Lanzarote Weather Takes a Turn: Cooler Temperatures, Strong Winds and a Change on the Way
Lanzarote weather is finally showing a change after days of intense September heat, with temperatures easing, stronger winds returning and a noticeably different feel across the Canary Islands.
If you are on Lanzarote today, you may already have noticed that the weather doesn't feel quite the same as it did during the recent spell of exceptionally hot conditions.
After days of temperatures soaring across parts of the Canary Islands, a change in the weather is now moving across the archipelago. For Lanzarote, that means slightly more comfortable temperatures, but also strong northerly winds which could make exposed coastal areas feel considerably cooler.
A break from the September heat
September is normally one of the warmest months of the year in Lanzarote, but the start of this month has brought some particularly intense heat across the Canary Islands.
AEMET's latest forecast for Arrecife puts Friday's maximum temperature at around 28°C, with temperatures expected to rise slightly over the weekend. Northerly winds are also expected to strengthen, reaching around 45 km/h during parts of Saturday.
That means the weather may actually feel quite different depending on where you are.
Is it going to rain in Lanzarote?
This is where things become slightly more complicated.
The wider weather change affecting the Canary Islands includes cloudier conditions and the possibility of some showers, particularly across the northern and higher areas of the more mountainous islands.
However, the current AEMET forecast for Lanzarote is considerably drier.
For Arrecife, AEMET is currently forecasting predominantly clear skies and no significant rainfall, with a fresh to strong northerly wind.
So while headlines about a change in the weather and possible showers are accurate for parts of the Canary Islands, it doesn't necessarily mean that Lanzarote is about to have a wet day.
And, as anyone who lives here knows, Lanzarote weather can be very different from one side of the island to another.
The wind could be the biggest change
For visitors, the most noticeable difference may actually be the wind.
AEMET's forecast shows northerly winds strengthening, with speeds around 35–45 km/h in Arrecife at times. Recent observations from Lanzarote Airport have also recorded strong northerly gusts.
That could make a difference if you're planning a day at the beach.
The sheltered beaches on the south and south-east of Lanzarote may feel much more comfortable than exposed stretches of coastline, while popular viewpoints and coastal walks can become surprisingly breezy.
It's also worth remembering that wind can make the Lanzarote sunshine deceptive. Even when temperatures are close to 30°C, a strong breeze can make you feel considerably cooler.
What does this mean if you're on holiday in Lanzarote?
For tourists, there's certainly no reason to think that summer has suddenly disappeared.
Lanzarote remains warm, bright and very much in holiday mode.
The forecast still offers plenty of sunshine, and temperatures around the high 20s and low 30s are perfectly normal for Lanzarote in September.
It simply means that you might want to make a few small adjustments to your plans.
If you're heading to the beach, consider choosing a more sheltered location. If you're hiring a car and exploring the island, remember that conditions at exposed viewpoints can be considerably windier than they are at your accommodation.
And if you're planning a boat trip or other activity on the Atlantic, it's particularly sensible to check the latest conditions with your operator.
And what about the calima?
Calima has been another major feature of the Canary Islands weather recently.
A calima occurs when fine dust from the Sahara is carried towards the islands, producing hazy skies, reduced visibility and sometimes noticeably hotter conditions.
A calima pre-alert affecting Lanzarote, La Graciosa, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria was activated earlier in September, with authorities warning about elevated levels of airborne Saharan dust.
The latest weather situation is therefore worth watching because conditions can change quickly when different air masses move across the islands.
If another calima arrives, you may notice the familiar hazy sky, reduced visibility and dust settling on cars, terraces and outdoor furniture.
For most people, a light calima is simply an inconvenience, but anyone particularly sensitive to poor air quality should keep an eye on official advice.
A very Lanzarote kind of weather change
For people who live here, this is all part of life on Lanzarote.
One day you can have intense heat and still air; the next, the trade winds can arrive and completely change how the island feels.
For tourists, it's also a useful reminder that the weather forecast for Lanzarote isn't simply about the temperature.
Wind direction, exposure, coastline and location all make a difference.
The north of the island can feel very different from Playa Blanca. Puerto del Carmen can feel different from the exposed coast around Famara. And the weather at sea level can be very different from what you'll experience higher up.
So, what's the outlook for Lanzarote?
For now, it looks more like a change of pace rather than the end of summer.
Temperatures are easing from the recent extreme heat, but Lanzarote remains warm and largely dry. The main thing visitors and residents are likely to notice is the return of stronger northerly winds.
And if you're hoping for some rain to freshen up the island, you may have to wait a little longer.
For the latest Lanzarote weather forecast, it's always worth checking AEMET shortly before heading out, particularly if you're planning a boat trip, hike, cycling excursion or day at an exposed beach. AEMET also points out that forecasts can vary between locations because municipalities and parts of the island can experience different local conditions.
