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The best time to visit Lanzarote for most UK visitors is spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November), when it is warm and sunny without the peak-summer crowds or prices. Lanzarote has a mild, dry, subtropical climate, so it is a genuine year-round destination, and winter sun is a big part of its appeal for people escaping a British winter.
This guide goes month by month, then answers the questions people ask most when planning a trip. Weather figures are general guidance only, so check a current forecast before you travel.
When is the best month to visit Lanzarote?
There is no single best month, because it depends on what you want from the holiday. If you want reliable warmth and long beach days without extreme heat, May, June, September and October are hard to beat. If you want winter sun, November to March offers pleasant daytime temperatures, though sea swimming can feel fresh and the wind can make beaches breezy. If you want the hottest weather and the busiest resorts, July and August are the peak.
- Best for beach and sun: May to October.
- Best for winter sun: November to March, with milder days than the UK.
- Best for walking and sightseeing: spring and autumn, when it is cooler in the middle of the day.
- Best for avoiding crowds: late April to early June and late September to October, outside school holidays.
What is the weather like each month in Lanzarote?
Lanzarote is the easternmost of the Canary Islands and sits close to the African coast. It is dry for most of the year, with very little rain, and the trade winds keep it from feeling as hot as the temperature suggests. Here is a general picture, month by month.
January and February
These are the coolest months, but daytime temperatures are usually comfortable for sunbathing out of the wind, and often feel like a warm spring day by British standards. Evenings can be cool, so you will want a light jacket. This is the wettest part of the year, but rain is still limited and usually short-lived. The sea is cool, so many visitors use hotel pools.
March and April
Temperatures start to climb and the days lengthen. Easter is a popular time for UK families, so prices rise around the school holidays. Outside that week, March and April can be excellent value for sunny, settled weather.
May and June
Many people consider these the sweet spot. It is warm, sunny and reliably dry, the sea is warming up and the island is not yet at its busiest. The wind can be noticeable on the north and west coasts, so choose sheltered resorts such as Playa Blanca or Puerto del Carmen if you want calmer beach conditions.
July and August
These are the hottest months and the busiest, with the highest prices as UK school holidays drive demand. Days are hot and sunny, though the breeze helps. Occasionally a warm, dusty wind from the Sahara called a calima can bring haze and higher temperatures, so it is worth knowing about if you are sensitive to heat or dust.
September and October
The sea is at its warmest after the summer, the weather is still reliably sunny, and crowds start to thin. Autumn half term brings a short spike in demand and prices, so book early if you are travelling then.
November and December
These months offer mild, mostly sunny weather and a more relaxed atmosphere. Christmas and New Year are popular and priced accordingly, while the weeks in between can be good value for winter sun.
When is Lanzarote cheapest and quietest?
Prices follow demand, and demand follows UK school holidays and the winter sun season. As a rule, the cheapest times to go are usually outside school holidays, in particular January to early February, May to early July, and mid September to October. The busiest and most expensive weeks tend to be around Christmas, New Year, February half term, Easter and the summer holidays.
Flights from UK airports including Gatwick are frequent, but fares and package prices shift with the date, so comparing a few dates is worthwhile. Our cheap holidays guide covers ways to keep the price down, and our last minute holidays guide explains when short-notice deals can work.
- Travel midweek if you can, as weekend departures are often dearer.
- Look at departures from different airports, including Gatwick.
- Compare package holidays with booking flights and a hotel separately.
- Check baggage costs, as these can change the true price.
What should I pack for Lanzarote?
Pack for sun and wind, and for the fact that evenings can be cooler than the day. A good starter list is below.
- High-factor sun cream, a hat and sunglasses, as the sun is strong even when the breeze keeps you cool.
- Light layers and a light jacket or fleece for evenings, especially from November to March.
- Swimwear and a beach towel, plus a windbreak if you plan to spend long days on the beach.
- Comfortable walking shoes for volcanic landscapes and trails.
- A reusable water bottle.
- Any medication you need, with copies of prescriptions.
Do not forget travel insurance. Our travel insurance guide explains what to look for in a policy.
Which part of Lanzarote should I stay in?
The island has several resorts with different characters. Puerto del Carmen is the largest and busiest, with a long promenade, plenty of restaurants and lively evenings. Costa Teguise is more spread out and popular with families and windsurfers. Playa Blanca in the south is known for calmer beaches and a quieter feel, and is the departure point for ferries to Fuerteventura. Away from the resorts, Haria and Teguise offer a more traditional island experience.
What is there to do beyond the beach?
Lanzarote is known for its volcanic landscape, and many visitors hire a car or join a tour to see it. Check official sites for current opening details and booking requirements before you go.
- Timanfaya National Park, with its lava fields and volcanic scenery.
- The work of the artist César Manrique, which shaped the look of the island.
- Black sand beaches and the vineyards of La Geria, where vines are grown in hollows in volcanic ash.
- Boat trips, snorkelling and diving along the coast.
If you plan to explore independently, our car hire guide explains how to compare deals and avoid extra charges.
Choosing the right time for Lanzarote
Lanzarote is a popular choice for UK travellers who want sun outside the summer months, but the best time still depends on what you want from the trip. Beach lovers, walkers, families and anyone chasing value will each have different priorities, so it helps to compare a few options before booking.
For beach and pool time
Look at the warmer months if swimming matters most, and check recent weather information before you travel. Winds can make beaches feel cooler than the temperature suggests, so bring a layer and a windbreak.
For exploring the island
Milder weather suits walking, volcanic landscapes and sightseeing. Check official sources and tour operators for current opening times, excursions and booking requirements, as these can change.
For better value
School holidays push prices up on popular routes. Flexible travellers can often save by moving dates by a few days, and our cheap holidays guide and holidays from Gatwick guide explain how to compare options.
Before you go
Check the current UK government travel advice for Spain and the Canary Islands, confirm passport requirements and arrange suitable travel insurance. Entry and health guidance can change, so rely on official sources.
What to pack
- Sun protection, hat and sunglasses
- A light jacket or fleece for breezy evenings
- Sturdy shoes for walking on rough ground
- A reusable water bottle
Getting around the island
Many visitors hire a car to reach beaches, viewpoints and villages away from the main resorts, while others rely on organised excursions or local transport. Compare the options for your plans, read the rental terms carefully, and see our car hire guide for what to check before you book. Check official sources for current driving rules and any local restrictions.
Choosing where to stay
Resorts differ in character, from lively and busy to quiet and low key. Think about beach access, restaurants, transfer times from the airport and whether you want to be within walking distance of shops and bars, then choose the base that fits your group.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lanzarote hot all year round?
It is warm all year, but not extremely hot outside the summer months. Winter days are mild by UK standards, though it can feel cool in the wind and evenings call for a layer.
Does it rain much in Lanzarote?
Rain is limited. The island is dry for most of the year, and any rain tends to fall in the cooler months and pass quickly.
Is the sea warm enough for swimming?
The Atlantic stays cooler than the Mediterranean. Many people swim comfortably in late summer and early autumn, while in winter many prefer heated hotel pools.
How long should I stay in Lanzarote?
A week is a good length for a mix of beach time and sightseeing. A long weekend is enough for a taste, and two weeks suits people who want to explore the whole island at a slower pace.
Is Lanzarote good for families?
Yes, it is popular with families thanks to its reliable weather, beaches and short flight times from the UK. Resorts such as Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise are common choices.
For more ideas on sunny trips, see our all inclusive holidays guide and our guide to city breaks.