When to go to Lanzarote? Any time of year: afternoons are 21 to 29 °C (70 to 84 °F) and it barely rains 100 mm (3.9 in) a year. The best time to visit Lanzarote is April–May and September–October, warm, dry and cheaper than summer and the holidays.
The easternmost of the Canary Islands, about 140 km (87 mi) from the African coast, has an arid climate softened by the Atlantic and the trade winds. Differences between seasons are small: about 8 °C (46 °F) between the January and August highs. The choice of period therefore depends mostly on what you are looking for: heat for swimming, mild weather for hiking among the volcanoes, low prices, or wind for board sports. The figures below are the official normals of AEMET, the Spanish meteorological service.
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When to go to Lanzarote at a glance
- Best times April–May and September–October
- Winter sun December to March, about 21 to 23 °C (70 to 73 °F) in the afternoon
- Hottest August, 29.5 °C (85 °F) average high
- Wettest December, about 21 mm (0.8 in) over 3 days
- Sunshine about 3,000 hours a year at the airport
- Avoid if possible August and the Christmas holidays, for prices and crowds
When to go to Lanzarote by priority
- Best weather: April–May and September–October, warm and dry; December to March for winter sun (21 to 23 °C (70 to 73 °F) in the afternoon)
- Cheapest: May, June and late September–October, outside peak holiday periods
- Fewest crowds: May, the least busy month according to our table
- Events: Carnival in February or March (date varies), the Fiesta of Our Lady of the Volcanoes in September in Mancha Blanca
Aiming for spring? Compare with our destination ideas for where to go in May.
Lanzarote: the calendar at a glance
🔎 Month by month: Lanzarote in February
✅ Best months: January, February, March, April, may, June, September, October, November, December
Climate in Lanzarote month by month
| Month | Avg. max | Avg. min | Rain | Rain days | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20.9 °C (70 °F) | 14.2 °C (58 °F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 3 | High | High | ✅ Mild and sunny, winter high season |
| February | 21.5 °C (71 °F) | 14.4 °C (58 °F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 3 | High | High | ✅ Mild, Carnival |
| March | 22.9 °C (73 °F) | 15.2 °C (59 °F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 2 | High | High | ✅ Mild, longer days |
| April | 23.8 °C (75 °F) | 16.1 °C (61 °F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 1 | Moderate (Easter) | Moderate | ✅ Dry and mild |
| May | 25.2 °C (77 °F) | 17.5 °C (64 °F) | 1 mm (0.04 in) | 0 | Low | Low | ✅ One of the best values |
| June | 26.7 °C (80 °F) | 19.2 °C (67 °F) | 0 mm (0.00 in) | 0 | Moderate | Moderate | ✅ Warm, dry, trade winds picking up |
| July | 28.5 °C (83 °F) | 20.7 °C (69 °F) | 0 mm (0.00 in) | 0 | High | High | ⚠️ Warm, windy, school holidays |
| August | 29.5 °C (85 °F) | 21.5 °C (71 °F) | 1 mm (0.04 in) | 0 | Very high | Very high | ⚠️ Peak heat, crowds and prices |
| September | 28.6 °C (83 °F) | 21.0 °C (70 °F) | 2 mm (0.08 in) | 0 | Moderate | Moderate | ✅ Warmest sea, fewer crowds |
| October | 27.0 °C (81 °F) | 19.6 °C (67 °F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 2 | Moderate | Moderate | ✅ Still warm, first showers rare |
| November | 24.3 °C (76 °F) | 17.4 °C (63 °F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 3 | High | Moderate → high | ✅ Mild, winter visitors return |
| December | 22.0 °C (72 °F) | 15.5 °C (60 °F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 3 | High (Christmas) | High | ✅ Mild, the wettest month (barely) |
Nights are mild all year, from 14 °C (57 °F) in January to more than 21 °C (70 °F) in August. Rain is concentrated from October to March, in rare, brief showers: even in December, there are on average three days of rain. Two phenomena can change things for a few days: the calima, hot, dust-laden air from the Sahara, and gusts of trade wind, especially in summer on the north and east coasts. The Atlantic stays cooler than the Mediterranean: the water is cool in winter and only becomes really pleasant from summer.
Lanzarote’s seasons: pros and cons
Winter (December to March): sun when northern Europe shivers
- Pros: 21 to 23 °C (70 to 73 °F) in the afternoon, often clear skies, ideal for hiking in volcanic landscapes.
- Cons: high season for northern Europeans, high prices at Christmas and in February, cool sea, rare showers.
Spring (April to June): the best compromise
- Pros: 24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F), almost no rain, prices falling after Easter, a very quiet May.
- Cons: sea still cool in April–May, wind strengthening in June.
Summer (July–August): heat and trade winds
- Pros: 28 to 29.5 °C (82 to 85 °F), no rain, warmer sea, the ideal season for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
- Cons: the most expensive and busiest period, sometimes strong wind on exposed beaches, calima spells possible. GOV.UK notes that wildfires happen often in Spain, including on the islands, during the summer months.
Fall (September to November): the warmest sea
- Pros: 24 to 29 °C (75 to 84 °F), sea at its warmest in September–October, fewer people than in August.
- Cons: first showers in October–November, gradual return of the winter high season in November.
When to go to Lanzarote by area
The island is small (about 60 km, or 37 mi, from north to south), but terrain and wind exposure create noticeable differences. The trends below are qualitative: only the normals for the airport, on the east coast, are published by AEMET in our source.
| Area | Climate | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| South (Playa Blanca, Papagayo) | The driest and most sheltered | Beach all year, families |
| East coast (Puerto del Carmen, Arrecife, Costa Teguise) | Warm and dry, trade winds at Costa Teguise | Beach stays, wind sports |
| Northwest (Famara) | Windier, Atlantic swell | Surfing, cliff hiking |
| North and interior (Haría, Teguise) | A little cooler and cloudier | Sightseeing, hiking, villages |
The south and the east coast
This is the sunniest part of the island, home to the three big resorts. The beaches of Papagayo and Puerto del Carmen are the most sheltered on windy days: this is where to stay for the beach in winter. To get around between these beaches and Timanfaya National Park, see our page on renting a car in Lanzarote. For the park itself, our Timanfaya guide details the visit and the volcano route.
Famara and the north
The northwest coast takes the full force of the trade winds and swell. The long Famara beach is a renowned surf spot, especially from fall to spring, but swimming there is dangerous: GOV.UK notes that some beaches, especially around Spanish islands, may have strong undercurrents. The heights of Haría and the Risco de Famara are cooler, with clouds clinging to the relief on some days.
When to go to Lanzarote by trip type
| Your trip | Best time | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Beach and swimming | June to October | Warm air, the least cool sea |
| Hiking and volcanoes | November to May | Mild weather, less heat on the lava |
| Windsurfing and kitesurfing | June to September | Steady trade winds |
| Surfing | October to March | Atlantic swell on the north coast |
| Budget | May, June, late September–October | Outside peak holiday periods |
| Winter sun | December to March | 21 to 23 °C (70 to 73 °F) in the afternoon |
| Family trip | Spring and fall holidays | Warmth without August prices |
Events to plan your trip around
| Period | Event | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| February or March | Carnival (Arrecife and other municipalities) | Dates vary with the Easter calendar |
| March or April | Holy Week | Processions, high demand in Spain |
| September | Fiesta of Our Lady of the Volcanoes (Los Dolores), in Mancha Blanca | The island’s main religious festival; check dates locally |
| December–January | Christmas and Three Kings (January 6) | The most expensive period of the winter |
Lanzarote month by month: what to expect
Lanzarote in January: 21 °C (70 °F) in the afternoon, 14 °C (57 °F) at night, often clear skies; winter high season, cool sea.
Lanzarote in February: Close to January; Carnival depending on the calendar, and winter holiday travel: book early. This month of Carnival and holidays is detailed in our page on the weather in Lanzarote in February, with temperatures and booking tips.
Lanzarote in March: 23 °C (73 °F), longer days, still a few showers; excellent for hiking.
Lanzarote in April: 24 °C (75 °F), almost no more rain; Holy Week is in high demand.
Lanzarote in May: 25 °C (77 °F), dry, prices falling: one of the best months of the year.
Lanzarote in June: 27 °C (81 °F), trade winds strengthen; a good month for the beach and board sports.
Lanzarote in July: 28.5 °C (83 °F), steady wind, many families.
Lanzarote in August: The hottest (29.5 °C (85 °F)) and most expensive; risk of calima spells.
Lanzarote in September: 28.6 °C (83 °F), warm sea, fewer people: one of the best months.
Lanzarote in October: 27 °C (81 °F), still very pleasant; first showers rare (13 mm (0.5 in) on average).
Lanzarote in November: 24 °C (75 °F), mild, winter visitors and surf swell return.
Lanzarote in December: 22 °C (72 °F), the wettest month (21 mm (0.8 in) over 3 days); holidays in high demand.
When to book your trip to Lanzarote
- Christmas, February and August: book flights and accommodation 3 to 6 months ahead.
- Spring and fall outside holidays: 1 to 2 months is generally enough.
- Rental car: book it at the same time as your flight in high season; prices climb as departure approaches.
Planning your trip to Lanzarote
- Entry requirements: passport and entry rules depend on your nationality: see the entry requirements for the Canary Islands.
- Time difference: Lanzarote is on the same time as London all year (UTC+0 in winter, UTC+1 in summer), and usually 5 hours ahead of New York.
- Currency: the euro; use our currency converter for your other trips.
- Health: the sun is strong all year: sunscreen, a hat and water, especially in Timanfaya National Park. Take out travel insurance that covers medical costs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to go to Lanzarote?
May and September offer the best balance: 25 to 29 °C (77 to 84 °F) in the afternoon according to AEMET normals, no rain and fewer people than in summer. April and October are also excellent choices.
Is Lanzarote warm in winter?
Yes for the season: about 21 °C (70 °F) in the afternoon and 14 °C (57 °F) at night in January, with 3 days of rain on average. The water is cool and the wind can cool the days.
Is Lanzarote in October a good idea?
Yes: 27 °C (81 °F) in the afternoon, a still-warm sea and moderate prices outside peak holiday periods. The first showers remain rare.
Lanzarote in November: can you swim?
It is about 24 °C (75 °F) in the afternoon. The sea has lost some of its summer warmth, but remains swimmable for many travelers, especially on the sheltered beaches of the south.
What is the wettest month in Lanzarote?
December, with about 21 mm (0.8 in) over 3 days on average according to AEMET. Even this month remains very dry.
Lanzarote or Fuerteventura: which has the better climate?
The two islands have very similar climates, dry and sunny. Compare the details in our page when to go to the Canary Islands.
To compare with the other islands, see our page when to go to the Canary Islands, and our Lanzarote travel guide to organize your stay.
Our sources
- Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET): 1991–2020 normals for the Lanzarote airport station
- Safety information read on 26 October 2026: UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Spain (GOV.UK, updated 12 August 2026)
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
