The weather in Lanzarote

One distinct hallmark of the Canary Islands is that the temperature is stable and almost perfect throughout the entire year. Lanzarote is no exception, being fondly known as “The Island of Eternal Spring”.

This special reputation is thanks to its geographic situation and the influence of the sea. Being in the temperate zone of the Tropic of Cancer, its location near the Sahara Desert and the cold sea current coming from the Gulf of Mexico combine to bestow on it an ideal climate.

Lanzarote’s yearly average temperature is 20° C. In summer it rarely exceeds 30° C and in winter there is no sudden drop. Furthermore, the temperatures are usually no lower than 13° C in winter and 20° C in summer.

When’s the best time to visit Lanzarote?

Based on everything listed above, it’s quite difficult to decide when the best time to travel to the island is. Although in January and February the weather in Lanzarote is winter weather, the temperature is somewhat cold but, nevertheless, still pleasant. But if you’re lucky and the weather’s good, you can even enjoy some time at the beach.

Heading into March, the weather starts to make the transition to summer. Both in this month and April some improvements can be noted, but it is from May onwards that the best months to visit Lanzarote begin. Between this month and October is the period with most hours of sunshine per day, with August reaching an average temperature of 25° C.

Having said this, there are several specific features concerning the winter and summer months that are worth mentioning.

Travelling to Lanzarote in winter

You may think that a beach destination is not the best choice for a winter trip, but you’d be wrong. Winter in Lanzarote presents travellers countless possibilities of things to do, which we set out below.

Firstly, well worth highlighting are the island’s fantastic sunsets, blending pastel shades and soft lights with the beautiful scenery. The best way to enjoy them is by visiting some of the stunning viewpoints dotted around the island. These include the Pechiguera Lighthouse, the Mirador de Guinate, the Mirador de Guiguan, the Caleta de Famara jetty, and many more.

Meanwhile, something else worth calling your attention to in Lanzarote in winter is its gastronomy, featuring local produce. Although fish and potatoes are usually the most popular choice during this season of the year, equally as highly regarded are the island’s grains and legumes. Amongst the most traditional dishes are the millet (corn) broth with pork

ribs, lentil stew, peas and the “escaldón de gofio”. This latter is a stew that is cooked with roasted millet flour and a fish broth. And note that these are only some examples of the extensive range of delicious cuisine to be found in this area.

Furthermore, if you’re planning a trip to Lanzarote during the winter, there are various events that take place every year that can also be very interesting to check out. Such is the case of the Quemao Class Surf Championship that is held between November and March; the Lanzarote International Film Festival; the Lanzarote Food and Wine Festival (which takes place on the last weekend of November and is building a reputation year on year for being the largest gastronomic event in the Canaries); the Classical Music Festival; and the carnivals.

In addition to the above we mustn’t forget the architecture and the culture of the zone, a clear reflection of the identity of Lanzarote. Beyond what can be observed whilst strolling round the streets, Lanzarote has various Art, Culture and Tourism Centres plus public and private art galleries.

Travelling to Lanzarote in summer

As we’ve said previously in this article, we recommend that you travel to Lanzarote in the summer. This will enable you to get the most out of both the beaches and the different excursions. It’s advisable that you stay on the island between 5 to 7 days, which will give you time to take full advantage of not only the sun, sea and sand, but also to tour round the island’s towns and villages, marvelling at Lanzarote’s different landscapes.

Amongst its most celebrated attractions is the Timanfaya National Park. Taking a bus along the 14 km-long Volcano Route is highly recommended, or you can also do one of the hiking trails when visiting. And we can’t forget the Lago Verde (also known as the Charco de los Clicos), another of the island’s unmissable attractions. This is an ancient volcano that has a hidden green lagoon, whose contrast with the volcanic soil is utterly breathtaking.

Another place that is a delight to walk around is the Cactus Garden, home to many different species of this plant. It’s also worth venturing to Isla Graciosa, a small island that boasts heavenly beaches and picturesque fishermen’s houses.

Lanzarote’s most-renowned beaches are located to the south of the island, including Playa de Papagayo, Playa Mujeres and Playa de la Cera. Similarly, Playa del Calentón Blanco, Playa de las Cucharas, Playa de los Charcos, Playa Blanca and Playa Dorada are also popular beaches.

Furthermore, a trip round the different towns and villages in the zone makes for a great outing. Some of the most notable are Arrecife (Lanzarote’s capital, where there are the San José and San Gabriel Castles and other attractions), Puerto del Carmen (popular during carnival season), Playa Blanca (a fishing village), plus lots more.

Considering the broad variety of activities Lanzarote has to offer, whether you travel here in winter or summer makes no difference: it will always be an excellent choice. The fact that the

island has a very stable climate guarantees that a stay here at any time of the year will be most agreeable.

It is important to remember, however, that the pandemic is not yet over, meaning that there are still some protocols to be followed when entering the island. Nevertheless, these will be no hindrance to you enjoying your visit to Lanzarote to the full.

So, all in all, there’s nothing to stop you from planning a fantastic itinerary to ensure you get to see the whole island. All that’s left to decide is during which season you prefer to visit Lanzarote!

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