Lanzarote Weather
Plan the Perfect Holiday
Discover the best time to visit, pack smart, and enjoy every sun-soaked day.
Weather Forecast for the Most Popular
Locations in Lanzarote
The Essentials
How long is the flight to Lanzarote from the UK? 4 hours (just enough for a snooze and a disappointing in-flight sandwich)
What time is it in Lanzarote, and what’s the time difference? None! No jet lag excuses for missing happy hour
Language: Spanish (but a smile and enthusiastic hand gestures go a long way)
Currency: Euro (€) – so no faffing about with exchange rates mid-paella
Electricity: C plug (230V) – bring an adapter unless you fancy a holiday from charging your phone
Driving side: Right (Yes, the other right… stay sharp on those roundabouts!)
Lanzarote Weather by Month
Planning a trip? Click on the month you’re visiting to see what the weather will be like!
Lanzarote Weather January
💬 “We spent New Year in Lanzarote and had sunny days with highs of 22°C – evenings needed a jacket.” Learn more…
Lanzarote Weather February
💬 “Lanzarote weather in February was great -sunbathing most days, just a couple of breezy ones.” Learn more…
Lanzarote Weather March
💬 We had a mix of sunny and overcast days. Evenings were cool, but daytime was great for walking.” Learn more…
Lanzarote Weather June
💬 “We went to Costa Teguise in June – perfect beach weather every day!” Learn more…
Lanzarote Weather October
💬 “Lanzarote weather in October was amazing—hot in the day, but needed a light jacket at night.” Learn more…
What to do in Lanzarote
Lanzarote offers stunning volcanic landscapes, golden beaches, Timanfaya National Park, wine tours in La Geria, and art by César Manrique.
Explore caves, surf in Famara, or relax in Playa Blanca. There’s something for everyone – from adventure to pure chill. Explore more…
Current Weather in Lanzarote
and 7-day Forecast
Flights to Lanzarote
Flights from the UK to Lanzarote take around 4 to 4.5 hours. From Manchester or Gatwick, it’s just over 4 hours direct.
Lanzarote has one main airport – César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport (ACE) located near Arrecife, with regular flights from major UK cities year-round. Book a flight…
What Language Do They Speak in Lanzarote?
Planning a trip to Lanzarote? While Spanish is the official language, you’ll hear plenty of local phrases and even some English in tourist areas. 🌞😆 To help you feel more at home (and avoid any translation mishaps), here’s a quick guide to essential Spanish words and phrases for British visitors.
Unusual Questions About Lanzarote
Visitors have all sorts of questions before landing in Lanzarote—some practical, some amusing, and some that leave us scratching our heads. 😆 Here’s a lighthearted look at the most unexpected (yet totally valid) things people ask about Lanzarote’s weather, beaches, and local quirks.
Best Activities by Season (When to Go for What)
Thanks to its gentle climate, Lanzarote is a year-round destination. Still, certain seasons are better suited for specific activities. Here’s a seasonal breakdown for the best times to hit the beach, go hiking, sightsee, sip local wines, and enjoy other outdoor pursuits:
Spring – Weather in Lanzarote in March and April and May
Spring is one of the best times for outdoor activities. Temperatures rise to mid-20s °C by May, wildflowers dot the volcanic landscapes, and it’s still extremely dry (especially April-May). This is ideal weather for hiking the volcano trails, cycling, or golfing – warm but not too hot. April and May see virtually no rain and plenty of sun, great for beach days and swimming as the sea starts to warm slightly.
Best for Outdoor Adventures & Wild Scenery : Hiking (try the Femés to Playa del Pozo trek or Montana Corona), sightseeing (no need to seek shade constantly), and festivals – e.g. Carnival sometimes falls in late Feb or March, adding cultural fun.
Traveller Insight: “Spring can bring hot sun and cold wind”, according to one traveler, who advises “take layers, waterproofs and lots of suncream” . Essentially, dress in layers – you might bask in hot sun one minute, then need a windbreaker when a gust comes. By late spring (May), winds are picking up, but so are hours of daylight.
Summer – Lanzarote Weather in June, July and August
Summer is peak beach season. With daily highs ~27–29°C and virtually guaranteed sunshine, it’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and watersports. Notably, Lanzarote’s summer heat is usually comfortable, not sweltering, because of the steady breezes and low humidity (unlike Mediterranean destinations). The ocean is at its warmest and very inviting by August (around 22°C).
Best for: Beaches and swimming (Playa de Papagayo’s golden sands or Famara’s surf), surfing, windsurfing & kitesurfing (strong trade winds especially on east and northwest coasts), family holidays (long sunny days – up to ~14 hours of daylight in June). This is also a great time for stargazing on clear warm nights. Note: Summer is high season, so expect more crowds.
Midday sun is strong (UV index is Extreme, 10–11 in Jun–Aug), so avoid the midday peak for strenuous activities like hiking – opt for early morning walks or enjoy a siesta. Stay hydrated and reapply sunscreen frequently. Overall, summer offers the quintessential Lanzarote experience of “gorgeous hot weather” with blue skies – perfect for a relaxing beach holiday.
Autumn – Lanzarote Weather in September, in October and November
Early autumn in Lanzarote often feels like an extension of summer. September can be hot (mid-20s to high 20s °C) and the sea is at its warmest now (22–23°C, very pleasant for swimming). It’s an excellent time for diving and snorkeling thanks to warm water and good visibility. October remains warm (mid-20s) and mostly sunny, though by late October/November you’ll start to get a few showers or cloudy days creeping in.
These months are great for beach days (without the summer crowds in September), as well as hiking and sightseeing as temperatures gradually cool. Wine tours are wonderful in autumn – the grape harvest (often as early as July/August) is over, but vineyards are less busy and you can enjoy new wines; the weather is ideal for strolling through the unique volcanic vineyards of La Geria.
Best for: Swimming and water activities in Sept/Oct, general touring and photography (clear air and dramatic skies, especially when occasional clouds arrive). By November, it’s cooler (low 20s) – perfect for golf, cycling, and exploring markets. Insider Tip: November is one of the “wetter” months, but as one Brit notes, Lanzarote weather can be “anything between cold and rainy and hot and sunny” in late autumn. Pack for variable conditions, but rest assured most days will still be beach – worthy. If you prefer a quieter holiday with mild sunshine, autumn is ideal.
Winter: Weather in Lanzarote in December and January & February
These months offer mild weather perfect for exploring Timanfaya National Park, César Manrique’s art and architecture sites, or walking around picturesque villages. Daytimes around 20–22°C are comfortable for hiking and sightseeing without the heat. Beaches are pleasantly quiet; you can sunbathe midday and even swim if you don’t mind cooler water (~19°C). It’s a popular time for British travelers seeking winter sun, as you’ll enjoy T-shirt weather while the UK shivers.
Best for: island tours, vineyard visits in La Geria (the cooler weather makes wine tasting tours enjoyable), coastal walks. Tip: Days are shorter (sunset ~6pm in mid-winter) so plan outdoor activities accordingly. Evenings get down to ~13–16°C, so plan relaxed dinners or entertainment with a light jacket handy.
Weather in Lanzarote – UV Index by Month
| Month | UV Index (Max) | Sun Protection Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Jan–Feb | 3-5 (Moderate) | Sunscreen optional, sunglasses |
| Mar–May | 6-8 (High/Very High) | Sunscreen, hat, shade in midday |
| Jun–Aug | 9-11 (Extreme) | SPF 50, avoid midday sun |
| Sep–Oct | 7-9 (Very High) | Strong sun protection |
| Nov–Dec | 3-6 (Moderate/High) | Light sunscreen recommended |
“Lanzarote’s UV index is extreme in summer, so high SPF sunscreen is a must. Even in winter, UV can be moderate to high.”
Microclimates on the Island:
Lanzarote is small, but the north and south can have slightly different weather at the same time. The north (e.g., Haría, Orzola) is a tad cooler and greener, with more cloud banks especially in summer and more frequent mists on the Famara cliffs. The south (e.g., Playa Blanca) is usually the driest and sunniest. If it’s cloudy in one part of the island, sometimes you can drive to another area to find sun (locals often do this!).
The interior mountainous region is minimal (Lanzarote’s highest peak is only 670m), so differences are not huge, but you might notice Fémes or Tinajo being windier, or Orzola being cloudier than Puerto del Carmen on a given day. As a tourist, it means you have options – if your base is overcast one morning, consider an excursion to a different coast where it might be clear.
Real Traveler Weather Insights (What Tourists Say)
Lanzarote vs Other Warm Winter Destinations in Europe
When planning a winter escape, Brits often ask: “Where is hot in February in Europe?” or what are “Warm destinations in December?” The answer almost always highlights the Canary Islands, including Lanzarote, as top choices. Let’s compare Lanzarote’s winter weather to other popular European holiday spots and some nearby alternatives:
Canary Islands (Lanzarote, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura)
The Canaries are geographically just off Africa, so they enjoy a subtropical climate. Lanzarote, as we’ve detailed, averages around 21–22°C in winter daytime. Tenerife and Gran Canaria have similar temperatures (their southern coasts maybe 22–23°C). All have lows around 15°C on winter nights. Rainfall is low (Lanzarote ~16 mm in Jan, Tenerife south similarly low). So the Canaries offer reliably warm, sunny conditions. It’s not blazing hot, but it’s t-shirt weather most days.
The Met Office specifically notes that while places like Cancun or Barbados are hotter in January, “destinations like Tenerife and Lanzarote still have warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine.” In fact, Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, was listed with an average of 20.5°C in January – one of the warmest in Europe at that time. The Canaries are basically the go-to winter sun in Europe.
Mainland Spain (Costa del Sol, Andalusia)
Southern Spain is milder than the UK in winter but far cooler than the Canaries. For example, Málaga in January has average highs ~17°C and lows ~7°C. There’s also more rain (winter is their wet season; could be 60–100 mm in a month). So while you might get some sunny days in the Costa del Sol, you’ll need a jacket and evenings are cold. It’s not really beach weather (the sea is about 15°C – too cold for most).
Comparatively, Lanzarote’s ~21°C and much lower rain looks great – about 4°C warmer by day, and night temps a good 8°C higher. Mainland Spain’s resorts (Marbella, etc.) typically don’t see tourists sunbathing in winter; in Lanzarote, you often can.
Portugal (Algarve)
Similar to southern Spain. Highs ~16–18°C in winter, nights ~8°C. Can be rainy and Atlantic breezes make it feel cool. The Algarve is lovely but not hot in winter – you’d wear a light jumper even on many days. No comparison to Lanzarote’s climate, which is much warmer and drier at the same time of year.
Cyprus
Cyprus is another popular winter sun idea. It’s in the far east Med. Winter highs in coastal Cyprus (Paphos, Limassol) are ~17–19°C, lows ~9–11°C. So a bit warmer than southern Spain, but still cooler than the Canaries. It also has a winter rainy season; December can be fairly wet (80 mm+). You might get some sunny 18°C days, but also quite a few showers. The sea in Cyprus in winter is ~17°C, colder than the Canaries. So while Cyprus is one of the warmest Med spots in winter, it’s not as consistently warm/dry as Lanzarote. That said, by late March, Cyprus warms up faster than the Canaries, but in Dec–Feb, the Canaries win.
Madeira
Not in Mediterranean, but another Atlantic island often compared. Madeira in winter is mild (~20°C highs, 14°C lows, similar to Canaries) but rainier (especially Funchal gets more rain due to mountain geography). It’s lush and beautiful, but you have higher chance of cloud/rain than in Lanzarote’s arid environment.
Egypt (Red Sea resorts) & Turkey (southern coast)
These are outside Europe (Egypt in Africa, Turkey part in Asia) but sometimes considered by Brits. Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt has ~22°C highs in Jan, lots of sun, sea ~22°C – actually similar to Canaries or a tad warmer by day, and very low rain. It’s a longer flight though (~5 hours) and involves non-European travel. Southern Turkey (Antalya) is mild (15°C highs in Jan) but quite rainy in winter, so not ideal.
The Canary Islands are the winner for winter heat
Within Europe proper, really the Canary Islands are the winner for winter heat. A travel magazine ranking of “Where’s hot in Feb in Europe” invariably puts Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote at #1. They sometimes mention Seville or Malta as alternatives: Seville can reach 18°C in Feb (but cold nights), Malta ~16°C (and windy). Nowhere in continental Europe matches the consistent 21°C+ of the Canaries in mid-winter.
Lanzarote specifically is noted as one of the driest, sunniest Canary Islands because it’s low-lying (no big mountains to trap cloud) and its Sahara-proximity keeps it arid. So if someone asks, “where is warm in Europe in January/February?”, the answer is basically “the Canaries – e.g., Lanzarote”.
A second thought on other Canary Islands
If comparing within the Canaries, Tenerife and Gran Canaria’s south coasts are equally warm (if not 1°C warmer on average). They have more developed resort areas (and bigger population). Lanzarote’s advantage is its lower rainfall – islands like Tenerife (with mountains) get more rain in winter on the north side, though the south of Tenerife is dry like Lanzarote. Fuerteventura is similar to Lanz – very dry, lots of wind (even more wind in summer).
Some say Lanzarote and Fuerteventura feel slightly cooler than Tenerife in winter by a degree or so, but also get more hours of sunshine due to lack of mountains causing micro-rain. In any case, all canaries are far warmer than anywhere else you can get to on a 4-hour flight in winter. That’s why they’re so popular for winter sun holidays.
Conclusion
If comparing within the Canaries, Tenerife and Gran Canaria’s south coasts are equally warm (if not 1°C warmer on average). They have more developed resort areas (and bigger population). Lanzarote’s advantage is its lower rainfall – islands like Tenerife (with mountains) get more rain in winter on the north side, though the south of Tenerife is dry like Lanzarote. Fuerteventura is similar to Lanz – very dry, lots of wind (even more wind in summer).
Ready to swap grey skies for volcanic vistas and sunny beaches?
Lanzarote’s weather makes it an easy choice. And if you want more personalized tips (best hidden coves, local festival dates, or how to snag hotel deals), consider signing up for our SELECT CLUB newsletter. We share insider info and the latest updates to help UK travelers make the most of Lanzarote’s endless summer. Here’s to blue skies and warm days – see you in Lanzarote!(even more wind in summer).