Today's weather for Lanzarote, Canary Islands29th Aug 2008 23:00

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Weather Overview for Lanzarote

Lanzarote is the fourth largest island of the Canary Islands, an archipelago of volcanic origin situated off the coast of North Africa and often referred to as the ‘Islands of Eternal Spring’ for their enviable climate. Lanzarote is the most northerly of the archipelago’s seven main islands, and also the closest to the coast of Africa.

Temperature is pleasant throughout the year; it rarely falls below 25 ºC in summer and 16 ºC in winter. Average annual temperature is about 22 ºC. In summer temperature are often in the low 30s, but rarely higher. Winter can see temperature of up to 25 ºC.

There are two mains reasons for the islands relatively constant temperatures and the absence of blisteringly hot summers: the North-East Trade Wind and the Canary Current.

The North-East Trade Winds are frequent in summer and bring cooler air to give the pleasant summer temperatures. In July these winds are nearly constant. These winds are caused by hot air rising to high altitudes over the equator. This air travels north, then sinks and cools before reaching the Canaries. Because of the lack of high mountains on Lanzarote, these moist winds coming in from the ocean are not often converted into rain meaning that the island sees low annual rainfall.

The Canary Current is the other phenomenon to have a cooling effect on the islands. Cooler water is brought up from the depths as the current flows south past the Canary Islands. Water temperature around Lanzarote varies between 18 ºC in winter and 23 ºC in late summer.

There is low annual rainfall in Lanzarote. The island has a hot and dry climate, where rain is very rare, resulting in a semi-desert climate. On average there are no more than 16 days of rainfall each year, with December and January the wettest months.

Lanzarote generally receives less rainfall than the other Canary Islands due to its relative lack of high mountains. The highest point on the island is about 670 metres.

Lanzarote's climate can vary in different parts of the island. The north of the island is generally a little windier and cloudier and has a bit more rain since the moist trade winds flow in from the north. The south can enjoy as much as 2500 hours of sunshine a year. Central Lanzarote experiences the most moderate climate on the island.

Occasionally Lanzarote can experience very hot summer days when the hot sirocco wind is prevailing. Locals refer to this phenomenon as ‘Calima’ or ‘Tiempo Africano’ (African weather). This wind brings with it hot, dry air and sand from the Sahara desert. Sometimes the sirocco wind can bring temperatures of up to 40C and the sand can reduce visibility to 100 metres and may last anything between a few hours up to a week.

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