Lanzarote Weather Explained: Sun, Wind, Sea & Surprises

While Lanzarote’s weather is reliably pleasant, there are a few special weather phenomena and seasonal quirks to be aware of.

Quick Weather Facts About Lanzarote

☀️ Over 300 sunny days a year – expect plenty of reliable sunshine year-round
🌬️ It’s always a bit windy – great for surfers, but pack a light jacket for breezy days
🌡️ Occasional Calima events – Saharan dust can make skies hazy and temps spike
🌧️ Rain is rare but possible – winter brings the odd downpour or short-lived storm
🌊 Sea temperature peaks in autumn – warmest waters from August to October

Occasional Weather Surprises in Lanzarote

Even with its famously steady sunshine, Lanzarote has a few unique weather quirks worth knowing about — from rare Calimas to the odd winter downpour. Here’s what to expect (and how to handle it) if the skies stray from the usual blue.

Temperature Records:

Temperature Records: Typically Lanzarote’s highs are around 25–30°C in summer, but on occasion a heatwave (often tied to a Calima) can push temps above 35°C. The record high was 43.5°C in August 1980, and more recently up to 42°C in a May heat episode. These extremes are very rare and usually last only a day or two. On the flip side, an unusually cold night might drop to ~10°C (record low around 7.5°C in a cold snap).

For the vast majority of visitors, you’ll never experience these record extremes, but it’s a testament that weather can occasionally surprise. If you happen to hit a freak heatwave, treat it like a super hot day in Spain – seek shade, stay in the pool or sea, and have a siesta.

If a freak cold night happens (maybe you’re there in a February that gets a chilly evening), you might need an extra layer for that night. Again, such events are outliers. Weather in Lanzarote – UV Index by Month

Calima (Saharan Dust Storm):

A Calima is a weather event where dust from the Sahara Desert blows over the Canary Islands. It can happen any time of year, but is most common in the hotter months. During a Calima, the sky can turn a hazy white or even orange, and visibility drops. You might notice a fine layer of dust on cars and outdoor surfaces, and the air feels very dry.

Temperatures also spike higher than normal during Calima conditions – it can suddenly feel much hotter (sometimes well into the 30s °C) even if it’s winter. Calimas typically last a couple of days to a week and then normal trade winds clear the dust. Impact on your trip: If a Calima occurs, you may want to avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the peak heat of the day and drink extra water.

Those with asthma or sensitive sinuses might use a light face mask or stay indoors in air conditioning if the dust is thick, as air quality can drop. It’s an interesting, almost eerie phenomenon – the landscape gets a surreal glow. Many tourists still go about their plans (a bit of dust won’t stop pool time or tours, though distant views may be obscured).

Just be prepared for less blue sky during those days. Thankfully, truly intense Calimas are infrequent; many visitors never experience one. But it’s good to know what it is – if you wake up and the island is shrouded in a warm haze, you’re likely seeing a Calima. Check local news or ask a local if unsure.

Rare Rainstorms and Hail:

Lanzarote’s rainfall is not just low, it’s also usually light. However, once in a while, usually in winter, a stronger Atlantic low-pressure can roll through and bring a day of heavy rain or even a brief thunderstorm. These are quite uncommon but not impossible, especially between November and February. In extremely rare cases, it has even hailed in Lanzarote’s higher areas in winter – but this is a once-in-decades event (a photo of a sprinkling of hail on the ground made local news, that’s how novel it was!).

If you do encounter a rainy day, use it as an opportunity to visit indoor attractions (like Jameos del Agua caves or Atlantico Museum underwater gallery if you dive) or enjoy a long lunch at a cozy restaurant. The rain usually passes quickly. Flooding is rarely an issue except during the most intense downpours, and the island’s towns are used to handling sudden rain (streets might get temporarily puddled but it drains off). After rain, the air feels extra fresh and the volcanic earth gives off a unique petrichor scent.

Lanzarote Sea Temperature Chart & Conditions

Sea Temperatures: The Atlantic around Lanzarote is cooled by the Canary Current. The water is warmest in September-October (~22 – 23°C) and coolest in Feb – March (~18°C). In practical terms, many people swim from late spring to autumn. In winter, some Brits do brave the ocean (18–19°C is like a refreshing English summer sea), but others stick to heated pools. Either way, the sea is never truly “hot”, but by late summer it’s comfortably warm for most. Seasonal trends affect the sea beyond temperature.

In the winter months, the Atlantic can bring bigger swells – great for surfers (especially on the north and west-facing beaches), but swimmers might find some days red-flagged (rough currents). In summer, the ocean is calmer on average, though wind-driven chop is common on east-facing shores in afternoons. Always heed local beach flags and warnings. If you’re keen on snorkeling or diving, note that waters are usually clearest in late summer and autumn when there’s less plankton and calmer seas.

Month	Sea Temp (°C)
Jan	19
Feb	18
Mar	18
Apr	19
May	19.5
Jun	20.5
Jul	21.5
Aug	22
Sep	22.5
Oct	22.5
Nov	21.5
Dec	20

In conclusion, Lanzarote’s special weather considerations are generally minor footnotes to an otherwise steady climate. The possibility of a Calima or a quirky weather day just adds to the island’s character. By understanding these events, you won’t be caught off-guard. Many British visitors actually find it fascinating to witness a Calima or a rare rain shower in an otherwise arid land. It’s all part of the Lanzarote weather experience – mostly predictable sunshine, with a touch of drama once in a while!