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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 yr is right 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 lovely 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 by February is the very best time to go.
It’s nonetheless heat sufficient to swim, however not so scorching that you might want to spend all your time inside diving-in-distance of a pool! The cooler climate is right for sightseeing, strolling the coast path, and mountain 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 discuss 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 referred to as a winter solar vacation spot in Europe. The island is way sufficient south that it enjoys heat climate nearly all yr spherical. The next climate averages had been all taken from the Met Workplace…
Common temperatures
In winter, the common each day most temperature sits between 20°C and 24°C relying on the month. January is the coldest month, with a mean max of 20.8°C and a mean min of 14°C.
Whereas the daytime temperatures are sometimes gentle to heat, after darkish it may be chilly: the common minimal temperature from December by to March is between 14-15°C. Meaning you’ll wish to pack a cardigan or mild jacket to put on within the evenings.
Wind and rain
Winter is the rainiest time of yr in Lanzarote, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a lot drier than the UK. The wettest months, December and January, have 23mm and 22mm common month-to-month rainfall respectively. Evaluate 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 yr spherical. Nevertheless, winter is the least windy time of yr. 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 a little bit cooler at occasions, although, so positively value packing just a few additional layers simply in case!
Actual-life experiences: Lanzarote climate in November and December
I used to be in Lanzarote for per week close to the beginning of December and had pretty pool climate just about each day. It was round 22°C with clear skies on most days – a little bit 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 all the time got here again in full pressure by the afternoon. On my final day, the temperature was solely about 19°C so it felt a little bit 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 a lot of the week and regularly gray, cloudy, and windy – however she did get a little bit of sunshine too. That seems like a fluke based mostly on climate averages, however simply bear in mind that climate is – as all the time – unpredictable!
Lanzarote’s winter climate is unpredictable – however usually nice!
As you possibly can see, winter climate in Lanzarote generally is a little bit of a blended bag and there aren’t any ensures – nevertheless it’s nonetheless prone to be hotter and nicer than again within the UK!
High 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 possibilities of good climate that is in all probability the very best space to remain.
Why winter is a Good time to go to Lanzarote
Lanzarote is properly referred to as a year-round seaside vacation vacation spot, and there are a variety 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 normally (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 far much less painful than in summer season! With 6 to 7 hours of daylight (vs 9 hours in summer season), 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 liked sitting outdoors 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 troublesome 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 right for mountain climbing
Lanzarote isn’t JUST a improbable seaside vacation spot. This lovely, rugged little island is the proper place for outside adventures. There are a number of pretty coast paths to discover – stopping off at hidden seashores alongside the way in which. And within the island’s inside, you possibly can go mountain climbing amidst the volcanoes in Timanfaya Nationwide Park.
4. There are fewer vacationers round
Excluding the October half-term and the December holidays, autumn/winter is mostly the off-season in Lanzarote. Which suggests quieter resorts, fewer our bodies on the seashores, and fewer busy eating places. Good in order for you a soothing escape.
5. Flights and lodging will almost certainly be cheaper
Travelling out of season tends to be extra reasonably priced than throughout peak occasions, anyway. However you even have some unbelievable gives round Black Friday and Cyber Monday in November, in addition to the January gross sales. My Jet2 flight to Lanzarote in late November was slightly below £90 return with carry-on baggage – and there have been some even decrease costs with Ryanair (simply not for any dates/occasions that suited me).
In the event you can e book final minute and be as versatile as potential along with your dates, you possibly can choose up some nice offers. I noticed some bundle holidays to Lanzarote for lower than £300pp for per week!
Issues to do in Lanzarote in Winter (No Matter the Climate)
I believe it’s truthful to say that Lanzarote is, firstly, a seaside vacation vacation spot. Most individuals come for the year-round good climate, heat seas, and delightful seashores.
However in the event you’re visiting Lanzarote in winter, whereas the climate is actually going to be higher than the UK, it might not all the time be sea-swimming climate. Fortunately, there’s a lot extra to do on the island irrespective of the climate. Listed here are just a few concepts…
1. Take a street journey (or bus tour) to discover Lanzarote’s highlights
Many of the “important” sights in Lanzarote will be explored whatever the climate. In the event you’re hiring a automotive, why not spend a day or two road-tripping across the island’s numerous highlights?
Take a look at this information to road-tripping in Lanzarote for some nice ideas. 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 under).
- Mirador del Rio – a surprising clifftop viewpoint overlooking La Graciosa island.
- El Golfo and the Lago Verde – a vibrant 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 accommodate an underground live performance corridor and an outside 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 suggest Haría, Teguise, Arrieta or Famara to get began.
Different: Island Highlights Bus Tour
Don’t wish 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 important sights: Timanfaya, Cueva de los Verdes, Mirador del Rio, and Jameos del Agua. It felt a bit rushed at occasions, however was a great way to see the key 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 one in every 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.
In the event you head to Islote de Hilario in Timanfaya Nationwide Park, you possibly can see demonstrations of this exercise. Essentially 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 defend the panorama. You may drive to the customer centre and Islote de Hilario, however you possibly can’t drive across the park or enter on foot. If you wish to discover the panorama, you’ll must e book a tour, comparable to one of many ones under:
3. Go mountain climbing
I’ve already talked about that Lanzarote is a improbable mountain climbing vacation spot, and the cooler winter months are the very best time to do it. Take a look at a few of these nice mountain climbing excursions…
4. Discover the island by bike
Lanzarote is extremely fashionable 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 possibly can 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 means right here: somewhat than the standard 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 appears to be like 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 this can be a great spot to start out. There are numerous others, although, principally 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 unbelievable 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 way in which Lanzarote appears to be like at this time.
Manrique lobbied efficiently to encourage a extra sustainable improvement of the tourism trade – together with the ban of high-rise resorts which continues to be in place at this time, and which is an enormous a part of what makes Lanzarote such a particular place to go to.
You may 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 residence 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 last 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 assist you discover the closest ones, or take a look at these fashionable 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 dangerous climate! Right here’s what you might want to know:
Christmas closures
Keep in mind that there could also be some closures over the festive interval. Christmas Eve, referred to as Nochebuena, is a large deal in Spain, so you could 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 suggest researching and reserving these prematurely if potential.
Look out for nativity scenes known as Beléns
The standard nativity scenes, referred to as Beléns, are an enormous spotlight of the Christmas interval in Lanzarote. You may 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 presents. 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 steady to present Jesus his presents.
As such, many households alternate presents on the sixth. The day is marked with parades and the standard Roscón de Reyes fruit cake. In Lanzarote, there are normally parades in Arrecife and Teguise.
The place to remain in Lanzarote in Winter
As talked about earlier, the world round the southwestern tip of Lanzarote enjoys marginally hotter climate than the remainder of the island. Playa Blanca is the primary resort right here – it’s one of many extra fashionable areas to remain in Lanzarote and has a variety of facilities, however nonetheless has a chilled-out, small-town really feel. There are many bars and eating places, nevertheless it’s not likely a celebration space. Take a look at my information to the very best areas to remain in Lanzarote for extra data.
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 very good choice, as you don’t need to exit if the climate is dangerous. Having that self-catering choice means you possibly can keep residence and eat if wanted. You’ll usually have a bit more room than staying in a resort, too.
In the event you go for a villa a little bit means again from the coast, it is going to be extra sheltered from Lanzarote’s winds and may give you a little bit of a suntrap – superb if you wish to take in some vitamin D! Plus, some villas have washing machines so you possibly can wash any garments that get soiled or rained on and so on – 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 beautiful, family-run firm with a number of superbly appointed villas dotted across the city. Learn my evaluate HERE for extra data.
What to Pack & Put on in Lazarote in Winter
Questioning what to put on in Lanzarote throughout winter? Normally, you simply must 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 costume with no outer layer.
However in winter, Lanzarote will 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 mild jacket. Go for light-weight layers so you possibly can simply modify 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 the event 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. In case you have mixture or oily pores and skin like I do, then I extremely suggest 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 quick attire
- I additionally packed a protracted skirt and high combo which I by no means wore!
- 2x quick 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 unintentional 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 carrying on the seaside
- This doubled as a seaside towel for me – however I’d extremely suggest taking a microfiber journey towel in the event you’re quick 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 come in useful in the event you do get dangerous climate)
In the event you’re not a “costume individual” you possibly can 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 desire.
Additionally, in the event you plan on mountain climbing it’s a good suggestion to pack:
- A sweat-wicking sports activities t-shirt (I like the Columbia Zero Guidelines T-Shirt)
- Shorts or adjustable-length mountain climbing pants (these light-weight, zip-off Tresspass ones are my private faves)
- Alternatively, yoga/operating leggings may work – though I felt mine had been too scorching.
- Trainers, strolling footwear, or Birkenstocks (relying on what degree of mountain climbing you bear in mind)
Extra in and Round Lanzarote
Received a query about visiting Lanzarote throughout winter? Scroll down to depart me a remark and I’ll attempt to assist!
I hope you discovered this information helpful – and have an incredible time exploring Lanzarote. Under you will discover hyperlinks to a couple of my different posts about Spain, in case you’ve got extra time to discover…
Greatest Areas to Keep in Lanzarote
Greatest Areas for Diving in Lanzarote
