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PolskiJanuary is Lanzarote’s coolest month, but it is still far warmer than most of Europe. Daytime highs average about 21°C, nights fall to around 14°C, and the sea is about 19°C. There are usually only three days with rain, and around six and a half hours of sunshine a day.
Lanzarote in January at a glance
| Measure | January average |
|---|---|
| Daytime high | About 21°C |
| Night-time low | About 14°C |
| Sea temperature | About 19°C |
| Rainfall | 16 mm |
| Days with rain (1 mm or more) | 3 |
| Sunshine | About 6.5 hours a day |
| Daylight | About 10.5 hours |
Figures are AEMET long-term averages (1981-2010) for Lanzarote Airport.
What January weather feels like
A typical January day starts fresh, around 14 to 16°C, warms up quickly once the sun is high, and reaches 20 to 22°C in the early afternoon. In a sheltered spot it feels like a warm spring day. When the trade wind picks up, a beach can feel cool and you will want a long-sleeved top.
January can bring a few unsettled days when an Atlantic front passes, with cloud, wind and showers. It can also bring the opposite: an episode of calima, when warm air and dust blow in from the Sahara and push temperatures well above average for a day or two. Read what calima is and what to do.
The days are getting longer again. Sunrise is around 7:45 and sunset around 18:25, so afternoons on the terrace last longer than in December.
Is the sea warm enough to swim in January?
At about 19°C, it is cool. Many northern Europeans swim happily, but others find it too fresh. Sheltered beaches in Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen are the most comfortable, and calm, sunny afternoons are the best time. A heated pool makes a real difference this month.
Where to stay in Lanzarote in January
The south is the warmest and most sheltered part of the island in January. Playa Blanca is the first choice for warmth and calm water, followed by Puerto del Carmen. Costa Teguise and Arrecife are fine but slightly breezier. The north and the inland villages are noticeably cooler and cloudier. See the best towns for wintering in Lanzarote.
What to pack for January
- Light clothes for daytime and swimwear.
- A warm fleece or jumper, long trousers and closed shoes for evenings.
- A windproof jacket.
- Warm clothes for indoors: apartments have no central heating and tiled floors feel cold. Read is it cold indoors in the Canary Islands in winter?
Good things to do in January
January is ideal for activities that are too hot in summer: walking in Timanfaya and the Los Ajaches hills, cycling, visiting César Manrique’s houses and gardens, and the Sunday market in Teguise. After the Three Kings holiday on 6 January, the island is quieter, and restaurants and attractions are less busy.
Is January a good month for a long stay?
Yes, but go with the right expectations. It is spring-like rather than summery. If you want the warmest winter possible, choose November or March, or consider the south of Gran Canaria or Tenerife, which are slightly warmer and less windy. Compare in best Canary Island for winter.
Frequently asked questions
What is the coldest month in Lanzarote?
January, with an average high of about 21°C and an average low of about 14°C. February is almost the same.
Is Lanzarote windy in January?
There is usually a breeze, but winter is less windy than summer, when the trade winds are strongest. See Lanzarote weather in winter.
Can you sunbathe in Lanzarote in January?
Yes, on sunny days in sheltered spots. Out of the wind, the sun feels warm enough for a swimsuit.
Is January cheaper than December?
Flights and short stays are usually cheaper after the first week of January. Monthly rents are similar across the winter.