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Questioning what it’s like to go to Lanzarote in winter? Heat climate, low season quietness and winter sale bargains… this time of 12 months is good for a break within the Canary Islands!
The Canaries could also be Spanish, however they’re really a lot nearer to Africa than the remainder of Europe. Which suggests these stunning volcanic islands get pleasure from a lot hotter climate than anyplace else on the continent.
After my latest winter solar getaway break in Lanzarote, I’m fairly properly satisfied that the low season of November via February is the most effective time to go.
It’s nonetheless heat sufficient to swim, however not so sizzling that it’s good to spend all your time inside diving-in-distance of a pool! The cooler climate is good for sightseeing, strolling the coast path, and climbing amidst volcanoes in Timanfaya Nationwide Park.
I’ve expanded on the explanations why winter is such an superior time to go to Lanzarote within the second part of this submit. Proper after I speak in regards to the climate (I’m British – I can’t assist it!) and what it’s like to go to Lanzarote within the colder months.
Lanzarote Winter Climate
Lanzarote is properly often known as a winter solar vacation spot in Europe. The island is much sufficient south that it enjoys heat climate virtually all 12 months spherical. The next climate averages have been all taken from the Met Workplace…
Common temperatures
In winter, the typical each day most temperature sits between 20°C and 24°C relying on the month. January is the coldest month, with a median max of 20.8°C and a median min of 14°C.
Whereas the daytime temperatures are sometimes delicate to heat, after darkish it may be chilly: the typical minimal temperature from December via to March is between 14-15°C. Which means you’ll need to pack a cardigan or gentle jacket to put on within the evenings.
Wind and rain
Winter is the rainiest time of 12 months in Lanzarote, but it surely’s nonetheless a lot drier than the UK. The wettest months, December and January, have 23mm and 22mm common month-to-month rainfall respectively. Examine that to 127mm within the UK!
One factor to notice is that Lanzarote is famously fairly a windy vacation spot, hit by sturdy commerce winds just about all 12 months spherical. Nevertheless, winter is the least windy time of 12 months. Whereas July’s common wind speeds are 19.3mph, in November-Jan the wind speeds are round 10.5mph. That breeze could make it really feel somewhat cooler at instances, although, so positively value packing a couple of additional layers simply in case!
Actual-life experiences: Lanzarote climate in November and December
I used to be in Lanzarote for every week close to the beginning of December and had beautiful pool climate just about day-after-day. It was round 22°C with clear skies on most days – somewhat breezy on the coast, however nonetheless very heat and nice. It was even heat sufficient to swim within the sea.
There have been a few overcast mornings and one wet morning, however the solar at all times got here again in full pressure by the afternoon. On my final day, the temperature was solely about 19°C so it felt somewhat cooler – however nonetheless good sufficient to swim within the pool.
The week earlier than my tip, although, Monica from The Journey Hack visited and stated she had fairly poor climate. It was round 15°C for many of the week and ceaselessly gray, cloudy, and windy – however she did get a little bit of sunshine too. That feels like a fluke primarily based on climate averages, however simply remember that climate is – as at all times – unpredictable!
Lanzarote’s winter climate is unpredictable – however usually nice!
As you may see, winter climate in Lanzarote generally is a little bit of a blended bag and there are not any ensures – but it surely’s nonetheless more likely to be hotter and nicer than again within the UK!
Prime tip: I used to be staying in Playa Blanca on the island’s southernmost tip. This space can usually be a level or two hotter than the remainder of Lanzarote, so if you wish to maximise your probabilities of good climate that is in all probability the most effective space to remain.
Why winter is a Good time to go to Lanzarote
Lanzarote is properly often known as a year-round seaside vacation vacation spot, and there are quite a lot of perks to travelling out of season! Right here’s why I believe winter is the best time to journey to Lanzarote…
1. Winter solar – and fewer wind
As talked about above, the climate in Lanzarote stays fairly heat and clear all through winter. At simply over 4 hours flight time from London, this is among the closest winter solar locations to the UK
Winter can be the least windy time to go to the island typically (see the part above for more information).
2. It’s simpler to look at the dawn and sundown!
Winter’s shorter days imply that getting up for a magical island dawn is way much less painful than in summer time! With 6 to 7 hours of daylight (vs 9 hours in summer time), the dawn is at a way more palatable time.
On my latest go to, the solar rose simply after 7am every morning and set simply earlier than 6pm every evening. I beloved sitting exterior with my morning espresso watching the solar creep over the horizon with the volcanoes within the distance! And it wouldn’t be in any respect tough to stroll all the way down to the seaside in time to look at the solar rising over the ocean (relying which a part of the island you’re on).
3. The cooler winter climate is good for climbing
Lanzarote isn’t JUST a unbelievable seaside vacation spot. This stunning, rugged little island is the proper place for outside adventures. There are a number of beautiful coast paths to discover – stopping off at hidden seashores alongside the best way. And within the island’s inside, you may go climbing amidst the volcanoes in Timanfaya Nationwide Park.
4. There are fewer vacationers round
Apart from the October half-term and the December holidays, autumn/winter is usually the off-season in Lanzarote. Which suggests quieter resorts, fewer our bodies on the seashores, and fewer busy eating places. Excellent in order for you a calming escape.
5. Flights and lodging will more than likely be cheaper
Travelling out of season tends to be extra reasonably priced than throughout peak instances, anyway. However you even have some unimaginable affords round Black Friday and Cyber Monday in November, in addition to the January gross sales. My Jet2 flight to Lanzarote in late November was just below £90 return with carry-on baggage – and there have been some even decrease costs with Ryanair (simply not for any dates/instances that suited me).
Should you can e book final minute and be as versatile as doable along with your dates, you may choose up some nice offers. I noticed some package deal holidays to Lanzarote for lower than £300pp for every week!
Issues to do in Lanzarote in Winter (No Matter the Climate)
I believe it’s truthful to say that Lanzarote is, before everything, a seaside vacation vacation spot. Most individuals come for the year-round good climate, heat seas, and delightful seashores.
However in case you’re visiting Lanzarote in winter, whereas the climate is actually going to be higher than the UK, it might not at all times be sea-swimming climate. Fortunately, there’s loads extra to do on the island regardless of the climate. Listed below are a couple of concepts…
1. Take a highway journey (or bus tour) to discover Lanzarote’s highlights
Many of the “principal” sights in Lanzarote may be explored whatever the climate. Should you’re hiring a automobile, why not spend a day or two road-tripping across the island’s varied highlights?
Try this information to road-tripping in Lanzarote for some nice suggestions. These are a few of the greatest sights so as to add to your itinerary:
- Timanfaya Nationwide Park – rise up near Lanzarote’s volcanoes (extra on this beneath).
- Mirador del Rio – a surprising clifftop viewpoint overlooking La Graciosa island.
- El Golfo and the Lago Verde – a shiny inexperienced lagoon within the crater of a volcano.
- Cueva de los Verdes – an underground lava tube shaped by the molten lava from volcanic explosions.
- Jameos del Agua – volcanic caverns shaped when lava tunnels collapsed, which have been reimagined to deal with an underground live performance corridor and an out of doors swimming pool designed by native artist César Manrique.
- César Manrique Artwork – the island’s most well-known artist has left his mark throughout Lanzarote. Go to the César Manrique Home Museum in Haria, or the César Manrique Basis in Tahíche, to be taught extra in regards to the artist and his works.
- Discover Lanzarote’s cute cities and villages – wander the sleepy streets between white homes for a slice of island life. I’d advocate Haría, Teguise, Arrieta or Famara to get began.
Various: Island Highlights Bus Tour
Don’t need to drive? I booked this Full Day Bus Tour of the island (9 hours, from £59.19pp). It takes in 4 of the island’s principal sights: Timanfaya, Cueva de los Verdes, Mirador del Rio, and Jameos del Agua. It felt a bit rushed at instances, however was a great way to see the main sights with out driving.
2. Volcano tour in Timanfaya Nationwide Park
Lanzarote is ALL about volcanoes. The island was shaped by volcanic eruptions round 15 million years in the past – and has an interesting, otherworldly panorama dotted with cones and craters.
Solely certainly one of these many volcanoes continues to be lively: Timanfaya, which stands in a Nationwide Park of the identical title. The final eruption was in 1730 and lasted for 2055 days – however there are nonetheless many indicators of volcanic exercise.
Should you head to Islote de Hilario in Timanfaya Nationwide Park, you may see demonstrations of this exercise. Probably the most thrilling of those is the man-made geyser. There are a sequence of pipes operating all the way down to about 10m underground: the information pours water in, and two seconds later it erupts again out in an enormous steam geyser! There’s additionally a restaurant right here the place they serve meat cooked utilizing the warmth from the volcano!
Entry to Timanfaya Nationwide Park is restricted to be able to shield the panorama. You possibly can drive to the customer centre and Islote de Hilario, however you may’t drive across the park or enter on foot. If you wish to discover the panorama, you’ll have to e book a tour, akin to one of many ones beneath:
3. Go climbing
I’ve already talked about that Lanzarote is a unbelievable climbing vacation spot, and the cooler winter months are the most effective time to do it. Try a few of these nice climbing excursions…
4. Discover the island by bike
Lanzarote is extremely common with cyclists. The island’s quiet roads, volcanic hills, and sweeping vistas make for an excellent bike journey.
There are bike rental outlets in most cities on the island, or you may pre-book bike rental from YOTOMU in Playa Honda (very near the airport) – click on right here to verify costs and reserve on-line. Alternatively, there are a number of nice biking excursions for a guided cycle journey:
5. Wine tasting
Do you know that wine is grown in Lanzarote? Regardless of its arid landscapes and year-round winds, Lanzarote is a surprisingly good wine vacation spot.
The wine is grown in an uncommon manner right here: reasonably than the normal rows of vines, wineries plant particular person grape vines in round depressions surrounded by semi-circular stone partitions, which give shelter from the wind. It seems to be very surreal – and makes the expertise of visiting a vineyard in Lanzarote much more thrilling.
El Grifo Bodega is the oldest and most iconic vineyard on the island, so it is a excellent place to start out. There are a lot of others, although, largely dotted across the areas of La Geria, Masdache and Tinajo. A wine-tasting tour at El Grifo begins from £38.60pp – click on right here to verify availability.
6. Uncover the Artwork of César Manrique
Artist César Manrique (1919-1992) was born in Arrecife, Lanzarote and left an unimaginable mark on the island. Not solely are you able to see his artworks, sculptures, and structure everywhere in the island – however as a nature activist, he additionally had an enormous affect on the best way Lanzarote seems to be as we speak.
Manrique lobbied efficiently to encourage a extra sustainable growth of the tourism business – together with the ban of high-rise resorts which continues to be in place as we speak, and which is an enormous a part of what makes Lanzarote such a particular place to go to.
You possibly can see examples of the artist’s work and be taught extra about him at these locations:
- César Manrique Home Museum in Haria – Manrique’s former dwelling and studio, conserved simply as he left it.
- César Manrique Basis in Tahíche – a spectacular “volcano home” designed by César Manrique himself, constructed inside a lava coulee.
- Jardín de Cactus in Guatiza – Manrique’s ultimate challenge, a surprising cactus backyard with some 450 species of cactus and succulents.
- Jameos del Agua – a cavern system created by the move of molten lava, which Manrique remodeled right into a centre of artwork, tradition and tourism with a live performance corridor, museum, restaurant, and outside swimming pool.
7. Head to a spa
If the climate turns significantly nasty, why not see it as the proper excuse to move to a spa for a pamper session? There are many spas dotted round Lanzarote, from spa resorts to easy salons. A fast Google Map search ought to provide help to discover the closest ones, or try these common spots:
Lanzarote at Christmas
Contemplating visiting Lanzarote over Christmas? This can be a nice time to go to the island – particularly if you wish to escape the unhealthy climate! Right here’s what it’s good to know:
Christmas closures
Consider that there could also be some closures over the festive interval. Christmas Eve, often known as Nochebuena, is a big deal in Spain, so you might discover that many companies are closed, particularly locally-owned bars and eating places.
On Christmas Day, some bars and eating places keep open to cater to holidaymakers – however I’d advocate researching and reserving these prematurely if doable.
Look out for nativity scenes known as Beléns
The standard nativity scenes, often known as Beléns, are an enormous spotlight of the Christmas interval in Lanzarote. You possibly can see these elaborate, usually hand-crafted nativity scenes in church buildings and city squares everywhere in the island.
Christmas markets in Lanzarote
Many cities throughout Lanzarote host Christmas markets in December. Store for native wines, cheeses and different goodies – or choose up some nice handmade items. The principle one is the Arrecife Christmas market within the island’s capital.
Los Reyes Magos (sixth Jan)
All through Spain, the sixth of January is a major competition. That is the day that the the Three Sensible Males (Los Reyes Magos) are stated to have arrived on the secure to provide Jesus his items.
As such, many households change items on the sixth. The day is marked with parades and the normal Roscón de Reyes fruit cake. In Lanzarote, there are often parades in Arrecife and Teguise.
The place to remain in Lanzarote in Winter
As talked about earlier, the realm round the southwestern tip of Lanzarote enjoys marginally hotter climate than the remainder of the island. Playa Blanca is the principle resort right here – it’s one of many extra common areas to remain in Lanzarote and has quite a lot of facilities, however nonetheless has a chilled-out, small-town really feel. There are many bars and eating places, but it surely’s not likely a celebration space. Try my information to the most effective areas to remain in Lanzarote for extra info.
There are many good resorts on the island to go well with all budgets, starting from backpacker-friendly hostel dorms to luxurious 5-star resorts. It actually relies upon on what you’re on the lookout for.
Villas are a superb possibility, as you don’t should exit if the climate is unhealthy. Having that self-catering possibility means you may keep dwelling and eat if wanted. You’ll usually have a bit more room than staying in a lodge, too.
Should you go for a villa somewhat manner again from the coast, it should be extra sheltered from Lanzarote’s winds and may give you a little bit of a suntrap – ultimate if you wish to take in some vitamin D! Plus, some villas have washing machines so you may wash any garments that get soiled or rained on and many others – and have loads of house to hold up any moist issues.
I stayed at one of many Playa Blanca Vacation Villas on my final journey – a stunning, family-run firm with a number of fantastically appointed villas dotted across the city. My evaluate is coming very quickly, keep tuned!
What to Pack & Put on in Lazarote in Winter
Questioning what to put on in Lanzarote throughout winter? On the whole, you simply have to pack as you usually would for a warm-weather seaside vacation.
In the course of the day, I used to be lazing within the solar in a bikini, or wandering round in a gown with no outer layer.
However in winter, Lanzarote may be chilly within the early mornings and after darkish (bear in mind, the solar units round 6pm). So that you’ll need leggings or lengthy trousers and a cardi or gentle jacket. Go for light-weight layers so you may simply alter your outfit because it will get hotter or colder.
20-odd levels doesn’t sound like a lot, however that solar can nonetheless be fairly fierce. You’ll want to pack solar cream, a solar hat, and sun shades. Additionally, in case you plan on snorkelling (or simply burn simply) I like to recommend a rash-vest like this one to guard you from sunburn while swimming. When you have mixture or oily pores and skin like I do, then I extremely advocate a non-greasy facial suncream. I swear by La Roche Posay’s SPF50+ Invisible Fluid – it’s a complete game-changer.
Lanzarote 4-Day Packing Checklist
Right here’s what I packed (travelling hand baggage solely) for my 4-day December journey to Lanzarote:
- 1 pair Converse
- 1 pair flip flops
- 2x maxi attire
- 2x brief attire
- I additionally packed an extended skirt and high combo which I by no means wore!
- 2x brief leggings (I take advantage of Snag tights as they’re tremendous skinny and light-weight) for beneath attire in the course of the day. Helps with “chub-rub” and unintended flashing – Lanzarote could be very windy!
- 1x lengthy pair of leggings for evenings.
- Lengthy, skinny cotton trousers and a black t-shirt for the evenings
- Underwear (the standard)
- Bikini
- Massive scarf/sarong for sporting on the seaside
- This doubled as a seaside towel for me – however I’d extremely advocate taking a microfiber journey towel in case you’re brief on house and plan on swimming within the sea.
- Sunhat
- Sun shades
- Cardigan
- Waterproof jacket (I didn’t find yourself needing this as I stayed in when it rained, however a light-weight jacket or small umbrella might turn out to be useful in case you do get unhealthy climate)
Should you’re not a “gown particular person” you may clearly commerce for skirts or shorts and t-shirts, no matter works for you. I used to be attempting to maximise packing with solely a cabin bag, and attire simply go from day to nighttime by including an additional layer in order that was my choice.
Additionally, in case you plan on climbing it’s a good suggestion to pack:
- A sweat-wicking sports activities t-shirt (I really like the Columbia Zero Guidelines T-Shirt)
- Shorts or adjustable-length climbing pants (these light-weight, zip-off Tresspass ones are my private faves)
- Alternatively, yoga/operating leggings may work – though I felt mine have been too sizzling.
- Trainers, strolling footwear, or Birkenstocks (relying on what stage of climbing you bear in mind)
Extra in and Round Lanzarote
Received a query about visiting Lanzarote throughout winter? Scroll down to go away me a remark and I’ll attempt to assist!
I hope you discovered this information helpful – and have a tremendous time exploring Lanzarote. Under you could find hyperlinks to a couple of my different posts about Spain, in case you will have extra time to discover…
Finest Areas to Keep in Lanzarote
Finest Areas for Diving in Lanzarote
