Want to go to Lanzarote in May?
Find out if the region is right for you at this time of year, with our comprehensive guide:
- Climate in Lanzarote in May (temperatures, weather…)
- Swimming conditions: water temperature and wind
- Travel conditions: crowds, prices, openings
- What to do in Lanzarote in May, 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.
Going to Lanzarote in May: quick answers
Is the weather nice on Lanzarote in May? Is this a good time to visit?
In Lanzarote, or “the island of volcanoes”, the weather is fine all year round. In May, temperatures are very mild, even hot. There’s hardly any rain, 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.
Lanzarote is rarely visited in May: this is one of the best times to enjoy the island.
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 May – summary of conditions
Temperatures
The temperatures are mild. The thermometer reads an average of 20°C (68°F). The calima, an occasional episode of warm wind, can add a few degrees.
Water temperatures
In May, sea temperatures are mild, at around 20°C (68°F). If you’re feeling the cold, you’ll need a light wetsuit.
Crowds and prizes
There are few tourists in Lanzarote in May compared with the rest of the year. Rates are among the most affordable of the year.
Opening conditions
Everything’s open in May: attractions, hotels, restaurants…
Day
The sun rises around 7am and sets after 8:30pm.
Best things to do in Lanzarote in May
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 May – 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.
Temperatures in May are mild, even warm. On the beach, sea temperatures remain mild thanks to the cold “Canary Current” that runs between Morocco and Lanzarote.
The island is still quite windy. Calima can occur, but this episode of hot, sand-laden wind is less frequent in spring.
Are you more of a hiking fan? Enjoy the volcanoes without hesitation.
2. Lanzarote temperatures in May
Temperatures generally average no more than 30°C (86°F).
Temperatures in Playa Blanca:
- 20°C (68°F) on average
- Number of days with average temperatures above 18°C = 31
Temperatures in Puerto del Carmen:
- 20°C (68°F) on average
- Number of days with average temperatures above 18°C = 31
Temperatures in Arrecife:
- 20°C (68°F) on average
- Number of days with average temperatures above 18°C = 31
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 May
Lanzarote is very dry all year round. In May, it hardly rains at all.
- Rainfall in Playa Blanca: 5 mm
(over less than 1 day on average) - Rainfall in Puerto del Carmen: 6 mm
(over less than 1 day on average) - Rainfall in Arrecife: 7 mm
(over less than 1 day on average)
It never snows on the island.
4. Sunshine in Lanzarote in May
The Canary Islands are one of the sunniest regions in the world. In May on Lanzarote, the sun rises around 7am and sets after 8:30pm, with 12 hours of sunshine.
5. Water temperature – swimming in Lanzarote in May
May 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: 20°C (68°F)
- Puerto del Carmen: 20°C (68°F)
- Arrecife: 20°C (68°F)
6. Wind in Lanzarote in May
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. Also blows the chergui, a warm wind from Africa.
Several times a year, the latter transforms into a calima, a wind laden with dust and sand from the Sahara. It raises temperatures and affects visibility, but generally doesn’t prevent you from enjoying the island. Above all, it is less frequent in spring.
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
The Canary Islands’ pleasant climate brings an almost continuous flow of visitors. Spring, however, is a quieter period than winter or summer, and May is the month when the island is least crowded.
8. May events in Lanzarote
- IRONMAN Lanzarote in Puerto del Carmen
The multi-disciplinary sporting event is held every year on Lanzarote.
- Canary Islands Day
On May 30, the Canary Islands celebrate their autonomy. The same goes for Lanzarote, with a variety of events and celebrations. Festivals, traditional song and dance performances, sports activities, fireworks and more.
9. May 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 May, there are few tourists on Lanzarote. So prices are affordable.
Other months
When to go to Lanzarote, other months…
- Lanzarote in January
- Lanzarote in February
- Lanzarote in March
- Lanzarote in April
- 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.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Lanzarote
- Best of
Most beautiful landscapes
Best things to do in Lanzarote
Most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful villages
Best boat tours
César Manrique’s attractions
Secret places, off the beaten track
Most beautiful hikes
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Lanzarote
How to get around
How to rent a car in Lanzarote
Driving tips
Where to stay in Lanzarote
Best hotels in Lanzarote
Best excursions
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
