What's the weather like in Puerto del Carmen in August
Lanzarote experiences drought conditions in August, with little if any rainfall, and as a consequence the landscape is generally dry, brown and desert-like at this time. This is the hottest month of the year, and while sea breezes help make the high temperatures more pleasant and manageable, it can be quite uncomfortable outside during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature
The average temperature in Puerto del Carmen in August is 20C, with average highs of 23C and lows of 16C. The highest ever recorded temperature in the area at this time is almost 44C. Overnight, temperatures are unlikely to fall significantly and it should remain, on average around 20C to 21C. On Lanzarote as a whole the average temperature is 25C, with average highs of 29C and lows of 21C.
Hot air blown from the Sahara can also make temperatures feel significantly warmer than the average. The other Canary Islands are likely to experience even hotter conditions, though with some (though very little) rainfall they are generally greener and subject to less frequent droughts; the average temperature in August on Gran Canaria, La Palma, La Gomera and Fuerteventura is 24C, and they generally receive around 10mm of rainfall throughout the month.
Average Sunshine Hours and Rain
There are around 9 hours of sunshine each day, and it is very unlikely you will see any rainfall on Lanzarote at all (the rainfall average is 0mm for the month). Coastal areas will feel slightly cooler in the afternoon and evenings, when sea breezes make the temperature a little more pleasant.
Wind
However, expect strong winds up to the middle of the month on the exposed east side of the island. UV levels are extremely high in August (classified as 11), so it is advisable to take all precautions; wear a hat, sunglasses and suncream and stick to the shade during the hottest part of the day.
Average Sunshine Hours
August not only sees the hottest temperatures of the year on Lanzarote, and in Puerto del Carmen, but is peak tourism season in most resorts. The weather is perfect for sunbathing, sea temperatures are at their warmest at around 22C, and beaches are likely to very crowded.
However, despite cooling afternoon sea breezes, the heat can be very uncomfortable and this makes travelling around the island, sightseeing or outdoor sporting activities, inadvisable. If you do want to see the island or visit any of the popular tourist sites, it is best to do so outside of the hottest time of the day or on an organised excursion.
Puerto del Carmen Hotels in August
Plaza Azul is a charming hotel with a lot to offer besides the usual poolside loungers and bars. They have their own shop, selling all the necessities, an excellent restaurant and variety of games and activities. The hotel is quite small, but very close to the beach and all the amenities of the town center.
The three star Blue Sea Hotel Los Fiscos is a friendly hotel in the Old Town, just a short walk from Playa Grande. It's located in one of the quieter areas of the town, and at the top of the hill, offers stunning views over the town and sea. There are two pools, a children's playground and activity center, restaurant, bar and plenty of evening entertainment.
Puerto del Carmen Beach for August
There are three excellent beaches, all with Blue Flag status, in Puerto del Carmen: The Playa Grande (the most popular of the three beaches, stretches 6km and the beach shelves very gently into the sea, making it perfect for toddlers and young children), Playa Chica (a better choice for activities such as snorkelling and diving, the small beach and bay are surrounded by volcanic rock formations), and to the east, Playa Pocillos (a huge swathe of sand with bigger currents and waves, which is a popular choice for windsurfing enthusiasts). Due to stronger currents and fewer amenities, even in the summer months at peak time, Playa Pocillos is generally much less crowded.
If you feel like exploring a little further afield, check out Caletón Blanco. Rather than one beach, this is a bracelet of rather delicious tiny coves of white sand and warm rock pools on the northeast coast of the island near rzola. This area is generally much quieter than the resort beaches, as it is a little off the beaten track. The clear sapphire water also makes it a good snorkelling spot.
Bars and Restaurants
Mar Deleva in the Old Town is a lovely traditional Spanish restaurant, serving a range of Spanish and Canarian dishes. If you want to get a real feel for the local cuisine, this is the place to go. It's a little further out than many of the other restaurants, but you should still make a reservation as tables fill up fast in the summer. They pride themselves on their fresh fish, and the seafood is very popular.
For something completely different, go for a curry at Bollywood Indian Restaurant on Avenida de Las Playas. They have a range of traditional and familiar Indian fare, and the service is really exceptional.
Just down the road, for some fabulous cocktails, try La Delicatezza Cocktail Bar. They specialise in unique drinks, and have a huge variety of different mixes on their menu.
Things to do in Puerto del Carmen in August
There are a wide variety of entertainments on offer in Puerto del Carmen. Hot temperatures and warmer seas make the summer months an excellent time to enjoy sunbathing and water sports at one of Puerto del Carmen's lovely beaches.
If you fancy doing some shopping, and have exhausted all of Puerto del Carmen's shops, there is a street market on the promenade every Saturday. The market usually has a range of traditional crafts, clothing, Aloe Vero products and electronics for sale, and is quite busy.
Further afield, in the center of Arecife is a small saltwater lagoon named El Charco de San Gines. The lake was the heart of the city in the 17th century and is surrounded by a promenade with great views of the pretty fishing boats and waterfront.
Or, if you are looking for something a little quieter, visit the Cactus Garden in Teguise. The Cactus Garden is a magnificent example of an integrated architectural intervention into the landscape, for which Cesar Manrique is so famous.
Alternatively, for something a little different and to learn more about the fascinating viniculture of Lanzarote, take a tour of the vineyards. The vines are protected from the elements by stone semi-circular constructions called "zocos" and roots of the plants mulched in black volcanic stone chippings ("picon"), creating a beautifully unique landscape of curved lines and symmetry; it's completely unlike any other vineyard you'll find in Europe, adapted as it is to meet the unique demands of Lanzarote's arid conditions.
The island remains home to around 20 bodegas today, which are located in and around the key wine-growing regions of Masdache and La Geria. The new walking tour, devised by Lanzarote Active Club, gives visitors the opportunity to explore this rich history, as well as learn about modern day production processes.
