Lanzarote Heat Eases as Temperatures Drop and Trade Winds Return
After several days of intense September heat, Lanzarote is getting a noticeable change in the weather, with temperatures falling, more cloud developing and the trade winds becoming more noticeable.
The change will come as welcome news for both residents and visitors who have been dealing with unusually high temperatures across the Canary Islands this week.
A noticeable drop in Lanzarote temperatures
According to the latest AEMET forecast, temperatures across Lanzarote are now significantly lower than during the peak of the recent hot spell. For Thursday 17 September, AEMET is forecasting maximum temperatures around 23–30°C across the island, with Arrecife expected to reach around 28°C.
That represents a considerable change from the temperatures experienced earlier in the week, when parts of Lanzarote and the other eastern Canary Islands were seeing temperatures in the mid-to-high 30s.
The Canary Islands Government had previously placed Lanzarote under an alert for high temperatures, with local temperatures potentially reaching or exceeding 37°C in the hottest inland and southern areas. The authorities also warned about calima during the episode.
More cloud and a chance of a few showers
The weather pattern is also changing. AEMET is forecasting more low cloud over northern and western parts of Lanzarote, while the south should see more sunshine. There is also a small possibility of light, occasional drizzle, particularly towards the later part of the day in northern areas.
For anyone visiting Lanzarote, this means the weather may feel a little different from the classic hot, bright conditions associated with the island. However, sunshine is still expected in many areas, particularly in the south.
Trade winds make a return
The north to north-easterly trade winds are becoming more noticeable. AEMET describes the wind as moderate across Lanzarote, with stronger conditions possible at times in exposed and inland areas.
This is an important part of Lanzarote's climate. Even when the thermometer shows a warm temperature, a breeze can make coastal areas feel considerably more comfortable.
Beach weather is still on the cards
The cooler weather does not mean beach days are over. AEMET's beach forecast for Los Pocillos puts Thursday's maximum temperature at around 28°C, with seawater around 24°C. The forecast indicates moderate winds and only slight swell, although conditions can change and visitors should always check the latest beach and sea information before swimming.
At El Reducto in Arrecife, AEMET is also forecasting warm conditions, with a maximum around 28°C on Thursday and around 29°C on Friday.
What should visitors expect?
• Warm temperatures, generally in the high 20s in many coastal areas.
• More cloud at times, particularly in northern and western parts of Lanzarote.
• Sunshine continuing, especially in southern areas.
• Moderate north or north-easterly winds, locally stronger.
• A small chance of light drizzle in some northern areas.
• Sea temperatures around 23–24°C at some popular beaches.
The UV index can still be high even when temperatures have dropped, so sunscreen, water and sensible protection from the sun remain important.
A welcome change after an intense spell of heat
September is normally one of Lanzarote's warmest months, so warm weather is certainly nothing unusual. What has made this week's conditions stand out is the intensity of the heat across parts of the Canary Islands.
The latest forecast suggests the weather is now moving back towards more typical late-summer conditions, although Lanzarote's famous microclimates mean conditions can vary considerably from one part of the island to another.
A morning that feels cloudy and breezy in Puerto del Carmen or Costa Teguise can be much sunnier in Playa Blanca, while inland areas can feel different again.
For tourists, the message is simple: don't put away the beach bag just yet. The heat has eased, but Lanzarote is still offering plenty of sunshine, warm sea temperatures and classic island weather.
