Want to go to Lanzarote in January?
Find out if the region is right for you at this time of year, with our comprehensive guide:
- Climate in Lanzarote in January (temperatures, weather…)
- Swimming conditions: water temperature and wind
- Travel conditions: crowds, prices, openings
- What to do in Lanzarote in January, special activities and events
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visit the area anonymously, making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.
Moving to Lanzarote in January: quick answers
Is the weather nice on Lanzarote in January? Is this a good time to visit?
In Lanzarote, or “the island of volcanoes”, the weather is fine all year round. In January, temperatures are mild, although some days are cooler. It rarely rains, so we’re able to explore the island in complete serenity. Lanzarote’s year-round winds make it a dream destination for water sports enthusiasts. The climate is also ideal for hiking.
There are plenty of tourists, but January is still a good time to visit Lanzarote if you can afford it.
And if you’re wondering how long to leave, here are our answers in this other article.
CHOOSING A HOTEL IN Lanzarote
Choosing where to stay:
Select by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best adults-only hotels
- Best all-inclusive hotels
- Best hotels for families
Our favorite: Hotel Cala Lanzarote – See prices, photos and availability
Select by city:
Travelling to Lanzarote in January – summary of conditions
Temperatures
Temperatures are pleasant. The thermometer reads an average of 19°C (66°F). The calima, an occasional episode of warm wind, can add a few degrees.
Water temperatures
In January, the sea is cool. Its temperature is around 19°C (66°F). If you’re feeling the cold, you’ll need a light wetsuit.
Crowds and prizes
Tourists flock to Lanzarote in January. As a result, prices are very high, at least for the first half of the month.
Opening conditions
Everything’s open in January: attractions, hotels, restaurants…
Day
The sun rises just before 8am and sets around 6:20pm.
Best things to do in Lanzarote in January
As we do all year round, we love exploring the island:
- The magnificent island of La Graciosa
- Timanfaya National Park
- The wild beaches of Papagayo
- Dolphin watching
- Unique places designed by César Manrique
- …
See our article on what to do in Lanzarote.
And lots of activities like these:
HAVE FUN WITH THESE Lanzarote activities
- Dolphin watching
- Buggy / Quad
- Kayak excursion
- But also: Diving at the Museum of the Atlantic, Catamaran outings, Paddle excursions, Parasailing
1. Climate in Lanzarote in January – weather forecast
In the Canary Islands, the climate varies little between seasons. However, it varies from island to island. Lanzarote is the closest island to Africa, and it hardly ever rains. The climate is dry and relatively warm all year round.
January temperatures are mild. You’ll be able to cope with cooler days when they don’t exceed 20°C (68°F). On the beach, the sea is cool all year round thanks to the Canary Current, which runs between Morocco and Lanzarote.
The island is still quite windy. Calima, a warm, sand-laden wind, is more frequent and more intense in winter.
Are you more of a hiking fan? Enjoy the volcanoes without hesitation.
2. January temperatures in Lanzarote
Temperatures generally average no more than 30°C (86°F). However, the calima, a particularly hot wind event, can heat up the atmosphere.
Temperatures in Playa Blanca:
- 19°C (66°F) on average
- Number of days with average temperatures above 18°C = 27
Temperatures in Puerto del Carmen:
- 19°C (66°F) on average
- Number of days with average temperatures above 18°C = 26
Temperatures in Arrecife:
- 19°C (66°F) on average
- Number of days with average temperatures above 18°C = 28
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Lanzarote
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- A small car is all you need.
- But you can also choose a larger one if you wish, as the parking spaces are rather large.
- Demand is high, so book early.
3. Rain in Lanzarote in January
Lanzarote is very dry all year round. In January, rainfall is heavier but still rare.
- Rainfall in Playa Blanca: 13 mm
(over 1 day on average) - Rainfall in Puerto del Carmen: 9 mm
(over less than 1 day on average) - Rainfall in Arrecife: 14 mm
(over less than 1 day on average)
It never snows on the island.
4. Sunshine in Lanzarote in January
The Canary Islands are one of the sunniest regions in the world. In January, the sun rises just before 8am and sets around 6:20pm, with 11 hours of sunshine.
5. Water temperature – swimming in Lanzarote in January
January is a good time to swim in Lanzarote. If you’re chilly, bring a light wetsuit. Discover below the average temperature of the sea.
- Playa Blanca: 19°C (66°F)
- Puerto del Carmen: 19°C (66°F)
- Arrecife: 19°C (66°F)
6. Wind in Lanzarote in January
The wind blows all year round on the Canary Islands. That’s because they’re located in the Atlantic Ocean, with no surrounding obstacles to stop it. Open spaces and seashores are the windiest, but the wind you feel depends above all on your position on the island and the direction in which it blows. Don’t worry: it won’t interfere with tourist activities.
The trade winds guarantee constant waves along the coast. We also enjoy water sports such as surfing and windsurfing. As for the chergui, an African wind, it warms the island in winter.
Several times a year, the latter transforms into a calima, a wind laden with dust and sand from the Sahara. These episodes often last several days and are difficult to predict. In January, they are more frequent and more intense. The temperature then rises, sometimes up to +10°C (50°F). A yellow haze affects visibility. The most serious cases can slow down local life and force those sensitive to dust to protect themselves, but in general, calima doesn’t prevent you from enjoying the island.
WITH OUR GUIDE PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP TO lanzarote
All the information you need for your trip:
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 75 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 140 photos to help you choose
7. Crowds and other conditions
Many European tourists flee the cold continental winter for the end-of-year vacations in Lanzarote. So there will be plenty of them around at least until mid-January.
8. January events in Lanzarote
- Three Kings Parade
In Spain, Epiphany is a public holiday. The celebrations begin on the evening of January 5, the day before, with the Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos, or Three Kings Parade. Several parades take place in Lanzarote, in different towns.
9. January prices
As everywhere, prices vary depending on what you are looking for. Accommodation ranges from youth hostels to 5-star hotels. It is therefore difficult to give a budget. However, in January, tourists are very numerous, especially at the beginning of the month. Prices are therefore very high.
Other months
When to go to Lanzarote, other months…
- Lanzarote in February
- Lanzarote in March
- Lanzarote in April
- Lanzarote in May
- Lanzarote in June
- Lanzarote in July
- Lanzarote in August
- Lanzarote in September
- Lanzarote in October
- Lanzarote in November
- Lanzarote in December
Or read our article on when to go to Lanzarote.