Lanzarote Weather February – Winter Sun at Its Best!
Looking to escape the UK’s chilly winter? Lanzarote weather in February offers mild temperatures, bright sunny days, and very little rain. It’s the perfect winter getaway to soak up some much-needed sunshine.
February in Lanzarote is a continuation of the mild Canarian winter. In fact, if you plopped a Brit down here blindfolded, they might think it’s late May, not February!
This month is pleasantly warm, with lots of sunshine and only a slim chance of rain. It’s a popular time for half-term family holidays from the UK, as parents seek out reliable sun during the school break.
What to Expect in February
☀️ Daytime temperatures: Around 20°C – Ideal for T-shirts, shorts, and casual beachwear.
🌙 Nighttime temperatures: Around 13°C – Evenings can feel cool, so a light jacket is recommended.
🌊 Sea temperature: 18°C – Refreshing but still swimmable if you’re brave.
🌧️ Rainfall: Low – Just 2-3 days of light rain throughout the month.
🌞 Sunshine: Around 7 hours a day – Plenty of daylight to enjoy the outdoors.
Lanzarote Weather in February vs UK Weather
While the weather in Lanzarote in February is mild and enjoyable, the UK remains cold and dreary.
🇬🇧 UK in February: 5-10°C, rain, snow, and gloomy skies.
🇪🇸 Lanzarote in February: 20°C, blue skies, beaches, and outdoor dining.
It’s clear why Lanzarote is a popular winter destination!
What British Tourists Say About the Weather in Lanzarote in February:
“Mixed. 1 day of rain, some sunshine but often cloudy with cold breeze.”
“Mainly overcast – it was the cloudiest we’ve ever experienced in the entire Canaries.”
“Visited in February; had a few cloudy days but overall pleasant weather.”
“February was cooler than expected, especially in the evenings; recommend packing a light jacket.”
“Experienced a mix of sun and clouds in February; still enjoyed outdoor activities.”
Curious about whether your flip-flops melt in Lanzarote? Check out our Q&A section for fun and helpful answers!
Special Section: Women’s Guide to February in Lanzarote
👗 What to Wear & Clothing & Packing Tips for February:
Daytime attire: Similar to January – t-shirts, shorts, light dresses are daytime staples. You might start the day in short sleeves by 10am and stay that way till sunset. It’s wise to have a light long-sleeve layer in your day bag if you head out, just in case clouds roll in or you visit a higher altitude spot.
Evening wear: Pack the layers for evening. A medium-weight cardigan, jumper or a light jacket (a denim jacket or thin fleece works well) will be used nightly. Men often find a long-sleeve shirt or a thin sweater over a t-shirt is perfect for going out to dinner. Women might bring leggings or jeans to pair with a top at night. Basically, your typical UK spring/autumn evening wear is fine.
Beach gear: Definitely bring swimwear – you’ll be hitting the beach or pool. A cover-up or kaftan is useful when the breeze picks up or if you go for lunch straight from the sun lounger. If you’re sensitive to cooler water, you could pack a short wetsuit or swim top for sea swimming (though most won’t bother).
💄 Sun protection: Up the ante on sun protection compared to January. Bring a high SPF suncream, and if you have kids, pack SPF 50 for them. A broad-brimmed sun hat or baseball cap will serve you well, and UV-protective sunglasses. Even though it’s not peak summer, the Canarian sun is strong. Also, aloe vera gel or after-sun lotion can be soothing at the end of the day (just in case someone catches a bit too much sun).
Footwear: Comfortable sandals or trainers for daytime exploring. If you plan to do any significant walking or climbing Timanfaya’s trails, bring proper walking shoes or trainers with good grip – the volcanic terrain can be rough on flimsy footwear. For evenings, a nicer pair of shoes – though ladies might want to avoid high heels on cobblestone streets of older towns.
Miscellaneous: In February, carnival season sometimes kicks off (depending on the year and if Easter is early), so maybe pack something fun if you plan to join any local festivities! A light rain jacket can be thrown in, but likely won’t be needed. Binoculars if you’re a stargazer – winter nights are clear and you can spot stars easily due to early nightfall.
Sunshine & Rainfall: Can You Sunbathe in February?
Sunshine & Sky:
The trend of generous winter sun continues. February also sees around 7 hours of sunshine daily. What’s notable is that the daylength is increasing slightly – by late Feb, sunset is a bit later (around 6:30pm), so you gain a few extra minutes of evening light compared to January. While there might be a touch more cloud in winter than summer, clear blue skies are still common. In fact, many southern and western parts of Lanzarote enjoy “warm, cloudless days at any time of year”, February included. It’s not unheard of to have a whole week in Feb with barely a cloud in sight. If a cloudy patch does roll in, it usually breaks up by midday or the next day. The northern end (like Haría) might see some morning clouds that dissipate later.
Rainfall:
February is technically still the “wet season”, but that’s a technicality – rainfall is low. On average, 2–3 days of the month get some rain. Total rainfall is around 10–20 mm, even less than January typically. So, odds are high you’ll have a dry holiday. Should it rain, it’s often just a quick shower or drizzle. Pack an umbrella if you have space, but many February visitors never see a drop. It’s wise to keep an eye on the forecast leading up to your trip – if the BBC weather app shows a rare rainy day, you can plan an indoor activity (or just enjoy a spa day). But by and large, February is mostly dry.
Temperatures
Daytime highs in February typically reach 21–23°C on most days. Essentially, it’s just a nudge warmer than January. By afternoon, you can expect low-20s warmth; perfect for t-shirts and shorts. Some days might even hit 24°C if you’re lucky and get a still, sunny day. Nights remain cool, averaging 14–15°C (similar to Jan nights), so you’ll still need that cardigan or light jacket in the evenings.
Early mornings can feel brisk until the sun climbs up. Overall, think “English late spring” – warm days and cool nights.
Wind
As winter progresses, winds can pick up a tad, but February is still far from Lanzarote’s windy season. You might notice the breeze a bit more on some days – perhaps a gentle to moderate wind especially in open areas or on certain coasts. The average wind speed in Feb is about 12 mph, slightly higher than January. In practical terms, that means a pleasant breeze on the beach that helps you feel cooler when sunbathing.
Occasionally on a cloudy day the wind can feel cool – you’ll see people putting on an extra layer if that happens. If you’re a windsurfer or kitesurfer, you’ll find decent conditions starting to appear, especially towards the end of the month, but the peak wind season is later (summer).
No need to worry about storms – Lanzarote doesn’t really get winter gales like the UK. The winds are generally consistent trade winds from the northeast. Playa Blanca (in the south) tends to be the least windy spot, so consider that if you’re wind-averse, whereas Costa Teguise can be breezier.
Pros & Nons – Lanzarote in November
✅ Pros:
November offers a huge improvement over UK weather – you’re likely to enjoy blue skies and 23°C while London might be 10°C and drizzly.
It’s one of the closest “warm” destinations reachable in short-haul time.
The climate is great for those who find high summer too hot; you can sightsee comfortably and still have beach time.
It’s also low season in terms of crowds (apart from some retirees or long-stay visitors), so you get a peaceful experience and often better deals on accommodation and flights.
Playing golf, tennis, or going hiking is very pleasant in November, which might be too sweaty in August.
❌ Cons:
It’s not 100% guaranteed sun every single day – you should expect a mix, perhaps a couple of not-so-sunny days in a week.
The ocean is cooler – some people may forgo swimming in favour of just lounging, or use heated pools.
Evenings are much cooler than summer – that tropical night feeling is gone, so you’ll need to dress more warmly after dark.
Daylight is shorter (sunset ~5:45pm by late Nov), so your evenings are longer and you might spend them indoors or at the hotel bar rather than on the beach.
A higher chance of calima in winter months – occasionally in Nov a dust haze from the Sahara can blow in, bringing a day of greyish skies and dry, warm wind (and sometimes surprisingly high temps). This isn’t too common and usually not severe in November, but it can happen.
Finally, while most days are fine for sunbathing, you won’t get the consistent tan of an August trip, so manage expectations – it’s more “pleasant spring warmth” than “scorching sunbake.”
Nonetheless, by any Northern European standard, Lanzarote in November is delightful.
Traveler Q&A:
“Can you sunbathe in Lanzarote in February?”
Absolutely yes. In fact, sunbathing is one of the top activities for visitors in February. With midday temperatures around 22°C and plenty of sun, you’ll often see tourists stretched out on the beaches of Puerto del Carmen or Playa Blanca working on their tan. The sun at this time of year has enough strength that you’ll feel warm when you’re in direct rays, especially if you’re sheltered from any breeze.
It’s not the sweltering, sweaty kind of sunbathing you get in August, but many find it more pleasant – you can comfortably lie out for a good while (with suncream on, of course). By the hotel pool, find a spot out of the wind and it can actually feel quite hot. Many British retirees joke that February in Lanzarote gives them a “sneak preview” of summer. Just remember, the sun is lower in the sky in winter, so there can be longer shadows – position yourself well if you’re a serious sunbather! Overall, bring your swimsuit and sunhat – you will definitely have opportunities to bask in the sun.
“Is Lanzarote warm enough in February for swimming and outdoor activities?“
Yes, Lanzarote in Feb is warm enough for most outdoor pursuits. You can comfortably spend all day outdoors hiking, cycling, or sightseeing without the oppressive heat of summer. Many cyclists from colder climates train in Lanzarote in winter because temperatures in the 20s °C are ideal. For swimming: as mentioned, pools (especially heated ones) are fine, and the sea is cool but swimmable for the brave. Water sports like surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing are popular in winter – you’ll see wetsuit-clad surfers at Famara beach enjoying consistent waves. If you’re into diving, February’s underwater visibility is great, though you’ll want at least a 5mm wetsuit. Hiking up Montana Roja or around the volcanoes is wonderful now – not too hot, just remember to wear sunscreen. So whether it’s lounging on a beach or being active, February’s climate welcomes it all. The only things that might be off the table are high mountain hikes (not applicable here since Lanzarote’s highest is only ~670m) or wanting that bathwater-warm sea (for that you’d need to wait until late summer). Otherwise, game on!
Can You Swim in the Sea?
🌊 Average sea temperature in February: 18°C.
The sea is at its coolest now – February sea temp averages ~18°C, the annual low. That’s just 1°C down from January, but it’s the “coldest” the ocean gets around Lanzarote. Many Brits would find it comparable to the UK south coast in early summer (bracing but doable).
Swimming in the sea in February is certainly possible, and many do it especially on sunny afternoons. You’ll see people snorkelling in spots like Playa Chica or diving (wetsuits, of course, for divers). If you plan to swim, picking mid-late afternoon when both air and water have warmed a bit is smart. As always, hotel pools (especially heated ones) will be popular for longer swims.
Children often don’t mind the cooler sea, but do keep an eye as they can get chilly quicker – have a towel and dry clothes
Health Benefits & Risks
UV & Sun Safety:
The UV index in Feb rises to around 6 on the scale, which is classified as High. This is higher than January’s, indicating the sun’s strength is increasing as we approach spring. UK visitors should be mindful – a UV of 6 in February can be a shock if you’ve just left gloomy skies. This means you can burn in about 30 minutes to an hour of midday sun if unprotected.
High-factor suncream (SPF 30+), hats, and sunglasses are strongly advised, particularly during late morning to mid-afternoon. The breeze can lull you into forgetting the sun intensity, so reapply that suncream after a couple of hours or after swimming. Also, if you’re out exploring volcanic landscapes (those black lava fields can reflect heat), carry water and wear a hat – dehydration can creep up on you even in winter.
Air Quality & Allergies:
Generally excellent. Fresh Atlantic air and ocean breezes keep the atmosphere clean. February might bring occasional pollen from early-blooming island flora (wildflowers do start appearing after winter rains), but it’s usually not an issue unless you have specific allergies.
Calima events remain possible but uncommon; one did occur in a past February bringing hazy skies and 30°C+ temperatures for a day or two – a rare blip. If something like that happens, just take it easy: the dust can irritate throat/eyes, so limit strenuous activity outdoors if the air looks hazy. Otherwise, breathe deep – the air is much cleaner than back home in a UK city at this time of year!
Planning Another Month? Explore Lanzarote Weather All Year Round
Whether you’re planning an early spring escape or a mid-winter sun break, we’ve got you covered. Explore detailed weather guides for every month of the year:
Lanzarote Weather in January
Lanzarote Weather in February (you are here)
Lanzarote Weather in March
Lanzarote Weather in April
Lanzarote Weather in May
Lanzarote Weather in June
Lanzarote Weather in July
Lanzarote Weather in August
Lanzarote Weather in September
Lanzarote Weather in October
Lanzarote Weather in November
Lanzarote Weather in December
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✈️ Flights to Lanzarote – See who flies from your nearest UK airport and get tips on finding the best fares.
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