Your Time: Time in Fuerteventura: 13:47
1:00 PM, Sat 28th Dec
Sunrise 07:47
Sunset 18:08
Temp feels like:
21ºC (71 ºF)
Length of day:
10h 21m
Pressure:
30" (1024 hpa)
Visibility:
6 miles (10 km)
Wind speed:
26 km/h
Where Is Fuerteventura?
The weather in Fuerteventura is unlike any of the other Canary Islands. It sits in the Atlantic, 108km from the northwest mainland African coast and the weather it experiences is unique.
The Island Of Eternal Spring
Fuerteventura and its neighbouring islands have been called 'the island of eternal spring' because of their pleasant weather throughout the year. There isn't an enormous amount of annual temperature variation. There is still a distinction between the 'summer' and 'winter' months, but the island very rarely experiences temperature extremes.
How Rainy Does Fuerteventura Get?
It is thought that the northern shores of each of theCanary Islands that being Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, Fuerteventura and La Graciosa) generally receive more rain than that of the sheltered southern coasts of the islands.
However, due to its proximity to Lanzarote which lies 12 minutes by boat to its north, Fuerteventura is sheltered from various weather conditions that would typically hit the north side of the island.
So in a sense, Lanzarote acts as the northern coast of Fuerteventura which results in the island receiving significantly less annual rainfall than its neighbouring islands.
How Hot Does Fuerteventura Get?
In the summer months, the average temperature across the day and night is around 24ºC with evening lows of 21ºC - so sleeping isn't always easy! Across the summer months of 2017 and 2018, the top daily average was 26ºC.
When Is the Windiest Time In Fuerteventura?
Generally, the breeziest time of year in Fuerteventura is the summer months of July and August. The region makes the most of its conditions, with numerous watersports competitions, including surfing and windsurfing championships.
In terms of regions, the western area tends to have more wind than the other coasts. The winds tend to drop around September and October.
Hot And Sunny
On the whole Fuerteventura is generally cooler in summer than nearby resorts, so you may find many people flocking to the island to escape from the harsh heat of the Spanish mainland.
The winter sees the island warmer thanMajorca and other Spanish resorts, and it is not uncommon for the beaches to still be filled with tourists sunbathing, even in the cooler winter months.
Which Canary Island has the best weather?
With numerous microclimates throughout the Canary Islands, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura to the east can experience different weather to Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
Windier regions tend to be Costa Calma in Fuerteventura and Costa Teguise in Lanzarote, although they also enjoy slightly higher temperatures in summer months. But whatever Canary Island you visit, gorgeous days of sunshine are pretty much guaranteed all year round.
Is Fuerteventura Hot In September And October?
Much like the whole of the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura enjoys lovely, warm temperatures in September and October, although not as hot as the high-summer months of June, July and August.
Average temperatures are still around 25ºC, the sea temperatures are gorgeous and there are fewer holidaymakers as it's off peak season.
Night-time temperatures can still reach an average of 22ºC (72F).
The Fuerteventura tourist season ends in October. The average daytime temp falls to around 22ºC, with the sea temperature at 25ºC.
October sees temperature lows fall to 19ºC and peaks reaching 25ºC. The sky is cloudier than September and all the summer months, leading to 10 hours of daily sunshine on average.
The summer months of June to August see an average temperature of 24ºC. This average can be misleading as it has been known to reach highs of 40ºC in the height of summer. Its proximity to the African coastline ensures that the island sees plenty of sunshine year-round. Fuerteventura boasts an average of 320 days of sunshine a year.
Generally, the summer highs will average 26ºC to 28ºC, with low humidity and scarce rainfall. At night time the temperature falls to the low twenties providing an enjoyable atmosphere to kick back and enjoy the island lifestyle.
Windy Conditions
The name 'Fuerteventura' translates to 'strong wind' which is certainly a characteristic of the island. The Canary Islands as a whole are in the path of the regular north-eastern trade wind and the cool Canary Stream, but Fuerteventura, in particular, is dominated by this.
The breeze does provide a welcome cooling relief from the sometimes scorching mid-summer temperatures. Because of its location in the path of trade winds, the island is a great destination for those wishing to revel in wind-powered sports.
Water Temperature
As the Canary Islands sit in the vast Atlantic Ocean in the cooling Canary Current, the water temperature does not reach the highs of the Mediterranean's more easterly waters.
In the warmest of the summer weather, in August and September, the average water temperature reaches 22ºC, a good 4ºC below what might be expected somewhere like Majorca at the same time of year.
Rain and Sunshine Hours
May to August sees Fuerteventura experiencing very low rainfall amounts and nine to ten hours of sunshine each day. If you want to avoid the peak summer crowds of July and August then May and June are an ideal time to visit the island.
The only period that you can really expect to experience 'bad weather' is during the months of December to March, where it is possible to experience a few days of wet, windy weather.
In saying this, it is highly unlikely that these periods will last for longer than a week at a time.
Rainfall
The annual average precipitation is about 147 mm per year which is exceptionally low. Most of this will fall from October through until March.
Temperature
The winter temperature ranging from 15ºC to 22ºC is enjoyably mild, making Fuerteventura a popular winter holiday destination. These temperatures are actually warmer than those found on the south coast of England in the height of summer.
Sunshine Hours
The average of six-seven hours of sunshine a day, rather better than the UK's two, makes the island the perfect winter destination. The water temperature in winter drops to around 19ºC in the coolest months.
Sandstorms
Fuerteventura can be affected by winds that come from the Sahara, meaning that the island is washed with an agreeable dry, warm breeze as the hot dry air is drawn from the Sahara and eventually reaches the island.
On the odd occasion this wind can be burdened with sand particles which can have an uncomfortable whipping affect, particularly if lying on the beach.
This phenomenon, named 'Calima' by local inhabitants does not happen too regularly and generally passes quickly.
Temperatures during this phenomenon can often rise by 10ºC and the wind brings in fine white sand, lowering visibly to about 100 to 200m or lower. On the rare occasion the 'scirocco' can also bring African locusts!
Dust Storms
Another unfortunate consequence of these winds blowing across the Sahara are the dust storms in the late winter/early spring time. These usually arriving in the area between February and March and lasting anywhere from two to four days, although every ten years they can last for up to two weeks.
Though these dust storms are not severe, they're considered inconvenient by the locals. The storms lower visibility, often to less than 200m and can irritate the eyes and exacerbate any breathing problems.
2020 Canary Islands Calima
In February 2020 the Canary Islands were engulfed in a sandstorm so vast it obscured them from satellite view, as a seasonal blast of hot, sandy winds known as Calima swept across from the the Sahara. Winds rose to 100mph and carried clouds of red sand that buffeted the islands, creating a thick orange haze.