Despite the fact that Lanzarote is a small island weather conditions can vary considerably.
It is common, for example, to be able to drive from cloudy and breezy conditions in the north, to blue skies and sunshine in the south.
If you are primarily visiting Lanzarote for the weather then this may obviously impact upon your choice of resort.
General Climate Variation
As a very general rule of thumb, cloud cover and wind speed is often greater (or feels greater) in the north of the island, which can roughly be demarcated by drawing a line from Famara on the west coast to Costa Teguise on the east.
As a result the southern half of the island tends to enjoy more sunshine hours and higher temperatures.
This is especially true in the main winter months, from November to February.
At this time of the year many beaches in the north of the island, such as Famara, are better suited to walking than sunbathing.
These differences can still apply in springtime, from March-May, although they are less pronounced.
During summer, these differences become pretty much negligible and the cooler breezes in the north can even offer some welcome relief from the general heat.
Tourist Resort Microclimate
Costa Teguise
Costa Teguise is the most northerly of the three main tourist resorts. Due to its position, it is directly exposed to the islands prevailing northeast wind.
As a result it is often breezy — a welcome feature in summer but less so in winter.
Cloud cover also tends to be greater here — meaning fewer sunshine hours on average.
Puerto del Carmen
Lanzarote´s biggest tourist resort is more southerly and protected than Costa Teguise.
Usually, this ensures more prolonged sunshine and effectively warmer temperatures, due to the reduction in wind.
Playa Blanca
Lanzarote´s fastest growing resort lies at the southern tip of the island.
As you’d expect from its position, Playa Blanca has the most favourable microclimate on the island and is the best choice for those who are simply in search of the sun.
Desert Climate
As Lanzarote lies just 100 miles west of the Sahara it is no great surprise to find that the island has a desert climate.
This means that whilst there is generally sun and heat all year round during the daytime, temperatures can fall quickly at night.
This is especially true outside of the main summer months.
Hence it is sensible to pack accordingly and ensure you have something warmer to wear when venturing out at night.