The sea in Lanzarote is cool because of the cold sea current, called Canary Current, which flows in the ocean to the west of Morocco: the sea temperature goes from 18 °C (64 °F) in February and March to 22.5 °C (72.5 °F) in September and October. So, basically you can try to swim also in winter, at least if you are not sensitive to cold, while in summer, the sea is still a bit cool.
Here are the average sea temperatures.



Lanzarote is a volcanic island: in the north, there is the crater of Volcán de la Corona, about 600 meters (2,000 feet) high, while in the west, in the Timanfaya National Park, we find the Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains), where the landscape is lunar and characterized by craters, calderas, geysers, caves (cuevas), and soil made of volcanic rock, where tourists can go on excursions by dromedary.



North of Lanzarote, we find the Chinijo Archipelago, made up of small islands (Montaña Clara, Alegranza and La Graciosa) and islets (Roque del Este and Roque del Oeste).

Best Time

The best time to visit Lanzarote for a beach holiday and for surfing is from May to mid-October, though you can go all year round because of its mild climate. For the low rainfall, however, after all, the island lends itself to these activities also in the second half of October and in November, when the sea is still relatively warm, although the first Atlantic depressions can affect this area, bringing some cloudiness and some rain, which can happen also in winter. On the other hand, in autumn and winter, in periods of bad weather, the south wind can generate high waves, which can be appreciated by surfers.
In winter there is often the sun and temperatures are pleasant, but it is not always warm enough to go to the beach, in addition, there may be periods with clouds and rain, although they are quite rare.

What to pack in the suitcase

In winter: bring light clothes for the day, a sweater and a jacket for the evening, and possibly a raincoat or umbrella.
In summer: bring summer clothes, but also a scarf for the wind, a light sweatshirt, a light jacket for the evening and for windy afternoons; comfortable shoes for hiking.

Lanzarote - Weather by month

Based on the period 1991-2020

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January, the coldest month of the year, is generally a very mild month. The average temperature is of 17.6 °C (64 °F), with a minimum of 14.2 °C (57.6 °F) and a maximum of 21 °C (69.7 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 11.5 °C (52.5 °F). However, it dropped to 8.2 °C (46.8 °F) in January 2018.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 24.5 °C (76 °F). However, it reached 28 °C (82.4 °F) in January 2000.
Precipitation amounts to 15 mm (0.6 in), distributed over 3 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 30 minutes.
There are on average 6.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 63% of the time.
The average humidity is 70%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 18 kph (11 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 19 °C (66 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cool for swimming.

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February is generally a very mild month. The average temperature is of 18.0 °C (64 °F), with a minimum of 14.4 °C (58 °F) and a maximum of 21.5 °C (70.7 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 11.5 °C (52.5 °F). However, it dropped to 7.6 °C (45.7 °F) in February 2018.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 25.5 °C (78 °F). However, it reached 29.6 °C (85.3 °F) in February 2003.
Precipitation amounts to 15 mm (0.6 in), distributed over 2 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 10 minutes.
There are on average 7 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 64% of the time.
The average humidity is 70%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 20 kph (12 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 18 °C (65 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

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March is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of 19.0 °C (66 °F), with a minimum of 15.2 °C (59.3 °F) and a maximum of 22.9 °C (73.1 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 12 °C (54 °F). However, it dropped to 10.3 °C (50.5 °F) in March 2011.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 28 °C (82.5 °F). However, it reached 30.5 °C (86.9 °F) in March 2017.
Precipitation amounts to 10 mm (0.4 in), distributed over 2 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 8 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 68% of the time.
The average humidity is 70%.
The average wind speed is 21 kph (13 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 18 °C (65 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

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April is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of 19.9 °C (68 °F), with a minimum of 16.1 °C (60.9 °F) and a maximum of 23.8 °C (74.8 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 13.5 °C (56.5 °F). However, it dropped to 11.1 °C (52 °F) in April 1994.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 29 °C (84.5 °F). However, it reached 36.3 °C (97.3 °F) in April 2006.
Precipitation amounts to only 5 mm (0.2 in), and all occurs in one day.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 55 minutes.
There are on average 8.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 67% of the time.
The average humidity is 68%.
The average wind speed is 22 kph (14 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 18.5 °C (65.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cool for swimming.

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May is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of 21.4 °C (70 °F), with a minimum of 17.5 °C (63.4 °F) and a maximum of 25.2 °C (77.4 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 15 °C (59 °F). However, it dropped to 12.7 °C (54.9 °F) in May 1993.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 31 °C (87.5 °F). However, it reached 42.6 °C (108.7 °F) in May 2015.
Precipitation amounts to only 0 mm (0 in), so on average it never rains in the whole month.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 35 minutes.
There are on average 9.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 69% of the time.
The average humidity is 68%.
The average wind speed is 23 kph (14 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 19.5 °C (67 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cool for swimming.

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June is generally a warm to hot month. The average temperature is of 23.0 °C (73 °F), with a minimum of 19.2 °C (66.6 °F) and a maximum of 26.7 °C (80.1 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 17 °C (62.5 °F). However, it dropped to 14.7 °C (58.5 °F) in June 2018.
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 32 °C (89.5 °F). However, it reached 40.7 °C (105.3 °F) in June 2011.
Precipitation amounts to only 0 mm (0 in), so on average it never rains in the whole month.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 0 minutes. June 21, the summer solstice, is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 9.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 69% of the time.
The average humidity is 69%.
The average wind speed is 25 kph (15 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 20.5 °C (69 °F). Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.

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July is generally a warm to hot month. The average temperature is of 24.6 °C (76 °F), with a minimum of 20.7 °C (69.3 °F) and a maximum of 28.4 °C (83.1 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 19 °C (66.5 °F). However, it dropped to 17.6 °C (63.7 °F) in July 1991.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 33.5 °C (92.5 °F). However, it reached 42.9 °C (109.2 °F) in July 2004.
Precipitation amounts to only 0 mm (0 in), so on average it never rains in the whole month.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 50 minutes.
There are on average 10 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 73% of the time.
The average humidity is 69%.
The average wind speed is 30 kph (19 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 21.5 °C (70.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.

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August, the hottest month of the year, is generally a warm to hot month. The average temperature is of 25.5 °C (78 °F), with a minimum of 21.5 °C (70.8 °F) and a maximum of 29.4 °C (85 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 20 °C (67.5 °F). However, it dropped to 17.5 °C (63.5 °F) in August 1993.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 35 °C (94.5 °F). However, it reached 42.9 °C (109.2 °F) in August 2010.
Precipitation amounts to only 0 mm (0 in), so on average it never rains in the whole month.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 5 minutes.
There are on average 9.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 74% of the time.
The average humidity is 70%.
The average wind speed is 27 kph (17 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 22 °C (71.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.

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September is generally a warm to hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 24.8 °C (77 °F), with a minimum of 21.1 °C (69.9 °F) and a maximum of 28.5 °C (83.3 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 18.5 °C (65.5 °F). However, it dropped to 16.7 °C (62.1 °F) in September 1994.
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 32.5 °C (90 °F). However, it reached 39.4 °C (102.9 °F) in September 2005.
Precipitation amounts to only 0 mm (0 in), so on average it never rains in the whole month.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 20 minutes.
There are on average 8.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 71% of the time.
The average humidity is 73%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 21 kph (13 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 22.5 °C (73 °F). Therefore, the sea can be considered barely acceptable for swimming.

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October is generally a warm to hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 23.3 °C (74 °F), with a minimum of 19.7 °C (67.4 °F) and a maximum of 26.9 °C (80.5 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 17 °C (62.5 °F). However, it dropped to 14.9 °C (58.8 °F) in October 2019.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 31.5 °C (88.5 °F). However, it reached 37.3 °C (99.1 °F) in October 2015.
Precipitation amounts to 15 mm (0.6 in), distributed over 2 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 66% of the time.
The average humidity is 73%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 17 kph (11 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 22.5 °C (72.5 °F). Therefore, the sea can be considered barely acceptable for swimming.

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November is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of 20.9 °C (70 °F), with a minimum of 17.5 °C (63.5 °F) and a maximum of 24.4 °C (75.9 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 14 °C (57.5 °F). However, it dropped to 12.4 °C (54.3 °F) in November 1993.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 29 °C (84 °F). However, it reached 34.2 °C (93.6 °F) in November 1999.
Precipitation amounts to 15 mm (0.6 in), distributed over 3 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 40 minutes.
There are on average 7 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 64% of the time.
The average humidity is 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 17 kph (11 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 21.5 °C (70.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.

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December is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of 18.8 °C (66 °F), with a minimum of 15.5 °C (60 °F) and a maximum of 22 °C (71.7 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 13 °C (55 °F). However, it dropped to 11.4 °C (52.5 °F) in December 2004.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 24.5 °C (76.5 °F). However, it reached 27.5 °C (81.5 °F) in December 2000.
Precipitation amounts to 20 mm (0.8 in), distributed over 3 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 20 minutes. December 21, the winter solstice, is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 6.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 63% of the time.
The average humidity is 72%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 17 kph (11 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 20 °C (68 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cool for swimming.