Lanzarote Weather: A Year-Round Paradise for Sun Seekers

Why Lanzarote’s Weather Makes It a Top Holiday Destination

Lanzarote’s weather has earned the Canary Islands the nickname ‘Islands of Eternal Spring’, and for good reason. Lanzarote enjoys the warm, sunny and dry climate for which the Canary Islands are famous. This northernmost Canary Island offers visitors an exceptional combination of year-round sunshine, mild temperatures, and minimal rainfall, making it an increasingly popular destination for British holidaymakers seeking reliable weather conditions.

Rain is very rare, resulting in a dry climate with an average 16 days of rainfall annually, usually between December and February. The island’s unique position, whilst close to the Sahara Desert, benefits from cooling ocean currents and trade winds that create perfect conditions for beach holidays and outdoor activities throughout the year.

Current December Weather Conditions

December represents an excellent time to visit Lanzarote, offering mild winter weather that contrasts sharply with typical British winters. Daytime temperatures usually reach 21°C in Arrecife, Lanzarote in December, falling to 14°C at night. There are normally 6 hours of bright sunshine each day in Arrecife, Lanzarote in December – that’s 58% of daylight hours.

The sea remains inviting for water sports enthusiasts, with the average sea temperature around Arrecife, Lanzarote in December is 20°C. Rainfall remains minimal, as there are usually 4 days with some rain in Arrecife, Lanzarote in December and the average monthly rainfall is 27mm.

Year-Round Climate Characteristics

Temperatures in Lanzarote are very mild, spring-like for much of the year: during the day, they range from 21 °C (70 °F) in January and February to 29 °C (84 °F) in August and September. The island’s volcanic landscape creates microclimates, with the southern and western coasts typically experiencing less wind and cloud cover than northern areas.

Because Lanzarote is so much nearer the equator than most European resorts, the winter day length is longer. It will still be light at 6pm throughout the year. This extended daylight provides visitors with more time to enjoy outdoor activities, from beach relaxation to exploring the island’s dramatic volcanic landscapes.

Significance for British Holidaymakers

For UK travellers seeking winter sun, Lanzarote represents exceptional value. It is one of the warmest resorts that is easily accessible from the UK in winter, both in terms of distance and cost, so it is with good reason that holiday flights to Lanzarote carry on flying throughout the year. There is no bad month to visit Lanzarote. Europeans rightly think of it as a winter sunshine destination, but it is even more sunny in the summer, with pleasant breezes and ocean currents which take the edge off the hottest days.

Whether planning a winter escape or summer holiday, Lanzarote’s dependable weather patterns ensure visitors can confidently book their trips knowing they’ll likely encounter warm, sunny conditions perfect for beach activities, water sports, and exploring this unique volcanic island.