Lanzarote Weather January – Your Winter Sun Paradise

January is the coolest month in Lanzarote, but it still feels like spring for Brits. Daytime temperatures average 20–22°C most days, often reaching the low 20s by afternoon. In the sun it can feel warmer – plenty of British visitors find it warm enough to sunbathe or relax by the pool.

Nights are cooler, dropping to around 14–15°C on average, so evenings and early mornings can feel nippy after the sun goes down. You’ll want a light jacket or cardi at night, but frost and chill are unknown here – 14°C is as “cold” as it gets on a January night.

Sunshine is generous even in mid-winter. Lanzarote sees about 7 hours of bright sunshine a day in January, so you can expect a good dose of vitamin D. Skies are generally clear or partly cloudy. Yes, there is more cloud in winter than summer, but you’ll still get plenty of blue sky – especially in the southern resorts which often enjoy warm, cloudless days even in January.

Daylight lasts around 10.5–11 hours, with sunrise around 7:30am and sunset about 6:00pm. That means longer days than the UK at this time (no 4pm darkness!), giving you time for excursions and evening strolls before it gets dark.

What to Expect in January

☀️ Daytime temperatures: Around 19°C – Comfortable for T-shirts, shorts, and beachwear.
🌙 Nighttime temperatures: Around 12°C – Evenings can feel cool, so bring a light jacket.
🌊 Sea temperature: 18°C – A bit chilly but swimmable if you’re brave.
🌧️ Rainfall: Low – 2-3 days of light rain during the entire month.
🌞 Sunshine: Around 7 hours a day – Plenty of daylight to explore and relax.

Lanzarote Weather in January vs UK Weather

While the weather in Lanzarote in January is mild and enjoyable, the UK is battling freezing temperatures and grey skies.
🇬🇧 UK in January: 2-8°C, rain, snow, and gloomy weather.
🇪🇸 Lanzarote in January: 19°C, sunshine, beaches, and clear blue skies.

What British Tourists Say About the Weather in Lanzarote in January:

“January is the coldest month with temperatures averaging between 57°F (14°C) and 68°F (20°C).”
“We went in January, and while it was cooler in the evenings, the days were pleasantly warm.”
“Visited in January; experienced a mix of sunny days and occasional showers.”
“January in Lanzarote was a great escape from the UK’s winter; enjoyed mild temperatures and sunny skies.”

Find out how to say “Hi” or “Thank you” to help you blend in with the locals in Lanzarote. Take a look at our vocabulary section.

Special Section: Women’s Guide to January in Lanzarote

👗 Clothing & Packing Tips for January & What to Wear:
Daywear: Pack light layers. Think t-shirts, polo shirts, and shorts or lightweight trousers for midday when it’s warm. For ladies, sundresses or capris with a cardigan are great – you’ll be comfortable in the sun but can cover up if a cloud passes.

Evenings: Bring a warmer layer for nights. A cosy jumper, fleece, or a light jacket will be needed after sunset when temps dip to ~14°C. Ladies might bring a pashmina or shawl to drape over your shoulders if you’re sitting outdoors for dinner. Long trousers or jeans and closed-toe shoes will keep you comfortable at night.

Swimwear: Absolutely pack your swimsuit – many days you’ll be sunbathing or taking a dip. A heated pool is common at resorts, but if you plan to swim in the sea or unheated pool, consider a short wetsuit or rash vest, especially for kids, as 19°C water is refreshing (i.e., a bit cold for lengthy swims).

💄 Sun protection: Don’t let “winter” fool you – bring sunglasses, a sunhat, and sunscreen. The UV is moderate to high, and pale British skin will thank you for lathering on the suncream. A high-factor face moisturiser is useful for daily use.

Footwear: Comfortable sandals or trainers for daytime exploring. Pack one pair of closed shoes (like trainers or lightweight boots) for cooler evenings or if you’re doing any hikes. If you’ll be golfing or cycling, bring appropriate shoes – the weather is great for outdoor sports in Jan.

Extras: A small umbrella or packable waterproof can be wise, though you may never use it. A travel-size moisturiser for your skin, and lip balm, since the air is dry. If you use them, sunglasses with UV protection are a must. And perhaps pack a book – lounging in the sun with a good read is a January pleasure here!

Sunshine & Rainfall: Can You Sunbathe in January?

Sunshine:
Expect roughly 7 hours of sunshine daily in January. The sun is strong when it’s out – UV index is moderate to high (around 4, on a scale where UK winter is ~1). So even in January, UV protection (sunscreen, hats) is important for fair-skinned travellers not used to winter sun this strong.

Humidity
Humidity is comfortable (averaging around 65%) and the climate is fairly dry, so you won’t feel any mugginess. In fact, the air can be a bit arid, so remember moisturiser and lip balm to avoid dry skin, and drink plenty of water – it’s easy to forget to hydrate when it’s not hot-hot, but your body still needs it.

Does it rain much in January?
Not really. January is one of Lanzarote’s “wetter” months, but that’s relative – expect only 3–4 days of brief rainfall on average. Total rainfall is low (around 20–25 mm in the whole month). Showers, when they occur, tend to be light and short-lived. You might get the odd overcast morning or a quick sprinkle, but it’s rare for rain to spoil your day.

In fact, many UK travellers boast of sunbathing in January between the rare raindrops. Pack a small travel brolly or a light waterproof just in case, but you’ll likely find any rain “doesn’t last long” and the sun returns quickly.

Temperatures

Afternoons typically reach the low 20s Celsius. It’s usually warm enough for short sleeves by day, especially in sheltered spots. A local climate summary notes winter days across the Canaries hover around 18–24°C, and Lanzarote fits right in. By late afternoon and night, temperatures drop to mid-teens (around 14°C), so you’ll want a light jacket or jumper after sunset. The cooling northeasterly trade winds can make it feel cooler in the shade or after dark, so packing layers is wise.

UV index in January
UV index in January is moderate (around 4 on the UV scale). Don’t be complacent though: the sun is strong enough that you can catch a tan – or a sunburn – even in winter. Brits often underestimate the Canary sun because the air feels mild.

Remember Lanzarote is on the same latitude as the Sahara! Use at least SPF 15–30 suncream on exposed skin, especially at midday, and wear sunglasses. The UV isn’t extreme like summer, but you’ll still want protection, particularly if you have fair or sensitive skin.

The good news is you can comfortably bask in the sun for longer periods in January without overheating, just keep that suncream on.

Pros & Nons – Lanzarote in November

January is off-peak in Lanzarote (aside from New Year’s week), so it’s quieter and often cheaper. You won’t battle crowds for a spot on the beach, and popular tourist sites (Timanfaya National Park, Jameos del Agua, etc.) are less busy.
The climate is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and sightseeing – you can enjoy active days without the intense heat of summer. It’s a popular time for older travellers and those seeking winter sun without extreme temperatures.

✅ The main pros of January:
Warm sunshine while Britain is cold and grey
Very low chance of rain
Peaceful, relaxed atmosphere

❌ Cons to consider:
It’s not hot beach weather every day – some days are perfectly warm for sunbathing, but the odd day might be only ~18°C and breezy
Ocean swimming might be too chilly for some
The days are shorter (sunset ~6pm), so evenings come early

Overall, if you manage expectations (think “pleasant spring” not “tropical heat”), Lanzarote in January can be a fantastic escape from the UK winter.

Traveler Q&A:

Can you swim in Lanzarote in January? – Yes, you can, and many do. The sea is about 19°C in January which is cooler than summer but not unbearable. If you’re fairly hardy (as one Mumsnet user put it) you can definitely take a dip in the ocean and enjoy it. Many beaches will have a few brave swimmers and certainly kids splashing about (wetsuits help the little ones stay warm). Most hotels and villas heat their pools in winter, so you’ll likely have access to a warmer swimming option.

On sunny days, being in the water can actually be lovely, especially by midday when air temps are ~21°C. Just have a towel and perhaps a hot drink ready for when you come out, as the breeze might give you a chill. If swimming is a priority for you, consider staying somewhere with a heated pool or visit the natural lava rock pools at Punta Mujeres, which can feel slightly warmer. Overall, swimming is possible year-round in Lanzarote – January included – but expect “refreshing” rather than bath-like water.

Is Lanzarote hot in January? – “Hot” by British winter standards, absolutely – you’ll feel like it’s late spring. But if you’re expecting the scorching heat of a Mediterranean August, then no, January in Lanzarote is warm but not hot. Daytime highs reach ~21°C which feels pleasantly warm, especially in the sun and sheltered from any breeze. You’ll be comfortable in short sleeves during the day. You might even break a sweat if you’re hiking in direct sun at noon. However, the mornings and evenings are cool (~14°C), so you won’t have that balmy tropical night feeling.

Think of it this way: it’s warm enough to sit out on your balcony for breakfast and to eat lunch on the beach, but you’ll likely want a jacket after dinner. Many British visitors actually prefer this milder warmth – you can do activities without overheating. So, no, it’s not “hot” like summer, but it’s the perfect enjoyable warmth to escape the UK’s cold. In fact, Lanzarote in January is one of the warmest places in Europe at this time, which is exactly why so many of us head there for winter sun.

Can You Swim in the Sea?

🌊 Average sea temperature in January: 18 – 19°C.
Sea temperature in January hovers around 19°C, courtesy of the cool Canary Current. For comparison, that’s similar to the Cornish sea in late summer – brisk but swimmable if you’re hardy. Many hotels have heated pools in winter, so you’ll definitely see people swimming.

The ocean itself is on the cooler side for lengthy swims; confident wild swimmers and children in wetsuits won’t mind it, but others might prefer a quick dip to say you swam in the Atlantic!

The plus side: Lanzarote’s water is crystal clear year-round.

Wind

Wind is present but generally gentle in January. The island’s notorious summer trade winds haven’t kicked in yet, so breezes are mild to moderate. Average wind speed is about 10–12 mph – enough for a pleasant rustle in the palms.

You may get the occasional gusty day or a breeze especially on the east coast (e.g., Costa Teguise can be breezier). Overall, wind shouldn’t trouble you much in January, though a light windbreaker can be handy for boat trips or exposed viewpoints.

On rare occasions, if winds swing around from the east, a calima can occur – that’s a hot dry wind from the Sahara that brings a haze of fine dust. It’s uncommon, but if it happens you’ll notice a sudden jump in temperature and reduced visibility. The advice is to stay hydrated and maybe indoor if the dust irritates you.

But again – most visitors never experience a calima, especially in winter.

Health Benefits & Risks

✅ Health Benefits:
Sunshine = Boosted Vitamin D levels, perfect after the UK’s gloomy winter.
Low humidity and fresh air – Great for respiratory health.
The calm atmosphere of January provides a peaceful experience before the busier months begin.
⚠️ Health Risks:
Sunburn – The sun is still strong enough to cause burns, so use sunscreen.
Dehydration – Drink water regularly if you’re active.
Calima (Saharan dust storms) – Rare but worth checking the forecast if you have respiratory issues.

Generally, Lanzarote’s winter air is clean and fresh. The only issues might be the sun (as discussed) and occasionally the dust if a calima hits (carry eyedrops or an allergy inhaler if you’re sensitive to dust, just in case).
Also, no mosquitoes to worry about – the island’s arid climate means very few bugs year-round, a relief for many Brits who are used to mozzies elsewhere.

Planning Another Month? Explore Lanzarote Weather All Year Round

More to Explore in Lanzarote

🌴 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.