What is the climate like on Lanzarote?
Lanzarote has a subtropical, dry climate with mild temperatures all year round. The official tourism information gives an annual mean temperature of around 21–22 °C and almost 300 days of sunshine. The low rainfall is linked to the island's position in the dry south-east of the Canary archipelago and frequent trade winds.
The AEMET climate normals for the Lanzarote Aeropuerto station in San Bartolomé, covering the period 1981–2010, show an annual average of 21.1 °C and 111 mm of precipitation. Rainfall is concentrated mainly in autumn and winter. In summer, the normals show practically no precipitation.
According to AEMET, the warmest months are July to September. August averages 25.2 °C, with an average daily maximum of 29.1 °C. The coolest months are January to March, with monthly averages of 17.4 to 19.0 °C and average highs of 20.7 to 22.9 °C.
Today's landscape was shaped mainly by volcanic eruptions in the 18th and 19th centuries. The tourism authority describes these eruptions as defining the island's extraordinary volcanic scenery. Lanzarote has been recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1993.
When is the best time to visit for beaches and swimming?
For sun, swimming and warm temperatures, July to October are the best months. Turismo Lanzarote gives daytime temperatures of around 27–29 °C in July, August and September, with an average of roughly 12 hours of sunshine per day.
According to Turismo Lanzarote, the warmest sea water is in September and October at around 23 °C. In August the water temperature is about 22 °C, and in July about 21 °C. If you want to swim but avoid peak summer heat, September and October offer the warmest combination of sea and milder air.
In July and August, sun, wind and dry air can increase the perceived strain. The tourism authority recommends shade and high sun protection, especially around midday. For winter, the official tourism information gives roughly 16–23 °C, which many visitors still find suitable for swimming.
When is the best time to visit for hiking and cycling?
According to the official information, April to June and October and November are particularly suitable for hiking, cycling and touring. These months combine mild temperatures with very low average rainfall. AEMET gives average daily maxima of 23.5 to 26.3 °C for April to June.
In October and November, average maxima according to AEMET are 26.7 °C and 24.2 °C respectively. Rainy days remain manageable at 1.9 in October and 3.0 in November. January to April, with average highs of 20.7 to 23.5 °C, are also pleasant for active trips.
Lanzarote lies within the influence of the north-easterly trade winds. On the east and north coasts, hiking, cycling and exposed viewpoints can be considerably windier than the air temperature suggests.
In strong heat, the tourism authority recommends hiking early in the morning and planning museums, visitor centres or shaded places for midday. In strong winds, sheltered indoor spaces, wine-growing areas or short walks in less windy locations are good alternatives.
What is a calima and when does it occur?
A calima is a weather event in which Saharan dust is carried over. It can reduce visibility, affect air quality and increase the perceived heat. No reliable fixed calima season can be derived from the available official sources.
Calima should therefore not be limited to specific months. For assessing conditions before outings, the current warnings and air quality information from the Spanish weather agency AEMET are decisive. Current values and warnings can also be found at CITA Weather (cita.news/de/wetter.html).
During a calima or unusually high heat, current official warnings and recommendations should be followed. For hikes, you should plan for sufficient water, closed shoes and sun protection.
What clothing and equipment do I need?
Light clothing, sun protection and head covering are useful all year round. For evenings, windy stretches of coast and higher areas, Turismo Lanzarote also recommends a jumper or light jacket. Despite high daytime temperatures, evenings can be cool.
For hikes, you should plan for sufficient water, closed shoes and sun protection. Visitors often underestimate the intense UV radiation. According to the official visitor information, wind and cool evenings are also frequently misjudged.
Clear rules apply in protected areas: use only marked paths, do not remove stones, volcanic ash, sand or plants, leave no litter and use water and energy sparingly. Responsibility for planning and authorising protected spaces lies partly with the island governments (Cabildos).
How does Lanzarote differ from other Canary Islands?
Lanzarote is drier and more strongly shaped by young lava fields than the higher, wetter islands of Tenerife, La Palma or La Gomera. Compared with Fuerteventura, the climate is more similar: both islands are dry, windy and suited to beaches and water sports.
Lanzarote, however, offers more volcanic sights and cultural sites shaped by César Manrique. Fuerteventura is better known for long sandy beaches and extensive dunes. The official Lanzarote information highlights in particular the volcanic landscape, the mild climate and the UNESCO recognition as a Biosphere Reserve since 1993.
The AEMET climate normals remain reference values for the period 1981–2010 and are not a daily forecast.