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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 stunning volcanic islands get pleasure from a lot hotter climate than wherever else on the continent.
After my current winter solar getaway break in Lanzarote, I’m fairly nicely satisfied that the low season of November by means of February is the most effective time to go.
It’s nonetheless heat sufficient to swim, however not so sizzling that you should spend all your time inside diving-in-distance of a pool! The cooler climate is right 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 put up. Proper after I speak concerning 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 nicely often called a winter solar vacation spot in Europe. The island is way sufficient south that it enjoys heat climate virtually all yr spherical. The next climate averages had been all taken from the Met Workplace…
Common temperatures
In winter, the common day by 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 common minimal temperature from December by means of to March is between 14-15°C. Which means you’ll wish to pack a cardigan or gentle 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 robust 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 just a little cooler at instances, although, so positively value packing a number of 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 beautiful pool climate just about on daily basis. It was round 22°C with clear skies on most days – just a little 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 drive by the afternoon. On my final day, the temperature was solely about 19°C so it felt just a little cooler – however nonetheless good sufficient to swim within the pool.
The week earlier than my tip, although, Monica from The Journey Hack visited and mentioned she had fairly poor climate. It was round 15°C for a lot of the week and ceaselessly gray, cloudy, and windy – however she did get a little bit of sunshine too. That feels 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 typically nice!
As you may see, winter climate in Lanzarote is usually a little bit of a blended bag and there aren’t any ensures – nevertheless it’s nonetheless more likely 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 most effective space to remain.
Why winter is a Good time to go to Lanzarote
Lanzarote is nicely often called a year-round seashore 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 likely one of the closest winter solar locations to the UK
Winter can also be the least windy time to go to the island usually (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 current go to, the solar rose simply after 7am every morning and set simply earlier than 6pm every night time. I cherished 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 right down to the seashore 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 climbing
Lanzarote isn’t JUST a incredible seashore 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 way in which. And within the island’s inside, you may go climbing amidst the volcanoes in Timanfaya Nationwide Park.
4. There are fewer vacationers round
Except for 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. Excellent if you would like a calming escape.
5. Flights and lodging will probably be cheaper
Travelling out of season tends to be extra reasonably priced than throughout peak instances, anyway. However you even have some unimaginable presents 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/instances that suited me).
In the event you can e book final minute and be as versatile as doable together with your dates, you may decide up some nice offers. I noticed some package deal 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 honest to say that Lanzarote is, in the beginning, a seashore vacation vacation spot. Most individuals come for the year-round good climate, heat seas, and delightful seashores.
However if you happen to’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 lots extra to do on the island irrespective of the climate. Listed here are a number of concepts…
1. Take a highway journey (or bus tour) to discover Lanzarote’s highlights
A lot of the “major” 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?
Try this information to road-tripping in Lanzarote for some nice suggestions. These are among the greatest sights so as to add to your itinerary:
- Timanfaya Nationwide Park – stand up near Lanzarote’s volcanoes (extra on this under).
- Mirador del Rio – a shocking clifftop viewpoint overlooking La Graciosa island.
- El Golfo and the Lago Verde – a vivid inexperienced lagoon within the crater of a volcano.
- Cueva de los Verdes – an underground lava tube fashioned by the molten lava from volcanic explosions.
- Jameos del Agua – volcanic caverns fashioned when lava tunnels collapsed, which have been reimagined to deal with 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 concerning 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.
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 major 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 fashioned by volcanic eruptions round 15 million years in the past – and has an enchanting, otherworldly panorama dotted with cones and craters.
Solely certainly one of these many volcanoes continues to be energetic: 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 may see demonstrations of this exercise. Probably the most thrilling of those is the man-made geyser. There are a collection of pipes working right 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 in an effort to defend the panorama. You may 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, equivalent to one of many ones under:
3. Go climbing
I’ve already talked about that Lanzarote is a incredible 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 in style with cyclists. The island’s quiet roads, volcanic hills, and sweeping vistas make for an excellent bike trip.
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 test costs and reserve on-line. Alternatively, there are a number of nice biking excursions for a guided cycle trip:
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: somewhat than the standard rows of vines, wineries plant particular person grape vines in round depressions surrounded by semi-circular stone partitions, which offer shelter from the wind. It appears 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 excellent spot to start out. There are lots of 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 test 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 all around the island – however as a nature activist, he additionally had an enormous affect on the way in which Lanzarote appears right now.
Manrique lobbied efficiently to encourage a extra sustainable improvement of the tourism business – together with the ban of high-rise inns which continues to be in place right now, 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 undertaking, a shocking 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 reworked 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 inns to easy salons. A fast Google Map search ought to aid you discover the closest ones, or take a look at these in style 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 should know:
Christmas closures
Take note of that there could also be some closures over the festive interval. Christmas Eve, often called Nochebuena, is a large deal in Spain, so chances are you’ll 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 referred to as Beléns
The normal nativity scenes, often called 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 all around the island.
Christmas markets in Lanzarote
Many cities throughout Lanzarote host Christmas markets in December. Store for native wines, cheeses and different goodies – or decide up some nice handmade items. The primary 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 big pageant. That is the day that the the Three Smart Males (Los Reyes Magos) are mentioned to have arrived on the secure to offer Jesus his items.
As such, many households alternate items 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 in style 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 probably not a celebration space. Try my information to the most effective areas to remain in Lanzarote for extra data.
There are many good inns on the island to swimsuit all budgets, starting from backpacker-friendly hostel dorms to luxurious 5-star resorts. It actually relies upon on what you’re in search of.
Villas are choice, as you don’t should exit if the climate is dangerous. Having that self-catering choice means you may keep residence and eat if wanted. You’ll typically have a bit extra space than staying in a resort, too.
In the event you go for a villa just a little manner again from the coast, it can be extra sheltered from Lanzarote’s winds and can provide you a little bit of a suntrap – best if you wish to absorb 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 area 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. Learn my assessment HERE for extra data.
What to Pack & Put on in Lazarote in Winter
Questioning what to put on in Lanzarote throughout winter? Typically, you simply have to pack as you usually would for a warm-weather seashore vacation.
Through 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 will be chilly within the early mornings and after darkish (keep 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 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. Be sure you pack solar cream, a solar hat, and sun shades. Additionally, if you happen to plan on snorkelling (or simply burn simply) I like to recommend a rash-vest like this one to guard you from sunburn while swimming. If in case 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 Listing
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 exploit Snag tights as they’re tremendous skinny and light-weight) for beneath attire throughout the day. Helps with “chub-rub” and unintentional flashing – Lanzarote may be very windy!
- 1x lengthy pair of leggings for evenings.
- Lengthy, skinny cotton trousers and a black t-shirt for the evenings
- Underwear (the same old)
- Bikini
- Giant scarf/sarong for sporting on the seashore
- This doubled as a seashore towel for me – however I’d extremely advocate taking a microfiber journey towel if you happen to’re brief on area 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 could come in useful if you happen to do get dangerous climate)
In the event you’re not a “gown individual” 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 desire.
Additionally, if you happen to 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/working leggings may work – though I felt mine had been too sizzling.
- Trainers, strolling sneakers, or Birkenstocks (relying on what degree of climbing you bear in mind)
Extra in and Round Lanzarote
Bought 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 an incredible time exploring Lanzarote. Beneath you will discover hyperlinks to some of my different posts about Spain, in case you will have extra time to discover…
Greatest Areas to Keep in Lanzarote
Greatest Areas for Diving in Lanzarote