Is Lanzarote Windy? Everything You Need to Know Before You Travel
If you are planning an escape to Lanzarote Island to enjoy its fabulous beaches but are worried about the weather, here you will find everything you need to know.
Lanzarote is a windy island, especially during summer months, but do not let that stop your plans. Pack your bags and start your journey. The south of the island awaits you with warm weather, calmer winds, beaches with blue waters and golden sand.
What’s the Weather Like in Lanzarote?
The climate of your destination will have an impact on your holiday. In the case of Lanzarote, this impact will be positive thanks to its arid subtropical climate. Because of this, you can visit the island at 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 hotter, and the thermometer can reach between 25–28 °C.
Rainfall is scarce in Lanzarote, which means you’ll enjoy more than 300 days of sunshine per year.
What makes Lanzarote’s climate unique within the Canary Islands?
Compared to the rest of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote is the most arid. This is due to its proximity to the African continent, which exposes it directly to north-eastern winds.
Lanzarote has a desert-like and windy landscape, whereas other islands have more abundant vegetation and higher humidity. This aridity, together with the winds, is what has sculpted the island’s incomparable geological formations.
Is Lanzarote Windy?
Yes, Lanzarote is a windy island, and it’s important to understand how this will affect your visit.
Understanding the trade winds (Alisios)
The trade winds are the most common in Lanzarote, blowing from the north-east for almost the entire year, bringing dry and cool air. The presence of these winds has turned the island into an exceptional destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts, attracting athletes from all over the world.
But the island is also impacted by “calima”, which are winds coming from the Sahara Desert. They are dry and warm and can be bothersome as they carry sand; however, this will not prevent you from enjoying your holiday.
When Is Lanzarote the Windiest?
The winds of Lanzarote have helped shape the lives of the island’s inhabitants. For this reason, it’s important to understand the seasonal patterns to plan your holiday.
Windiest months of the year
May through September are the windiest months in Lanzarote, with July having the strongest gusts.
The strength of the wind during June and July makes these months ideal for practising water sports.
Calmer seasons ideal for sunseekers
If you want to visit the island in calmer conditions, then plan your holiday between October and March. The period from December to January presents moderate winds and ideal temperatures for beach activities without the intensity of the summer months.
Monthly average wind speed chart
As we said, climate in June and July implies the strongest winds. During these months, wind speeds in Lanzarote are around 24–25 km/h.
From October to March, wind speeds are moderate, with an average of 18 km/h.
Here you can find information about the winds in Lanzarote month by month. This information will help you plan your next holiday, whether you are looking for windy conditions to practise sports or calmer days to spend with your family on the beach.
| Month | Wind Speed | Wind Direction | Wind Intensity |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Approx. 18 km/h | North / North-west | Moderate wind |
| February | Approx. 18 km/h | North / North-west | Moderate wind |
| March | Approx. 18 km/h | North / North-west | Moderate wind |
| April | Approx. 20 km/h | North / North-west | Moderate wind |
| May | Approx. 23 km/h | North / North-west | Strong wind |
| June | Approx. 25 km/h | North / North-west | Very strong wind |
| July | Approx. 28 km/h | North / North-west | Strongest winds |
| August | Approx. 25 km/h | North / North-west | Strong wind |
| September | Approx. 20 km/h | North / North-west | Moderate to strong wind |
| October | Approx. 19 km/h | North / North-west | Lightest winds |
| November | Approx. 18 km/h | North / North-west | Moderate wind |
| December | Approx. 18 km/h | North / North-east | Moderate wind |
Source: https://weatherspark.com/d/150430/8/31/Average-Weather-on-August-31-in-Lanzarote-Spain
Which Areas Are Most Sheltered from the Wind?
The strength of the wind is not the same across the island. Some areas are sheltered and will allow you to enjoy a peaceful holiday, especially if you are planning family beach days.
In Lanzarote, the areas most sheltered from the wind are those located in the south of the island. This is because there are several mountain barriers there that help reduce the breeze. If you want to go to the beach but are worried about the wind, in Playa Blanca you will find Playa Flamingo, and in Puerto del Carmen you will find Playa La Piñita. Both are protected by large cliffs that slow down the wind.
The sheltered south: Playa Blanca and beyond
The southernmost tip of Lanzarote is the calmest area of the island. Here you’ll find Playa Blanca, which is protected by the island’s central highlands, keeping it relatively sheltered from the north-eastern winds.
The beaches in this area are known for their golden sand, crystal-clear waters and calm conditions, even during the windiest months.
Playa Blanca has seen significant tourist development over the past decades and now offers modern infrastructure. If you’re looking for a quieter place, Yaiza can be a good alternative, as it has a more authentic and less touristy atmosphere than Playa Blanca.
Best resorts and beaches with less wind
Some of Lanzarote’s best resorts are located in the south. Playa Blanca is one of the most recommended areas. Among the most popular beaches in the area are Playa Blanca Norte and Playa Dorada.
Puerto del Carmen, although slightly windier, is also a good option to enjoy a calmer holiday compared to the north.
Local tips: choosing accommodation wisely based on wind exposure
It’s important to pay attention to wind conditions when planning your trip. Some recommendations for travelling to Lanzarote include:
- Check the orientation: accommodation facing south or south-east will experience significantly lighter winds than those facing north.
- Ask the locals: hotel staff and local agencies can provide specific information about microclimates and real-time weather conditions.
- Consider the distance from the coast: accommodation slightly set back from the seafront will experience less intense winds than those located directly on the beach.
- Prioritise the south of the island in summer: if you plan to visit between May and September, the south is essential for a more tranquil experience.
- Choose the best month to visit: Lanzarote’s weather in April offers you calmer winds to enjoy the most of the island.
How the Wind Affects Your Holiday in Lanzarote
Whenever you visit Lanzarote, there will be wind—especially between May and September. However, this doesn’t mean you should avoid the island during these months. On the contrary, many athletes and nature lovers consider these conditions ideal.
Beach days: what to expect and how to prepare
The wind will influence your beach experience in Lanzarote. Where there’s wind, there are waves. The beaches with the strongest winds are located in the north of the island, with Famara being the most popular and especially well known for surfing.
If you’re looking for a calm beach sheltered from the wind and waves, you should head to the south of the island. Playa Dorada is one of the most recommended for families and children.
To enjoy Lanzarote’s beaches, we recommend:
- Choose the right beach for the day: if the wind is strong, look for sheltered beaches such as Playa Blanca or Los Pocillos.
- Plan your beach hours: generally, the wind is lighter early in the morning.
- Use extra sun protection: the wind doesn’t reduce the sun’s strength; in fact, it can increase exposure.
- Stay hydrated: the wind speeds up skin and body dehydration.
- Bring a sunshade or windbreak: these accessories are essential on windy beaches.
If you still have doubts about whether Lanzarote is windy, the answer is yes. However, with good planning you can enjoy your holiday without any issues. Part of that planning should include booking your Lanzarote airport transfer to ensure smooth transport around the island.
FAQs
Is Lanzarote windy in summer?
Yes, Lanzarote is windy in summer. In fact, it is the windiest time of year. June and July are the windiest months.
Which is windier, Lanzarote or Fuerteventura?
Both islands are known for their strong winds, but Fuerteventura is generally windier than Lanzarote.
Is it too windy for the beach?
This depends on your preferences. If you enjoy the beach with a breeze, it is fine. However, if you do not like wind, then it may feel too windy for the beach, especially in summer.
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