Lanzarote lies further east than any of the other Canary Islands, just 70 miles from the African coast. This means the climate is very similar to that of northern Africa – dry and warm, with an average yearly rainfall of only about five inches. The weather varies a mere 15 degrees all year, ranging from the low 70s during winter months to the mid-80s during summer months. There really are no compelling reasons to choose a certain season to visit over another; Lanzarote has decent, tolerable weather no matter what time of year it is, and attracts tourists all 12 months.

Lanzarote’s climate is dry enough that lava and other materials from early volcanic eruptions have been quite well preserved, even though most of the eruptions occurred many centuries ago. (The last known eruption was in 1824). This results in some surprising and bizarre landscapes: ancient lava floes next to sandy beaches, for example. This phenomenon is called “hydro-volcanism,” and the best example occurs at a point called Los Hervideros, on the southern coast of Lanzarote. Here, the ocean waves can reach all the way to the adjacent lava beds.

Before you leave, check out Lanzarote’s five-day forecast , so you can decide whether or not to bring along an umbrella. The likely answer: no. You can also look at year round climate information  to help you decide what time of year to go.