What's the Weather like in Playa Blanca in October
Temperature
Following on from a hot summer, the weather continues to cool down in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote in October, when the summer season is slowly merging into winter. At this time of year, the average temperature for the resort is 22°C, created by average highs of 26°C and average lows of 20°C.
In October, the daily averages gradually get cooler as the month develops. During the first ten days, averages fluctuate between 25°C and 24°C. For the following fortnight, averages stay a relatively constant 23°C, before varying between 23°C and 22°C by the end of the month. This makes the first two weeks of October the warmest time to visit Playa Blanca.
The highest temperature ever recorded at Lanzarote Airport the closest weather station to Playa Blanca in October is 36°C, which was registered on October 22nd 1989. The coldest October temperature ever recorded at this location is 12°C, which was registered on October 25th 1974.
Wind
The most uncomfortable weather you should prepare yourself for if you visit Playa Blanca in October is a calima. This weather phenomena occurs when trade winds which usually blow over the island in a north easterly direction blow in directly from the east, crossing over the Sahara Desert in northern Africa first. When winds blow in this way, they bring with them temperatures up to 10°C higher than normal and low visibility due to a high concentration of sand and dust in the air. Unfortunately, calimas are fairly difficult to predict although weather channels generally forecast calimas a few days before they're due, it's tricky to pinpoint exactly how long they'll last anywhere between two days and two weeks is normal.
When calimas occur, the local MET office issues a red, orange or yellow alert, just like they did in the fourth week of October 2014, when a yellow alert was put out for a calima which caused temperatures to reach 34°C between the 22nd and the 24th.
Over the course of a typical October in Playa Blanca, ordinary wind speeds fluctuate between 2 m/s (light breeze) and 8 m/s (fresh breeze), rarely rising above 11 m/s (strong breeze). The highest average wind speed of 5 m/s (gentle breeze) happens around October 1st, when the average daily maximum wind speed is 8 m/s (fresh breeze). The lowest average wind speed of 5 m/s (gentle breeze) occurs around October 30th, when the average daily maximum wind speed is 8 m/s (moderate breeze). The strongest gust of wind ever recorded at Lanzarote Airport the closest weather station to Playa Blanca in October is 20.5 m/s, which was registered at 15:51 on October 9th 2008.
Rain
During October in Playa Blanca, the resort is subject to an average of just 9mm of rainfall, divided between four rainy days. The likelihood of rainfall occurring quickly increases as the month develops, starting off at 12% on October 1st and rising up to 19% by October 31st. The most common types of precipitation you should expect to experience in Playa Blanca in October is drizzle (which occurs on 50% of days with rainfall), moderate rain (26%) and light rain (19%).
The highest monthly rainfall ever recorded at Lanzarote Airport the closest weather station to Playa Blanca in October is 68.3mm, which was registered across October 2003. The 25th of that month was declared the wettest October day ever, when 24.2mm of rainfall fell within a single 24-hour period. With this information, it's not surprising that October 2003 saw the highest number of wet days (14), whilst October 2005 saw the highest number of stormy days (two).
Storms
Thunder and lightning storms rarely affect Playa Blanca in October, which makes the storm which occurred in 2014 rather unusual. On the 27th of the month, a yellow alert was issued for intense rainfall of up to 15mm an hour, which was accompanied by bursts of thunder and lightning between the night of the 27th and the early hours of the 28th. By the 29th, the storm had cleared at the resort was bathed in sunshine again.
Sunshine Hours
Throughout the month, Playa Blanca enjoys an average of eight hours of sunshine every day, along with median cloud coverage which rises as the month develops. Median cloud coverage begins at 38% on October 1st and creeps up until it reaches 42% by October 31st.
Average Sea Temperature
Although this month marks the transitional period between summer and winter for Playa Blanca, the sea is the warmest is it at any time of year in October. During this month, the average sea temperature is 22°C that's the same temperature as the sea is in August.
Humidity
The average relative humidity for Playa Blanca in October is 71%, ranging between 57% (mildly humid) and 90% (very humid) throughout the month, rarely dropping below 42% (comfortable) or reaching as high as 100% (very humid). The air is at its driest around October 1st, when the relative humidity falls below 64% (mildly humid) three days out of every four, whilst it's at its most humid around October 8th, when it rises above 84% (humid) three days out of every four.
If you love the sun and want to make the most of your holiday time in Playa Blanca, forget about visiting the resort in October and plan your holiday for August instead. This month is usually the hottest, when the average temperature is 25°C.
Playa Blanca Hotels in October
When it comes to all-inclusive hotels in Playa Blanca, Iberostar Lanzarote Park comes highly recommended. This three-star hotel boasts a prestigious seafront location next to Playa Flamingo, which means that almost all rooms have clear sea views. The accommodation is set around the large swimming pool and solarium area with four swimming pools for adults and three for children, as well as a poolside bar. You'll find loads to keep kids of all ages entertained here, with several kids' clubs, indoor play area, WiFi access and plenty of water sports held at the nearby beach. The all-inclusive board basis covers unlimited food and drinks at the Papagayo Restaurant which serves international cuisine buffet-style with show cooking every night and frequent national themed nights throughout the week. Guests can also enjoy drinks at the air-conditioned Salon Jameos Bar which boasts nightly entertainment, plus the outside Mirador Pool Restaurant which isn't covered by the all-inclusive programme. Accommodation comes in the form of double rooms, family rooms and suites, each of which is decorated with bright blues, greens and yellows to reflect the colours of the beach. All guestrooms feature twin beds plus a sofa bed for an extra guest, satellite TV, small fridge and private furnished balcony.
Hotel THe Mirador Papagayo is another top pick for travellers who want to stay close to the beach during their holiday in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote. Situated on the coast at Playa de las Coloradas, this complex is just a ten minute walk away from the marina and a five-minute walk from the nearest supermarket. It's packed with amenities and entertainment facilities, boasting three swimming pools surrounded by sun loungers and parasols, a modern gym and a mini spa with hammam, caldarium, hydromassage bath, cold water baths and massage menu. There are also two mini clubs for kids of different ages, WiFi access and loads of sports held within the complex's grounds, including aerobics, archery, spinning, billiards, darts, squash, table tennis, football, water polo, volleyball and tennis. Onsite dining options include two pool bars, one restaurant, one lobby bar and one salon bar, each of which serves Canarian and international cuisine alongside local and imported drinks. If you opt for the all-inclusive package, you'll be able to enjoy unlimited drinking and dining at all venues between 10:30am and 11pm. Guests can choose between double rooms, family rooms and junior suites, each of which is decorated with coastal blues and yellows and offers WiFi access, air conditioning, private bathroom with bath and shower, and a furnished balcony or terrace some of which have sea views.
If a spa holiday sounds like just what the doctor ordered, check out Hotel Natura Palace & Spa. This four-star oceanfront hotel boasts a luxury spa with a sauna, whirlpool, Turkish bath, sauna and jet showers, plus a huge spa menu with mud wraps and massages. If you really want to take care of yourself whilst away, there's also a fitness centre with weights, exercise bikes and training machines and an adults-only naturist sunbathing area where you can get an all-over tan. With a kids' club, mini disco, playground and two lagoon-style swimming pools, the little ones are also well cared for here, too. Evenings are filled with lively entertainment performed five times a week at the Salon Bar and a regular pianist at the Lobby Bar. The Pool Bar serves various drinks and snacks throughout the morning and afternoon, whilst the La Cala restaurant serves breakfast and dinner buffet-style, with themed nights twice each week and show cooking. Guests can choose between standard double rooms, premium double rooms, suites and villas. Standard rooms are the most budget-friendly and feature sea-inspired décor with satellite TV, air conditioning and furnished balcony or terrace. Premium guestrooms are bigger and boast more luxurious interior design, whilst the suites are larger still and offer separate lounges with extra seating, plus a whirlpool bath. The two villas are separate from the main hotel accommodation and provide ample space for large families and groups.
H10 Lanzarote Princess is another great choice when it comes to spa hotels in Playa Blanca. This hotel has recently been refurbished with a new décor style, giving it a modern look with a few vintage Canarian touches. Sakura an oriental restaurant and Mike's Coffee a specialised coffee shop are two of the latest additions to the hotel's portfolio of eateries which also includes Yaiza buffet restaurant with show cooking, La Choza pool bar-restaurant, Vintage Bar with live music, Coco Loco bar set in the centre of the swimming pool and the Papagayo Disco Bar. The Despacio Beauty Centre is one of the highlights of the resort and boasts a gym with resistance machines, exercise bikes, treadmills and cross trainers, plus a sauna and beauty centre with sea view massages and aromatherapy. Other facilities and services within the hotel's grounds include several kids' and teens' clubs, play area, water splash zone, two swimming pools, tennis courts and mini golf. Accommodation comes in the form of basic, standard and superior double rooms, family rooms, privilege rooms and suites, each of which is decorated simplistically in greys, whites and yellows and comes with free WiFi access, air conditioning and satellite TV.
Playa Blanca Beach for October
Just a few minutes walk to the west of the town is the Playa Flamingo Beach which is clean, safe and extremely attractive.
It it located just outside of the city centre and is close to the newer developments around Montana Roja. This also includes the lighthouse at Pechiguera with Faro Park, Carlos Park and Shangrilla.
If you are staying in these areas, it is quite a walk to Playa Flamingo and a car or taxi would be advisable, especially if you have children and all the extra gear that goes with them.
Bars and Restaurants
When it comes to a restaurant with a view, it's tough to beat El Mirador. Boasting panoramic sea views, this restaurant features a modern, sophisticated décor with wood and glass accents. The food is Mediterranean, with a few Canarian specialities, fast-food options and contemporary delicacies thrown in, too. All the dishes are made with fresh, locally-sourced products by the head chef who is also one of the owners, so you know the food's going to be great. The menu features a selection of hot and cold tapas for diners who love to share, plus Spanish a la carte dishes, such as Iberian pork chops, catch of the day and rosemary-roasted lamb, if you'd prefer something heartier. For little ones, there's a small selection of kids' meals and for diners with a sweet tooth, there is a choice of homemade desserts.
Irish Anvil Bar is the largest Irish bar in Lanzarote, long established since 1996. This bar has 12 huge indoor and outdoor flat screen HDTVs which they use to broadcast all the major live sporting events. In addition to sports, this bar is also well known for live entertainment held every night of the week between 10pm and midnight. Traditional British and Irish breakfasts are served in the morning, followed by jacket potatoes, wraps, salads, toasted sandwiches and burgers for lunch. In the evening, the kitchen offers a more eclectic menu, with steaks, burgers and veggie options, alongside classic favourites such as chicken kiev, gammon steak and bangers 'n' mash. The bar is well-stocked with local and imported beers, wines, spirits and, of course, Guinness.
Things to do in Playa Blanca in October
Scuba diving is a water sport you can enjoy all-year-round in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote. Dive College Lanzarote is the only beachside diving school which offers travellers direct access to the island's best diving spots. If you're new to diving, you can sign up for a try dive course which you can do for free in your hotel swimming pool or for a short fee in the sea. If you're already comfortable with diving, you can register for a PADI-certified diving course or simply enjoy a guided diving excursion from the shore or boat. Dive College Lanzarote visits ten diving sites where you can see everything from rocky walls, trumpet fish and barracuda to underwater canyons, volcanic reefs and angel sharks.
If you'd rather stay on dry land, hire a bike and follow the 30km-long scenic route out of Playa Blanca along the coast to El Golfo. You can rent a bike from Papagayo Bike and get cycling from your resort, past Salinas de Janubio (the local salt plains), Los Hervideros (naturally-eroded cliffs) and Charco Verde (an usual green lake) giving you plenty of sightseeing opportunities along the way. This bike ride is relatively flat and easy-going, making it suitable for cyclists of all levels and ages.
