Lanzarote has a subtropical desert climate with remarkably stable temperatures year-round. The island averages just 150mm (6 inches) of rain annually, making it one of the driest places in Europe. Thanks to its location off the coast of Africa at 29 degrees N latitude, the Canary Islands enjoy what locals call ‘eternal spring’ , daytime highs rarely drop below 20 degrees C (68 degrees F) even in January, and summer temperatures stay comfortable thanks to cooling northeast trade winds. The surrounding Atlantic stays between 18 degrees C (64 degrees F) in winter and 23 degrees C (73 degrees F) in late summer, warm enough for swimming most of the year.
Lanzarote Weather by Month: Monthly Breakdown
January
Average high 20 degrees C (68 degrees F), low 14 degrees C (57 degrees F). January is Lanzarote’s coolest month but still offers 6 hours of daily sunshine. Rainfall averages 20mm over 3 days. Sea temperature sits at 19 degrees C (66 degrees F). The calima , a hot, dusty wind from the Sahara , can occasionally push temperatures into the mid-20s. Pack a light jacket for evenings and expect some cloudier days.
February
Average high 21 degrees C (70 degrees F), low 14 degrees C (57 degrees F). Similar to January with 7 hours of daily sun. Rainfall drops to 18mm over 3 days. Sea temperature 18 degrees C (64 degrees F), the coldest of the year. Carnival typically falls in February, bringing street parades to Arrecife and Puerto del Carmen. Hotel prices remain low outside the carnival period.
March
Average high 22 degrees C (72 degrees F), low 15 degrees C (59 degrees F). Spring brings 7 hours of daily sunshine and noticeably warmer afternoons. Rainfall averages 12mm over 2 days. Sea temperature 18 degrees C (64 degrees F). Trade winds moderate, creating excellent windsurfing conditions at Famara Beach. A popular month for hiking in Timanfaya before summer heat arrives.
April
Average high 23 degrees C (73 degrees F), low 15 degrees C (59 degrees F). Eight hours of daily sunshine and just 5mm of rain over 1 day. Sea temperature rises to 19 degrees C (66 degrees F). Easter (Semana Santa) draws Spanish holidaymakers , book accommodation early if visiting during Holy Week. The volcanic landscape is at its greenest after winter’s light rains.
May
Average high 24 degrees C (75 degrees F), low 16 degrees C (61 degrees F). Nine hours of sunshine daily with virtually no rain (2mm). Sea temperature 20 degrees C (68 degrees F). Ironman Lanzarote in late May draws thousands of athletes , expect sold-out hotels in Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise during race week. An excellent month for combining beach time with outdoor activities.
June
Average high 26 degrees C (79 degrees F), low 18 degrees C (64 degrees F). Ten hours of daily sunshine and zero rainfall on average. Sea temperature warms to 21 degrees C (70 degrees F). The calima is least frequent in early summer. Beaches begin filling as Northern European school holidays approach, but early June remains relatively quiet. Evening temperatures stay pleasant without Mediterranean humidity.
July
Average high 28 degrees C (82 degrees F), low 20 degrees C (68 degrees F). Eleven hours of sunshine per day , the sunniest month of the year. Zero rainfall. Sea temperature 22 degrees C (72 degrees F), warm enough for extended swimming sessions. The northeast trade winds provide natural air conditioning, keeping coastal areas comfortable. Book restaurants and car rentals 2-3 days ahead.
August
Average high 29 degrees C (84 degrees F), low 21 degrees C (70 degrees F). The hottest month with 10 hours of sunshine and zero rain. Sea temperature peaks at 23 degrees C (73 degrees F). August is peak tourist season , Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen beaches are crowded by midday. Occasional calima events can push temperatures above 35 degrees C (95 degrees F) for 2-3 days. Hotel prices reach their annual maximum.
September
Average high 28 degrees C (82 degrees F), low 20 degrees C (68 degrees F). Nine hours of sunshine with 2mm of rain. Sea temperature remains at 23 degrees C (73 degrees F), often the best month for swimming as the Atlantic has been warming all summer. Crowds thin dramatically after the first week when European schools reopen. Calima risk increases slightly compared to midsummer.
October
Average high 26 degrees C (79 degrees F), low 19 degrees C (66 degrees F). Seven hours of sunshine and 10mm of rain over 2 days. Sea temperature 22 degrees C (72 degrees F). October delivers outstanding value , still warm enough for beach days but accommodation rates drop 30-40% from August. The first Atlantic weather fronts can bring brief showers, usually clearing within hours.
November
Average high 23 degrees C (73 degrees F), low 17 degrees C (63 degrees F). Six hours of sunshine and 20mm of rain over 4 days. Sea temperature 21 degrees C (70 degrees F). November sees the most variable weather , you could get a full week of sunshine or a stretch of cloud with showers. UK school half-term week sees a brief price spike. Most restaurants and attractions remain fully open.
December
Average high 21 degrees C (70 degrees F), low 15 degrees C (59 degrees F). Six hours of sunshine and 25mm of rain over 4 days. Sea temperature 20 degrees C (68 degrees F). Christmas and New Year bring Northern European visitors escaping winter , hotel prices spike from December 22 to January 2. Festive markets and events appear in Arrecife. Pack layers , sunny afternoons feel like spring but evenings need a jacket.
Lanzarote Weather by Month: Data at a Glance
| Month | High (C/F) | Low (C/F) | Rain (mm) | Rain Days | Sun (hrs) | Sea (C/F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 20/68 | 14/57 | 20 | 3 | 6 | 19/66 |
| Feb | 21/70 | 14/57 | 18 | 3 | 7 | 18/64 |
| Mar | 22/72 | 15/59 | 12 | 2 | 7 | 18/64 |
| Apr | 23/73 | 15/59 | 5 | 1 | 8 | 19/66 |
| May | 24/75 | 16/61 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 20/68 |
| Jun | 26/79 | 18/64 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 21/70 |
| Jul | 28/82 | 20/68 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 22/72 |
| Aug | 29/84 | 21/70 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 23/73 |
| Sep | 28/82 | 20/68 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 23/73 |
| Oct | 26/79 | 19/66 | 10 | 2 | 7 | 22/72 |
| Nov | 23/73 | 17/63 | 20 | 4 | 6 | 21/70 |
| Dec | 21/70 | 15/59 | 25 | 4 | 6 | 20/68 |
Lanzarote Weather by Month: Understanding Lanzarote’s Climate
Lanzarote’s climate is shaped by three key factors. First, the cool Canary Current flowing south from the North Atlantic moderates temperatures year-round, preventing the extreme summer heat found at similar latitudes in North Africa just 140km away. Second, the northeast trade winds blow consistently at 15-30 km/h (10-20 mph), creating the island’s famous windsurfing conditions and keeping humidity refreshingly low. Third, the calima , a hot, dust-laden wind from the Sahara , occurs 5-10 times per year, typically lasting 2-4 days, pushing temperatures into the mid-30s C (mid-90s F) and reducing visibility. The calima is most common in winter and early spring. Lanzarote receives less rain than any other Canary Island because it is the flattest and lowest-lying , most Atlantic weather systems pass over without dropping precipitation. The Timanfaya volcanic area gets just 100-120mm annually.
