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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 truly a lot nearer to Africa than the remainder of Europe. Which suggests these stunning volcanic islands take pleasure in 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 one of the best time to go.
It’s nonetheless heat sufficient to swim, however not so sizzling that it’s essential spend all of 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 the explanation why winter is such an superior time to go to Lanzarote within the second part of this put up. 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 nicely generally known as 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 have 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 gentle to heat, after darkish it may be chilly: the typical minimal temperature from December by means of to March is between 14-15°C. Which means 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, however 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 sturdy commerce winds just about all yr spherical. Nonetheless, 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 bit of cooler at instances, although, so positively price packing just a few further 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 every single day. 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 stated 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 seems like a fluke based mostly 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’ll be able to see, winter climate in Lanzarote generally is a little bit of a blended bag and there aren’t any ensures – however 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 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 most likely one of the best space to remain.
Why winter is a Good time to go to Lanzarote
Lanzarote is nicely generally known as a year-round seashore vacation vacation spot, and there are numerous perks to travelling out of season! Right here’s why I believe winter is the perfect 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 also 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 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 evening. I cherished 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 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 improbable 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 best way. And within the island’s inside, you’ll be able to 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 mostly the off-season in Lanzarote. Which suggests quieter resorts, fewer our bodies on the seashores, and fewer busy eating places. Good if you need a soothing escape.
5. Flights and lodging will most definitely 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 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).
In case you can guide final minute and be as versatile as attainable together with your dates, you’ll be able to decide 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 the beginning, a seashore vacation vacation spot. Most individuals come for the year-round good climate, heat seas, and exquisite seashores.
However if you happen to’re visiting Lanzarote in winter, whereas the climate is definitely going to be higher than the UK, it could 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 just a few concepts…
1. Take a highway journey (or bus tour) to discover Lanzarote’s highlights
Many of the “essential” sights in Lanzarote will be explored whatever the climate. In case you’re hiring a automobile, why not spend a day or two road-tripping across the island’s varied highlights?
Take a look at this information to road-tripping in Lanzarote for some nice suggestions. These are a number 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 shocking 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 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 study 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 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 essential 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 most important 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 all these many volcanoes remains 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 case you head to Islote de Hilario in Timanfaya Nationwide Park, you’ll be able to 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 so as to defend the panorama. You may drive to the customer centre and Islote de Hilario, however you’ll be able to’t drive across the park or enter on foot. If you wish to discover the panorama, you’ll have to guide a tour, reminiscent of one of many ones under:
3. Go climbing
I’ve already talked about that Lanzarote is a improbable climbing vacation spot, and the cooler winter months are one of the best time to do it. Take a look at 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 an excellent bike experience.
There are bike rental outlets in most cities on the island, or you’ll be able to 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 experience:
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: moderately 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 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 good spot to begin. 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 a giant affect on the best way Lanzarote appears right this moment.
Manrique lobbied efficiently to encourage a extra sustainable growth of the tourism business – together with the ban of high-rise accommodations 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 may see examples of the artist’s work and study 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 venture, a shocking cactus backyard with some 450 species of cactus and succulents.
Jameos del Agua – a cavern system created by the circulate 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 notably 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 accommodations to easy salons. A fast Google Map search ought to aid 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 unhealthy climate! Right here’s what it’s essential know:
Christmas closures
Have in mind that there could also be some closures over the festive interval. Christmas Eve, generally known as Nochebuena, is a large deal in Spain, so it’s possible 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 attainable.
Look out for nativity scenes referred to as Beléns
The standard nativity scenes, generally known 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 decide 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 big competition. That is the day that the the Three Sensible Males (Los Reyes Magos) are stated to have arrived on the secure to present 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 normally parades in Arrecife and Teguise.
The place to remain in Lanzarote in Winter
As talked about earlier, the realm across 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 fashionable areas to remain in Lanzarote and has numerous facilities, however nonetheless has a chilled-out, small-town really feel. There are many bars and eating places, however it’s probably not a celebration space. Take a look at my information to one of the best areas to remain in Lanzarote for extra data.
There are many good accommodations 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 great possibility, as you don’t need to exit if the climate is unhealthy. Having that self-catering possibility means you’ll be able to keep dwelling and eat if wanted. You’ll usually have a bit extra space than staying in a lodge, too.
In case you go for a villa a bit of manner 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 – preferrred if you wish to take in some vitamin D! Plus, some villas have washing machines so you’ll be able to wash any garments that get soiled or rained on and so forth – 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 superbly appointed villas dotted across the city. Learn my overview HERE for extra data.
What to Pack & Put on in Lazarote in Winter
Questioning what to put on in Lanzarote throughout winter? Generally, 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 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’ll be able to 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. Make 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. You probably 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 Record
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 an extended skirt and prime combo which I by no means wore!
2x quick leggings (I exploit Snag tights as they’re tremendous skinny and light-weight) for beneath attire throughout 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 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 quick 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 if you happen to do get unhealthy climate)
In case you’re not a “costume individual” you’ll be able to 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, 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/operating leggings may work – though I felt mine have been too sizzling.
Trainers, strolling sneakers, or Birkenstocks (relying on what degree of climbing you take note of)
Extra in and Round Lanzarote
Bought 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 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
11 of the Greatest Locations to Go to in Costa Brava
8 of the Greatest Nationwide Parks in Spain