Lanzarote Weather by Month
Wondering what Lanzarote’s weather is like each month? Our detailed monthly guides break down temperatures, sunshine, sea conditions, and travel tips. Whether you’re curious about the average weather in Lanzarote in February, how warm the weather and sea are in Lanzarote in December and January, or the perfect months for cycling or sunbathing, our 12 Lanzarote-weather-dedicated pages will help you find the best time to visit the island!
Lanzarote Weather Month-by-Month – Comprehensive Climate Breakdown
Lanzarote boasts a mild, spring-like climate all year with very little rain. Daytime highs range from about 21°C in winter up to 29°C in late summer. Even in January, afternoons hover around 20–21°C, while peak summer (August) sees highs in the upper 20s °C, occasionally touching 30°C on the hottest days. Nights are cooler but generally stay well above freezing (typically 13–21°C year-round lows). Lanzarote’s coastal areas get desert-level rainfall (~100 mm per year), meaning plenty of sunshine and very few rainy days. Constant northeasterly trade winds bring a pleasant breeze, strongest in summer afternoons, which keeps temperatures comfortable and creates great conditions for surfers. Below is a quick reference table of Lanzarote’s average climate by month:
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Rainy Days | Sea Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 14°C (57°F) | 15 mm | 3 days | 19°C |
| Feb | 21.5°C (71°F) | 14°C (58°F) | 15 mm | 2 days | 18°C |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm | 2 days | 18°C |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 16°C (61°F) | 5 mm | 1 day | 18.5°C |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 18°C (64°F) | 0 mm | 0 days | 19.5°C |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 19°C (66°F) | 0 mm | 0 days | 20.5°C |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 21°C (70°F) | 0 mm | 0 days | 21.5°C |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm | 0 days | 22°C |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 21°C (70°F) | 0 mm | 0 days | 22.5°C |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 20°C (68°F) | 15 mm | 2 days | 22.5°C |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 18°C (64°F) | 15 mm | 3 days | 21.5°C |
| Dec | 22°C (72°F) | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm | 3 days | 20°C |
(Data sources: Lanzarote Airport 1991–2020 averages.)
Weather in Lanzarote: Sunshine, Breezes & Mild Temperatures
As the table shows, rainfall is scarce – virtually no rain from May through September, and even in the “wet” winter months you might only get 2–3 brief rainy days. Lanzarote’s sunshine hours are impressive, averaging 8 hours of sun per day annually. Sea temperatures are cooler than Mediterranean waters but swimmable for the hardy: about 18–19°C in winter, warming to ~22°C by late summer. Many Brits do take a dip even in January if the sun is out, though locals find it chilly!
Wind is a defining feature – Lanzarote is known as a windy island with near-constant breezes. The northeast trade winds prevail, making some areas (especially northwest coast) wilder and great for surfing, while the southern resorts (Playa Blanca) and eastern coast are a bit calmer. Even on warm days, a stiff wind can make it feel cooler than the thermometer suggests (one traveler in Costa Teguise said 21°C “felt like less than 10°C” due to wind-chill). Evenings can turn cool and breezy across the island, so a light jacket or cardigan is advisable year-round. Overall, Lanzarote’s climate is one of “eternal spring” – pleasantly warm but rarely too hot, with low humidity and plenty of sun, making it a perfect escape from the UK’s damp and cold seasons.
Monthly Highlights: In January & February (the coldest months), expect daytime highs ~20–21°C and nights ~14°C, with only the odd light shower. March & April warm slightly (22–24°C highs) and remain mostly dry. May brings more consistent mid-20s warmth and virtually zero rain, kicking off a long, sunny summer. June through August are the hottest and sunniest months (average highs 26–29°C) but thanks to ocean breezes it’s still comfortable for most Brits. September & October stay warm (mid-20s°C) with sea temperatures at their peak (around 22–23°C, the warmest water of the year). By November & December, temperatures ease to the low 20s°C with a slight uptick in rain (still only ~3 days a month). Even at Christmas it’s common to have sunshine and ~22°C afternoons – a far cry from UK winter! As one UK visitor put it, “We went in early December and had 5 warm and sunny days”, though do be prepared for anything from “cold and rainy to hot and sunny” in late autumn
In summary, no matter the month, Lanzarote delivers mild temperatures and mostly sunny skies, with just a bit more wind and cloud variability in winter and early spring.
The average monthly sunshine hours and & daylight chart:
Lanzarote, one of Spain’s Canary Islands, is renowned for its abundant sunshine year-round. The island enjoys an average of approximately 3,010 hours of sunshine annually, translating to about 8.3 hours of sunlight per day. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the average monthly sunshine hours in Lanzarote:
These figures indicate that Lanzarote experiences relatively consistent sunshine throughout the year, with the sunniest months being July and August, each averaging about 10 hours of sunshine per day. The least sunny months are December and January, with an average of 6.5 hours of sunshine daily.
For comparison, Lanzarote’s annual sunshine duration surpasses that of many European cities. For instance, Lisbon, Portugal, receives approximately 2,801 hours of sunshine annually, highlighting Lanzarote’s exceptionally sunny climate.
This consistent and generous sunlight makes Lanzarote a favorable destination for travelers seeking year-round sun, contributing to its appeal as a prime location for beach holidays and outdoor activities.
Lanzarote Sunshine & Daylight Chart
| Month | Sunshine (Hrs) | Daylight (Hrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6 | 10.5 |
| Feb | 7 | 11 |
| Mar | 8 | 12 |
| Apr | 9 | 13 |
| May | 10 | 13.5 |
| Jun | 10.5 | 14 |
| Jul | 10.5 | 14 |
| Aug | 10 | 13.5 |
| Sep | 9 | 12.5 |
| Oct | 8 | 11.5 |
| Nov | 7 | 10.5 |
| Dec | 6 | 10 |
The difference in daylight hours between Lanzarote and the UK
Lanzarote, one of Spain’s Canary Islands, enjoys relatively consistent daylight hours throughout the year due to its proximity to the equator. In contrast, the United Kingdom experiences significant variations in day length between summer and winter months, owing to its higher latitude.
In Lanzarote, the shortest day occurs around December 21st, with approximately 10 hours and 8 minutes of daylight, while the longest day around June 21st offers about 13 hours and 51 minutes of daylight. This modest variation of about 3 hours and 43 minutes between the longest and shortest days provides residents and visitors with relatively stable daylight throughout the year.
Conversely, the United Kingdom experiences a broader range of daylight hours. During the winter solstice in December, parts of the UK can have as few as 7 to 8 hours of daylight, whereas during the summer solstice in June, daylight can extend up to 16 to 17 hours. This significant fluctuation results in shorter days during winter months and notably longer days in summer.
To illustrate the difference in daylight hours between Lanzarote and the UK, especially during winter months, consider the following comparison:
Note: The UK average daylight hours can vary depending on the specific location within the country.
This table highlights that during winter months, Lanzarote enjoys longer daylight hours compared to the UK, offering a more consistent and extended period of daylight throughout the year.
Weather in Lanzarote – UV Index Table
UV Index: The sun’s strength is higher than in the UK. UV index is moderate (3–5) in winter, rising to very high/extreme (9–11) in summer. For example, in June–August the UV index peaks at 11 (Extreme), so strong sun protection is a must. Even in spring and autumn it often hits 7–8 (High/Very High). Always use a high SPF sunscreen and wear hats and sunglasses, especially during midday.
| Month | UV Index | Sun Protection Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3-5 | Moderate, sunscreen optional |
| Feb | 3-5 | Moderate, sunglasses |
| Mar | 6-7 | High, SPF 30+ recommended |
| Apr | 7-8 | High, avoid midday sun |
| May | 8-9 | Very High, SPF 50+ |
| Jun | 10-11 | Extreme, seek shade |
| Jul | 10-11 | Extreme, sun protection essential |
| Aug | 10-11 | Extreme, wear a hat & sunscreen |
| Sep | 8-9 | Very High, reapply SPF 50 |
| Oct | 7-8 | High, UV protection needed |
| Nov | 5-7 | Moderate-High, light sunscreen |
| Dec | 3-6 | Moderate, some sun exposure ok |
Wind Conditions:
While hard to quantify in a simple chart, Lanzarote’s wind is usually Moderate (15-25 km/h) on average days, but summer afternoons can see frequent strong breezes (30+ km/h), especially in open areas. The northeast trade wind pattern means southwest parts of the island are somewhat sheltered. For instance, Playa Blanca often feels less windy than Costa Teguise or Famara. There isn’t a straightforward “wind index” chart here, but just remember wind is part of Lanzarote’s climate – great for cooling off, but it can kick up sand on the beach or make the ocean choppy. Wind is usually gentler in the mornings and stronger by afternoon.
| Location | Wind Strength | Best for? |
|---|---|---|
| Playa Blanca (South) | Light-Moderate | Relaxing beach holidays |
| Costa Teguise (East) | Moderate-Strong | Windsurfing, kitesurfing |
| Famara (Northwest) | Strong-Gusty | Surfing, paragliding |
| Puerto del Carmen (Central) | Light | General tourists, families |
Final Thoughts
Lanzarote’s abundant sunshine and stable daylight hours make it an ideal destination for sun-seekers year-round. With over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, it outshines many European destinations, including Lisbon. Even in the winter months, Lanzarote enjoys longer days than the UK, providing more time for outdoor activities. Whether you’re visiting in July for peak sunshine or escaping the UK’s dark winters in December, Lanzarote guarantees consistent daylight and warm weather, making it perfect for beach lovers, adventurers, and those in need of a sunny retreat.
More to Explore in Lanzarote
Planning your trip and wondering how to make the most of it? These guides will help you turn your weather research into a perfect itinerary:
🌴 All Inclusive Lanzarote – Discover insider reviews of the best resorts and hotels to find your perfect stay.
✈️ Flights to Lanzarote – See who flies from your nearest UK airport and get tips on finding the best fares.
✨ Lanzarote Select – Explore Lanzarote’s hidden luxury side with curated restaurants, boutiques, and unique experiences.