When to Visit Lanzarote if You Want to Avoid the Rain
Dreaming of a sunshine-filled holiday in Lanzarote? If you're planning a winter escape, a summer beach break or a family holiday in the Canary Islands, there's one question worth asking before you book: when is Lanzarote most likely to stay dry?
Lanzarote is famous for its warm climate, volcanic scenery and beautiful beaches, and one of the reasons it remains such a popular year-round destination is its low annual rainfall. However, while sunshine is a regular feature of island life, rain isn't completely unheard of — particularly during the winter months.
So, if avoiding wet weather is high on your holiday wish list, which month should you choose?
HOW MUCH DOES IT RAIN IN LANZAROTE?
Lanzarote has an arid climate, meaning rainfall is limited compared with many destinations in mainland Europe. According to long-term climate statistics from Spain's national meteorological agency, AEMET, Lanzarote Airport receives an average of approximately 111 millimetres of rain per year.
To put that into perspective, rainfall is measured in millimetres, with 1 mm representing one litre of water falling on each square metre of ground.
Most of Lanzarote's rainfall occurs between late autumn and winter. By contrast, the summer months are exceptionally dry, with average rainfall close to zero.
That doesn't mean every winter holiday will be wet or every summer holiday guaranteed sunshine. It simply means that the odds of encountering rain vary considerably depending on when you visit.
LANZAROTE AVERAGE RAINFALL BY MONTH
The following figures show the average monthly rainfall recorded at Lanzarote Airport in AEMET's climate normals.
January: 16 mm
February: 18 mm
March: 12 mm
April: 5 mm
May: 2 mm
June: 0 mm
July: 0 mm
August: 0 mm
September: 2 mm
October: 10 mm
November: 15 mm
December: 29 mm
Source: AEMET, Lanzarote Airport climate normals. Monthly values are rounded to whole millimetres.
December is the wettest month on average, followed by February, January and November. At the other end of the scale, June and July have average rainfall rounded to zero millimetres.
It's important to understand that a monthly average of zero doesn't mean rain is physically impossible. It means the average amount is so small that it rounds down to zero in the published figures.
THE DRIEST MONTHS TO BOOK A HOLIDAY IN LANZAROTE
June and July: Your best bet for avoiding rain
If your number-one priority is minimising the risk of rainfall, June and July are excellent months to consider.
AEMET's long-term figures record virtually no average rainfall during these months. July also has an average of around 13 days with completely clear skies, making it particularly attractive for visitors hoping to spend their days at the beach, exploring the island or relaxing beside the pool.
June offers a slightly earlier summer escape, while July is a popular choice for school holidays and family trips.
May: An excellent early-summer alternative
May is another strong choice for a dry holiday in Lanzarote. Average rainfall is approximately 2 mm for the entire month.
The weather is generally warm, the days are long and the island is moving towards its exceptionally dry summer season. For visitors who want sunshine without necessarily travelling during the busiest part of the summer holidays, May is well worth considering.
August: Hot, sunny and very dry
August is among Lanzarote's driest months, with average rainfall rounding to zero millimetres in AEMET's figures.
It's a popular time for beach holidays, although temperatures can be higher than in spring and early summer. Remember to pack high-factor sun protection, drink plenty of water and take breaks from the midday sun.
September: Summer sunshine with a small increase in rain
September remains a very dry month, with average rainfall of around 2 mm.
Sea temperatures can still be pleasant after the summer, making it appealing for swimming and water sports. Rain becomes slightly more likely as the island moves towards autumn, but September remains a good option for travellers prioritising dry weather.
WHAT ABOUT OCTOBER, NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER?
Autumn and winter bring the greatest chance of rain to Lanzarote, although that doesn't mean you should rule out a holiday during these months.
October: A change in the weather
Average rainfall rises to around 10 mm in October. Most days can still be suitable for outdoor activities, but occasional showers become more likely.
October can be a good compromise for travellers looking for warm weather outside the main summer season, provided they accept that a little rain is possible.
November: More chance of a shower
November averages approximately 15 mm of rainfall. It is one of the wetter months of the year, but the total remains modest compared with many parts of the UK and northern Europe.
A shower doesn't necessarily mean losing an entire holiday day. Rain can be brief and localised, and conditions can differ between parts of the island.
December: The wettest month on average
December receives approximately 29 mm of rainfall on average, making it Lanzarote's wettest month in the AEMET figures used here.
That may sound like a lot to visitors used to the island's reputation for sunshine, but it is still a relatively small annual rainfall total. December can deliver lovely sunny days, too — just with a greater chance of encountering a shower than in summer.
If you're escaping a cold winter at home, Lanzarote can still be an attractive destination. It's simply sensible to keep your expectations realistic and check the forecast before travelling.
IS JANUARY OR FEBRUARY TOO RAINY FOR A LANZAROTE HOLIDAY?
Not at all. January averages around 16 mm of rainfall, while February averages around 18 mm.
These figures are higher than those for spring and summer, but they don't mean it rains every day. AEMET's historical averages indicate approximately three days with at least 1 mm of rain in January and just under three in February.
Winter visitors can still enjoy walks along the seafront, sightseeing, restaurants, boat trips and the island's spectacular volcanic landscapes. Packing a lightweight waterproof jacket is a sensible precaution.
DOES IT RAIN MORE IN SOME PARTS OF LANZAROTE?
Yes, local conditions can vary. Lanzarote is a relatively small island, but its terrain, elevation, exposure to the wind and local weather patterns can influence conditions.
The airport statistics are a useful island-wide reference point, but they aren't an exact rainfall forecast for every resort.
If you're staying in Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise or Playa Blanca, it's worth checking the forecast for your particular area. A shower affecting one part of the island doesn't necessarily mean the whole island will experience the same weather.
HOW MANY RAINY DAYS SHOULD YOU EXPECT?
Rainfall totals only tell part of the story. The number of days with measurable rain can also help when deciding when to book.
AEMET's historical figures show an average of approximately:
• June and July: virtually no days with at least 1 mm of rain.
• May and September: fewer than one day per month on average with at least 1 mm of rain.
• October: around two days per month.
• November: around three days per month.
• December: around four days per month.
These are averages, not guarantees. One unusually wet weather system can produce more rain than normal, while some months may pass with very little.
SO, WHEN SHOULD YOU BOOK YOUR LANZAROTE HOLIDAY?
If avoiding rain is your main concern, the best months to target are May, June, July, August and September.
For the lowest average rainfall, June and July stand out. May is also an excellent option, while August and September offer very dry conditions and a traditional summer-holiday feel.
If you prefer travelling in autumn or winter, don't let the rainfall statistics put you off. Lanzarote remains a popular year-round destination, and its winter climate is often much milder than that of northern Europe. Just remember that the chance of rain is higher, particularly in December.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Lanzarote is one of those destinations where you don't necessarily need to limit yourself to summer to enjoy a sunshine break. But if you want to give yourself the best statistical chance of avoiding rain, aim for late spring or summer.
And one final tip: climate averages help you choose your travel dates, but only a forecast can tell you what the weather is likely to do during your actual holiday. Check the latest AEMET forecast as your departure date approaches.
Whether you're planning a winter escape or a summer beach break, Lanzarote has plenty to offer in every season — and even a rare rainy day can be an opportunity to discover another side of the island.
