Is Lanzarote Windy? Everything You Need to Know Before Your Trip
Lanzarote is a windy island, especially during the summer months, but don’t let that discourage you. Pack your bags and start your trip. The south of the island awaits you with warm weather, weaker winds, beaches with blue water and golden sand.
If you’re planning a holiday in Lanzarote to enjoy the beautiful beaches but worried about the weather, here you’ll find everything you need to know.
What’s the weather like in Lanzarote?
Your destination’s climate impacts your holiday. In Lanzarote’s case, this effect will be positive, thanks to its arid subtropical climate. So you can visit the island any time of year, especially if you want to escape the cold.
Winter temperatures in Lanzarote range between 15 °C and 22 °C. Summers are warmer, and the thermometer can reach between 25 and 28°C.
Rainfall is low in Lanzarote, meaning you’ll enjoy over 300 days of sunshine per year.
What makes Lanzarote’s climate unique within the Canary Islands?
Compared to the other Canary Islands, Lanzarote is the driest. This is due to its proximity to the African continent, which exposes it directly to north-easterly winds.
Lanzarote has a desert-like and windy landscape, while other islands have more vegetation and higher humidity. This dryness, combined with the winds, has shaped the island’s incomparable geological formations.
Why is Lanzarote so windy?
Lanzarote is a windy island; it has the influence of the trade winds. These are the most common winds on Lanzarote and blow almost year-round from the north-east, bringing dry, cool air.
The presence of the trade winds has made the island an extraordinary destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts, attracting athletes from around the world.
Also, the wind is influenced by the relatively low terrain, with mountains that are not so high.
But the island is also affected by the phenomenon known as “Calima”, which is Saharan wind. It is a dry and hot and can be annoying because they bring sand, but this won’t stop you from enjoying your holiday.
The months of spring and summer are the ones with the most intense winds in Lanzarote.
When is Lanzarote the windiest?
The winds in Lanzarote have shaped the lives of its inhabitants. Therefore, it’s important to understand seasonal patterns to plan your holiday.
From May to September are the windiest months in Lanzarote, with July experiencing the strongest gusts. The wind intensity during June and July makes these months ideal for water sports.
If you want to visit the island in calmer conditions, plan your holiday between October and March. The period from December to January offers moderate winds and ideal temperatures for beach activities without the intensity of the summer months.
How windy is Lanzarote month by month?
As mentioned, the weather in June and July brings the strongest winds. In these months, wind speeds in Lanzarote average around 24–25 km/h.
From October to March, wind speeds are moderate, about 18 km/h.
You’ll find information here about winds in Lanzarote month by month. This information helps you plan your next trip, whether you’re looking for windy conditions for sports activities or calmer days for a family beach day.
| Month | Typical wind conditions | What travellers can expect |
| January | ~18 km/h, N / NW — moderate wind | Steady but manageable breeze, ideal for beach time and outdoor activities |
| February | ~18 km/h, N / NW — moderate wind | Similar conditions to January, a good month for sightseeing and walks |
| March | ~18 km/h, N / NW — moderate wind | Pleasant wind levels, great for exploring the island without much disruption |
| April | ~20 km/h, N / NW — moderate wind | Lanzarote weather in April offers slightly breezier but still comfortable for most plans. |
| May | ~23 km/h, N / NW — strong wind | Some caution advised on exposed beaches; a good month for wind sports |
| June | ~25 km/h, N / NW — very strong wind | Quite windy conditions, great for windsurfing/kitesurfing but demanding on the coast |
| July | ~28 km/h, N / NW — strongest winds of the year | Peak trade-wind season (the alisios); worth securing loose items at the beach |
| August | ~25 km/h, N / NW — strong wind | Still very windy, popular among water sports enthusiasts |
| September | ~20 km/h, N / NW — moderate to strong wind | Winds start easing off compared to summer. |
| October | ~19 km/h, N / NW — lighter winds | One of the calmer months to enjoy the coast |
| November | ~18 km/h, N / NW — moderate wind | Stable conditions, a good month for outdoor activities |
| December | ~18 km/h, N / NE — moderate wind | Slight shift in wind direction, but similar intensity to the rest of the year |
Source: https://weatherspark.com/d/150430/8/31/Average-Weather-on-August-31-in-Lanzarote-Spain
Which parts of Lanzarote are windiest and most sheltered?
Wind intensity isn’t the same everywhere on the island. Some areas are sheltered and let you enjoy a peaceful holiday, especially if you’re planning family beach days.
On Lanzarote, the areas sheltered from the wind are those on the south of the island. This is due to several mountain obstacles that help reduce the breeze.
| Area | Typical exposure | Best suited to |
| Famara and the north-west | The most exposed stretch of coastline, sitting beneath the dramatic Risco cliffs and open to swell from several directions; conditions here tend to be genuinely windy year-round. | Surfing (the long sandy beach is forgiving for beginners too) and wind sports such as kitesurfing, which stays rideable even when the wind eases elsewhere |
| La Santa and the West Coast | Fully exposed to the Atlantic, with a mix of strong wind and consistent swell hitting the volcanic reefs along this stretch | Experienced surfers, thanks to the powerful reef breaks that demand more skill and confidence in the water |
| Costa Teguise | Generally windy, particularly along its eastern-facing beaches, making it one of the more reliable spots on the island for wind-based sports | Windsurfing, especially at Las Cucharas, which is well known locally for consistent conditions and easy beach access |
| Puerto del Carmen | Moderate exposure, sheltered enough for comfortable swimming and sunbathing on most days, though it can still pick up a breeze | Beach holidays, families and anyone wanting a more relaxed seaside base without constant strong wind |
| Playa Blanca and the south | Generally the most sheltered part of the island, benefiting from its southerly position away from the prevailing north-easterly trade winds | Families and travellers looking for calmer conditions, gentler seas and fewer windy days overall |
Local tips: choose accommodation wisely based on wind exposure
It’s important to consider wind conditions when planning your trip. Here are some tips for travelling to Lanzarote:
- Pay attention to orientation: Accommodation facing south or south-east experiences considerably fewer winds than those facing north.
- Ask locals: Hotel staff and local agencies can give you specific information about microclimates and current weather conditions.
- Consider distance from the coast: Accommodation set slightly away from the beach experiences less intense winds than those directly beachfront.
- Prioritise the south of the island in summer: If you’re planning a visit between May and September, the south is essential for a calmer experience.
- Choose the best month for your stay: from October to March are the best conditions, offering you calmer winds to enjoy the island to the fullest.
How does the wind affect your holiday in Lanzarote?
Every time you visit Lanzarote, there will be wind—particularly between May and September. This doesn’t mean you should avoid the island during these months. On the contrary, many athletes and nature lovers consider these conditions ideal.
Check our travel hacks for Lanzarote to prepare for the wind.
Which activities benefit from Lanzarote’s wind?
The wind makes conditions on Lanzarote’s beaches perfect for water sports. For example, you could try windsurfing in Costa Teguise and Las Cucharas or kitesurfing in the designated zones at Famara when conditions allow.
For surfing, the best options are likely to be Famara and La Santa, though in this case it won’t just depend on wind but also on there being decent swell. Book transfers to Costa Teguise to get from the airport to your accommodation with your surfboard without any hassle.
Always remember to check the weather forecast, look at the flags on the beaches, and ask at accredited schools for recommendations on the best water activities for windy days.
What should you pack for windy weather in Lanzarote?
If you are travelling to Lanzarote, you should pack these items:
- Light jacket or windbreaker.
- Hat or cap that can be secured.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- Shoes for the walking trails.
- Clips or accessories for holding towels on the beach.
Because the breeze cools your skin, you may not notice you’re burning, so sun protection is essential.
Beach days: what to expect and how to prepare
The wind affects your beach experience in Lanzarote. Where there’s wind, there are waves. The beaches with the strongest winds are found on the north of the island. Famara is the most popular and particularly famous for surfing.
If you’re looking for a calm beach, sheltered from the wind, with small waves, visit the south of the island. Playa Dorada is recommended for families and children.
To make the most of Lanzarote’s beaches, we recommend:
- Choose the right beach depending on the day: If the wind is strong, look for sheltered beaches like Playa Blanca or Los Pocillos.
- Plan your beach time: Generally, wind is less intense in the early morning.
- Stay well hydrated: The wind speeds up dehydration of your skin and body.
- Bring an umbrella or windbreak: These accessories are essential on windy beaches.
Can wind affect flights and airport transfers in Lanzarote?
Strong winds can make landings a little bumpier, but they don’t normally cause delays or cancellations on flights to Lanzarote. It’s still worth checking your flight status with the airline or on Aena’s website for peace of mind.
When it comes to your airport transfer, you can usually provide your flight number at the time of booking so the driver can track it and adjust your pick-up time if anything changes.
No matter when you visit, booking airport transfers in Lanzarote in advance will make your trip smoother.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of Lanzarote is least windy?
The least windy area in Lanzarote is the south of the island, areas like Playa Blanca and nearby.
Can strong winds affect flights to Lanzarote?
Flights to Lanzarote aren’t normally affected by the wind.
Read More...



