Lanzarote
Spain · Europe
The best time to visit Lanzarote is April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November. In summer, daytime highs average 30°C (86°F), with peaks around 36°C (97°F); in winter, nights average 15°C (59°F), dropping to around 12°C (54°F) on the coldest. During the best travel months, the sun shines up to 11 hours per day — ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Lanzarote – What you should know
Lanzarote is the driest and hottest of the Canary Islands — a moonscape of lava and craters, protected by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. The climate is subtropical-arid: rain is scarce, the sun shines almost year-round, and temperatures, moderated by the trade wind, are rarely oppressively hot even in midsummer.
The constant north-easterly trade wind is the island's defining climate element. It ensures pleasant conditions on hot summer days but turns the north-east coast into a paradise for windsurfers and kitesurfers. The sheltered beaches of the south — above all Playa Blanca — are the better choice for calm swimming.
Lanzarote is uniquely among the Canary Islands truly suited to a year-round holiday. Even in January and February temperatures hover around 19–20°C (66–68°F), and the sun shines for several hours a day. Only the occasional Calima — hot desert dust from the Sahara — can cloud the air and cause temperatures to rise sharply for a short time.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, ↑ warmestØ day↑ warmest | 21° (70°)24° (75°) | 22° (72°)25° (77°) | 23° (73°)28° (82°) | 25° (77°)28° (82°) | 26° (79°)30° (86°) | 27° (81°)32° (90°) | 29° (84°)34° (93°) | 30° (86°)36° (97°) | 29° (84°)32° (90°) | 28° (82°)32° (90°) | 25° (77°)29° (84°) | 23° (73°)25° (77°) |
Ø night, ↓ coldestØ night↓ coldest | 15° (59°)12° (54°) | 15° (59°)11° (52°) | 16° (61°)12° (54°) | 17° (63°)14° (57°) | 18° (64°)15° (59°) | 20° (68°)17° (63°) | 22° (72°)19° (66°) | 22° (72°)20° (68°) | 22° (72°)19° (66°) | 21° (70°)17° (63°) | 18° (64°)14° (57°) | 16° (61°)13° (55°) |
☀️Sunshine | 8h | 9h | 10h | 11h | 11h | 11h | 11h | 11h | 10h | 9h | 8h | 8h |
🌊Water Temp | 19° (66°) | 18° (64°) | 19° (66°) | 19° (66°) | 20° (68°) | 21° (70°) | 22° (72°) | 23° (73°) | 23° (73°) | 23° (73°) | 22° (72°) | 20° (68°) |
🌧Rain Days | 2d14mm (0.5") | 2d20mm (0.8") | 1d8mm (0.3") | 0d3mm (0.1") | 0d1mm (<0.1") | 0d0mm (<0.1") | 0d0mm (<0.1") | 0d1mm (<0.1") | 0d2mm (0.1") | 1d10mm (0.4") | 2d24mm (0.9") | 2d13mm (0.5") |
Best travel timeØ = average · ↑ warmest day · ↓ coldest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
March offers great weather in Lanzarote with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Lanzarote
January – February
Lanzarote's quietest season — and one of its most beautiful: almond blossom brightens the interior, and Arrecife's carnival with its traditional Los Buches sailors has been going since 1711. The volcanic landscape of Timanfaya National Park almost without visitors.
March – June
Early season: the first swimmers arrive on the beaches of Playa Blanca, and the north coast offers surfers and kiteboarders perfect conditions. Lanzarote without the high-season crush — ideal for bike tours through the La Geria vineyards.
July – September
Peak season: the trade winds keep temperatures more bearable than on the Spanish mainland. César Manrique's art spaces — Jameos del Agua, Fundación César Manrique — are busy, but magnificent early in the morning.
October – December
Golden off-season: pleasant temperatures, a calm atmosphere, the sea still warm from summer. Timanfaya and the Salinas de Janubio almost to yourself.
Events & Festivals
February
- Carnival of Arrecife – Los Buches· varies (February or March, carnival season)
The oldest carnival in the Canary Islands, celebrated without interruption since 1711. Unique to it is the Los Buches parade: men in sailors' dress playfully swat spectators with dried fish bladders while singing traditional songs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Lanzarote?
- The best time to visit Lanzarote is April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Lanzarote?
- In summer, daytime highs in Lanzarote average 30°C (86°F), with peaks around 36°C (97°F); in winter, nights average 15°C (59°F), dropping to around 12°C (54°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Lanzarote get?
- Lanzarote has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 1 rain day per month. The driest months are June, July, and August.
- How warm is the water in Lanzarote?
- Water temperature in Lanzarote ranges from 18°C (64°F) (February) to 23°C (73°F) (September). During the best travel months (April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November), the water is most pleasant for swimming.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
🏖️
Beach Holiday
Warm, sunny, little rain
JulAugSep
🏙️
City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
MarAprMay
