January on Lanzarote sits about as far from a UK or northern European winter as you can get without leaving the continent. Daytime temperatures settle between 17 and 20°C, the sun is out most days, and the volcanic landscape takes on a slightly different character to the one that summer visitors know. This is the quiet season on the island, and for a lot of regulars it is the best time of year to be here.
After the autumn rains, the volcanic hills pick up a light green tinge and wildflowers push through in the corners of fields and along the roadsides. The island looks softer in January than it does in August. The pace is slower too. Prices come down, restaurants have tables free, the main sights are quieter, and you can wander through Timanfaya or the Jameos del Agua without shuffling through crowds.
The odd rainy day does happen, but most of January is dry and bright. Long lunches on sunny terraces, coastal walks, hikes in the volcanic interior, and time to unwind. That is the shape of a January trip to Lanzarote.
The Numbers at a Glance
Average daytime temperature 17°C. Around six hours of sunshine a day. Average rainfall through the month sits at 17mm, which is not much rain by any standard.
What the January Weather in Lanzarote Actually Feels Like
Daytime temperatures hold between 15 and 20°C, which under the Lanzarote sun feels warmer than the numbers suggest. Early mornings can catch you out if you are in the shade or the breeze is up, so a light jacket in the day bag is worth it. Evenings drop to around 13°C once the sun goes down. Rain is uncommon and rarely lasts long. A quick shower for twenty minutes and then the sun is back as if nothing happened.
Sea temperatures sit around 18 to 19°C. Swimmable, particularly if you are used to Atlantic water rather than the Mediterranean. For surfing, a wetsuit is worth having. The wind sees to that.
What to Pack if Your Visiting Lanzarote in January
Layers work best. Most days a t-shirt and light trousers or shorts will do you fine, but you will want something warmer for the evenings. A fleece or a hoodie covers most of what January will throw at you. Chuck a light waterproof in the bag for the occasional shower, but you may never get it out.
Swimwear obviously. The beaches and pools still get plenty of use even at this time of year, and the hotels with heated pools are particularly popular. Walking shoes if you are planning to head out onto the volcanic trails. The ground can be sharp underfoot and sturdy footwear makes a big difference to a long walk.
Where to Walk in Lanzarote in January
The cooler weather makes January one of the best months of the year for walking on the island. The Famara cliffs in the north-west deliver dramatic coastal scenery with views across to La Graciosa. The volcanic interior around Caldera Blanca is a rewarding walk without the summer heat pressing down on you. The old salt flats at Janubio, the Los Ajaches range south of Playa Blanca, and the trails around Haría in the north all repay a few hours of your time.
Cycling picks up too. La Geria in particular is a joy to ride through in January, with the vineyards laid out in their black volcanic soil and the roads mostly empty of traffic. You will start seeing groups of athletes out on the roads training for the IRONMAN, which typically takes place in May. Cyclists, runners and triathletes from across Europe use Lanzarote as a winter training base for a reason.
The Quieter Attractions
Timanfaya National Park, the Jameos del Agua, the Cueva de los Verdes, the Jardín de Cactus and the Mirador del Río all work better in January than they do at the peak of summer. You get to see them at a comfortable pace without queues and without the coach parties. Bookings for Timanfaya can still fill up because the timed-entry system limits daily numbers, so worth booking a few days ahead if there is a specific slot you want, but the general pressure is off.
The markets deserve a mention too. Sunday morning in Teguise is the big one on the island, and January is arguably the best time of year to go. The heat is not an issue, the crowds are noticeably smaller than they get in July, and the whole thing feels like a community event rather than a tourist attraction. The Saturday market in Haría is smaller and more focused on local craft, and equally worth a morning.
Eating and Drinking
Restaurants are one of the biggest wins of a January visit. The best places on the island are booked solid in the summer, sometimes weeks ahead. In January you can usually walk in, or book same-day if you want to be certain. The seafood is at its best through the winter months, the local wine is drinking well, and long lunches on sunny terraces are pretty much the point.
The wineries in La Geria are open through the winter and offer tastings without the summer crowds. El Grifo, La Geria, Rubicón and Stratvs all reward a visit. Pair it with lunch at one of the local restaurants along the wine route and you have a full day out for very little money.
A Word on the Wind
The one thing to plan around in January is the wind. The Atlantic can bring stronger weather to the island through the winter months and there will typically be a few days when the trade winds are up. Nothing that will spoil a holiday, but worth knowing if you are planning specific outdoor activities. The south coast resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise stay relatively sheltered. Famara in the north-west is exposed and gets seriously windy on the wrong day.
For surfers and kitesurfers this is a feature rather than a problem. The winter swell brings out the best conditions Famara sees all year, and the surf schools run through the season.
Why January is a Good Month to Visit Lanzarote
Warm enough to enjoy the outdoors, quiet enough to see the island at its best, cheap enough to make the money go further, and just interesting enough for the landscape to feel different from the version most visitors know. If you have only ever been to Lanzarote in the summer, a January trip is worth adding to the list. Different island, same climate that got you hooked in the first place.
