Why is Lanzarote so windy?

If you’ve ever stepped off the plane in Lanzarote and immediately felt your hair whip sideways, you’ve probably asked yourself the same thing most visitors do: why is Lanzarote so windy? It’s not just your imagination—this island is famously breezy, and there’s a very real scientific reason behind it.

Lanzarote’s wind is largely driven by the trade winds, a consistent band of airflow that travels across the Atlantic Ocean from the northeast. These winds are especially strong in the Canary Islands due to their geographic position just off the northwest coast of Africa.

The island’s flat, volcanic landscape plays a big role too. Unlike greener islands with dense forests and high peaks that can break or slow the wind, Lanzarote is more exposed. With fewer natural barriers, the wind sweeps across the island freely, often picking up speed as it moves over the barren terrain.

Another key factor is the temperature difference between the Sahara Desert and the Atlantic Ocean. Hot air rising over Africa pulls in cooler air from the ocean, strengthening those trade winds. This effect is particularly noticeable during the summer months, when visitors often search “why is Lanzarote so windy in July and August” and quickly find out it’s actually peak wind season.

It might feel relentless at first, but the wind is actually one of Lanzarote’s biggest assets.

For starters, it keeps temperatures comfortable year-round. Even when the sun is intense, the breeze acts like natural air conditioning. That’s why you’ll often hear people say Lanzarote has one of the best climates in Europe—warm, but rarely unbearable.

The wind also makes the island a world-class destination for water sports. Windsurfing and kitesurfing thrive here, particularly in areas like Famara Beach, where steady winds create ideal conditions. For enthusiasts, the question isn’t “why is Lanzarote so windy?”—it’s “when can I get back?”

Beyond cooling things down and powering sports, the wind has shaped Lanzarote in more subtle, fascinating ways:

• Cleaner air: Constant airflow means less pollution and a fresher atmosphere.
• Unique agriculture: Farmers have adapted brilliantly, using volcanic stone walls (zocos) to protect crops like vines from the wind.
• Fewer insects: The breeze helps keep mosquitoes and other pests at bay.
• Dramatic landscapes: The wind contributes to the island’s rugged, almost otherworldly beauty.

It´s also worth mentioning to remember to be careful when spending time in the sun, the wind can sometimes cause you to not realise how hot it actually is, we´ve seen alot of sunburn cases over the years! If you are caught out, we recommend natural Aloe Vera to ease any sore skin.

Without the wind, one thing is for sure, Lanzarote wouldn’t feel the same. It wouldn’t have that wild edge or that perfect balance of sunshine and comfort that keeps people coming back year after year.