Lanzarote Weather in May - Summer Is Around The Corner

Published on March 24, 2023
LanzaroteWeather in Lanzarote
Lanzarote weather may
Cactus Garden Lanzarote

May starts to feel like proper summer in Lanzarote, the UV index is already at high levels and the warm weather is just perfect for a lazy day in the sun, followed by a dip in the sea.

Lanzarote is the westernmost island in the Canaries, so its climate sometimes resembles the one in the Sahara Desert. This means that during the month of May you can expect hot days and cool nights, with temperatures around 15 - 17°C, so remember to pack a cardigan or a light jacket when you come over. 

Weather in Lanzarote in May

With summer just around the corner, May is a good month to visit Lanzarote if you want to have the summer experience without the summer crowds. Yes, temperatures won't be as high as they are in July or August, but it will be hot enough to sunbathe and even swim in the sea (although this comes to personal preference and tolerance).

With around 297 monthly sunshine hours, May sees quite an increase in daylight hours and sunshine hours compared to April. This means that with the warmer weather and the longer days you will have more time to enjoy the sun and explore the island as well.

Temperatures in Lanzarote in May

The average high temperature in May in Lanzarote is around 25°C, while at night you can expect temperatures of around 16°C.

  • Average high temperature: 24.6°C (76.3°F)
  • Average low temperature: 16.8°C  (62.2°F)
  • Daily mean temperature: 20.8°C  (69.4°F)

In Lanzarote, the daily mean temperature is 20.8°C in May, which is calculated as a mean between the average high temperature of 24.6°C and the average low of 16.8°C. 

Record low & record high temperatures

The highest temperature ever recorded in Lanzarote in May (at Airport station) was 42.6°C (108.7°F) and the lowest was 11.5°C (52.7°F).

Since the island is mostly flat, the temperatures stay pretty much the same across all major resorts in Lanzarote: Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise.

Spring 2018 saw a few unusual hot days in April which were significantly warmer than the hottest days in May 2018. In 2018, the maximum temperature in April in Lanzarote was 29°C (well above what is normal for this month), while the maximum temperature in May was 25°C (this is the usual average for this month).

Rainfall

  • Average rainy days (>=1mm): 0

By the time the month of May starts, the rain almost disappears from Lanzarote and returns in late autumn.

There are virtually no wet days in May and the month usually sees an average of around 2mm of rainfall, so not much at all.

Sunshine hours

Lanzarote gets an average of 9.5 hours/day of sunshine in May, which is a 1h increase from the previous month. This means more time to spend on the beach or by the pool, but we always advise visitors to also go out and explore the island.

Don't miss: Best Things To Do in Lanzarote

Sea temperature

  • Average sea temperature in May in Puerto del Carmen: 19.6°C / 67.3°F

Can you swim in Lanzarote in May?

With an average of 19.6°C / 67.3°F, the sea will be warm enough for swimming for most people.

There are people who go swimming in the sea even during the colder months like January or February, so it definitely depends on each person's tolerance and preference.

What's Lanzarote like in May

Is Lanzarote hot and sunny in May?

This is a frequent question for most people planning a first trip to the island since everyone comes to the Canaries to get some much needed sun and warmth. 

The data below is from the weather station at Lanzarote Airport. They represent the weather averages for the month of May.

May Weather Averages  Lanzarote Airport
Average high temperature 24.6°C (76.3°F)
Daily mean temperature 20.8°C  (69.4°F)
Average low temperature 16.8°C  (62.2°F)
Mean monthly sunshine hours 297
Percent possible sunshine -
Mean monthly daylight hours 405
Average Ultraviolet index 10
Average sea temperature 19.6°C / 67.3°F

Source: AEMET - Agencia Estatal de Meteorología

Things to do in Lanzarote in May 

Visit the Cactus Garden

cacatus garden lanzarote
Cactus Garden in Lanzarote, a great place to visit in May

For a fun day out with the entire family, you can try a visit to the Cactus Garden.

This attraction is located in a former quarry and boasts a number of 1100 species of cacti, so there are lots to see. Cesar Manrique is the mind behind the design of the Cactus Garden, so there's another reason for you why you should go visit. May is a good month to go because the temperatures are still acceptable for walking outside under the blazing sun - during the middle of summer it will probably be too hot to visit during the afternoons, as there isn't much shade.

Trip to Lobos Island

Go to Playa Blanca and book yourself a trip to the paradise island of Los Lobos.

Since May is warm enough for most people to go swimming, we think it's a good month to go and explore this tiny island between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.

Events in May

Dia de Canarias - Canary Islands Day - 30 May 2023

Canary Islands Day is celebrated each year on May 30th and there are usually events organized throughout the month. Most of the towns and resorts in Lanzarote will have a list of events for the celebration of Dia de Canarias. 

Also keep in mind that the day of May 30th is a bank holiday, so the public institutions and most supermarkets will be closed. 

LANZAROTE WEATHER - MONTHLY REPORTS

FAQ about visiting Lanzarote in May

Is it warm in Lanzarote in May?

Temperatures are on the rise in Lanzarote in May, so you can expect beach weather with temperatures around 25°C during the day.

Which is the warmest part of Lanzarote in May?

Arrecife, the island's capital, is usually the warmest part of Lanzarote in May.

Is May a good month to visit Lanzarote?

Yes, May is a perfect time to visit Lanzarote because it's not as hot as in summer, so the weather is perfect for sunbathing and it's also not as crowded as in July or August.

Is is warm enough to sunbathe in Lanzarote in May?

Yes, it's definitely sunbathing weather in Lanzarote in May and you can also swim in the ocean.

Is Lanzarote or Tenerife hotter in May?

Lanzarote and the south of Tenerife are almost equally warm in May, with no significant differences, so you can choose whichever island you prefer, as there won't be any big differences in terms of weather.

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