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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 right for a break within the Canary Islands!
The Canaries could also be Spanish, however they’re truly a lot nearer to Africa than the remainder of Europe. Which implies these lovely volcanic islands take pleasure in a lot hotter climate than anyplace else on the continent.
After my latest winter solar getaway break in Lanzarote, I’m fairly nicely satisfied that the low season of November by February is one of the best time to go.
It’s nonetheless heat sufficient to swim, however not so sizzling that you’ll 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 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 publish. 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 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 had been all taken from the Met Workplace…
Common temperatures
In winter, the typical day by 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 delicate to heat, after darkish it may be chilly: the typical minimal temperature from December by to March is between 14-15°C. Meaning 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 12 months 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. Examine 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 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 a bit of cooler at instances, although, so positively price 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 pretty pool climate just about on daily basis. It was round 22°C with clear skies on most days – a bit of 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 a bit of 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 many of the week and steadily gray, cloudy, and windy – however she did get a little bit of sunshine too. That appears 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 typically nice!
As you possibly can 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!
Prime tip: I used to be staying in Playa Blanca on the island’s southernmost tip. This space can typically 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 one of the best space to remain.
Why winter is a Good time to go to Lanzarote
Lanzarote is nicely often known as 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 among the closest winter solar locations to the UK
Winter can be the least windy time to go to the island on the whole (see the part above for more information).
2. It’s simpler to observe 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 seashore in time to observe 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 lovely, rugged little island is the proper place for out of doors 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 climbing amidst the volcanoes in Timanfaya Nationwide Park.
4. There are fewer vacationers round
Except the October half-term and the December holidays, autumn/winter is usually the off-season in Lanzarote. Which implies quieter resorts, fewer our bodies on the seashores, and fewer busy eating places. Excellent in order for you a soothing escape.
5. Flights and lodging will almost definitely be cheaper
Travelling out of season tends to be extra reasonably priced than throughout peak instances, anyway. However you even have some unimaginable provides 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).
When you can e-book final minute and be as versatile as doable 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 honest to say that Lanzarote is, at first, a seashore vacation vacation spot. Most individuals come for the year-round good climate, heat seas, and delightful seashores.
However when you’re visiting Lanzarote in winter, whereas the climate is definitely going to be higher than the UK, it might not at all times be sea-swimming climate. Fortunately, there’s lots extra to do on the island irrespective of the climate. Listed below are a number of concepts…
1. Take a street journey (or bus tour) to discover Lanzarote’s highlights
A lot of the “important” sights in Lanzarote may be explored whatever the climate. When you’re hiring a automotive, 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 ideas. These are a number of the greatest sights so as to add to your itinerary:
- Timanfaya Nationwide Park – stand 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 fashioned by the molten lava from volcanic explosions.
- Jameos del Agua – volcanic caverns fashioned 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 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 important points of interest: 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 key 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 one in every of these many volcanoes remains to be energetic: Timanfaya, which stands in a Nationwide Park of the identical identify. The final eruption was in 1730 and lasted for 2055 days – however there are nonetheless many indicators of volcanic exercise.
When you head to Islote de Hilario in Timanfaya Nationwide Park, you possibly can see demonstrations of this exercise. Probably the most thrilling of those is the man-made geyser. There are a collection 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 in an effort to shield the panorama. You possibly can 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, akin to one of many ones beneath:
3. Go climbing
I’ve already talked about that Lanzarote is a incredible climbing vacation spot, and the cooler winter months are one of the best time to do it. Try a few of these nice 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 a superb bike trip.
There are bike rental retailers 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 examine 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 method 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 offer 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 spot to start out. There are numerous 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 examine 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 a giant affect on the way in which Lanzarote seems to be right this moment.
Manrique lobbied efficiently to encourage a extra sustainable growth of the tourism business – together with the ban of high-rise motels which remains to be in place right this moment, and which is a giant 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 last challenge, a surprising cactus backyard with some 450 species of cactus and succulents.
- Jameos del Agua – a cavern system created by the stream of molten lava, which Manrique remodeled right into a centre of artwork, tradition and tourism with a live performance corridor, museum, restaurant, and out of doors swimming pool.
7. Head to a spa
If the climate turns notably nasty, why not see it as the proper excuse to go to a spa for a pamper session? There are many spas dotted round Lanzarote, from spa motels to easy salons. A fast Google Map search ought to enable you to discover the closest ones, or take a look at these fashionable spots:
Lanzarote at Christmas
Contemplating visiting Lanzarote over Christmas? It is a nice time to go to the island – particularly if you wish to escape the unhealthy climate! Right here’s what you’ll want to know:
Christmas closures
Keep in mind that there could also be some closures over the festive interval. Christmas Eve, often known as 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 standard nativity scenes, often known as Beléns, are an enormous spotlight of the Christmas interval in Lanzarote. You possibly can see these elaborate, typically 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 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 major competition. That is the day that the the Three Clever Males (Los Reyes Magos) are mentioned to have arrived on the steady to provide Jesus his items.
As such, many households trade 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 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 probably not a celebration space. Try my information to one of the best areas to remain in Lanzarote for extra info.
There are many good motels 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 in search of.
Villas are an excellent choice, as you don’t need to exit if the climate is unhealthy. Having that self-catering choice means you possibly can keep dwelling and eat if wanted. You’ll typically have a bit extra space than staying in a resort, too.
When you go for a villa a bit of method again from the coast, it’ll be extra sheltered from Lanzarote’s winds and may give you a little bit of a suntrap – ideally suited 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 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 evaluate HERE for extra info.
What to Pack & Put on in Lazarote in Winter
Questioning what to put on in Lanzarote throughout winter? Typically, you simply must 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 costume 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 possibly can 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, when 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’ve got 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 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 carrying on the seashore
- This doubled as a seashore towel for me – however I’d extremely advocate taking a microfiber journey towel when you’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 might turn out to be useful when you do get unhealthy climate)
When you’re not a “costume particular person” you possibly can clearly commerce for skirts or shorts and t-shirts, no matter works for you. I used to be making an attempt 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, when you plan on 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 climbing pants (these light-weight, zip-off Tresspass ones are my private faves)
- Alternatively, yoga/operating leggings would possibly work – though I felt mine had been too sizzling.
- Trainers, strolling sneakers, or Birkenstocks (relying on what stage of climbing you bear in mind)
Extra in and Round Lanzarote
Acquired 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 a tremendous time exploring Lanzarote. Under yow will discover hyperlinks to some of my different posts about Spain, in case you might have extra time to discover…
Finest Areas to Keep in Lanzarote
Finest Areas for Diving in Lanzarote
