Canary Islands in January
- Thread starter Sergio
- Start date
Luca Brazi
Active member
I’ve been regularly at that time of year, mainly to Lanzarote.
I think ‘hit and miss’ might be too strong, but it’s fair to say that whilst sunshine isn’t guaranteed, it is very likely. I think the climate is fabulous, which is why we go so often. And have done for the last 15 years.
As they are islands in the Atlantic, it is often pretty windy, but that’s OK - it makes for really pleasant conditions - it’s usually lovely outdoors, rather than unpleasantly hot and humid.
The wind can, and sometimes does, bring changes in the weather for a day or so, especially November through March, but, frankly, it’s relatively inexpensive and only 4 hours from the UK, so it’s a risk worth taking!
Frankly, going pretty much ANYWHERE in the northern hemisphere in the winter carries with it some risk of a few days of changeable weather, even as much as a week for the really unlucky ones.
However, I‘ve been to the Canaries at least once a year in the winter for the last 15 years or so, and have only had one full week of disappointing weather. The rest of the time has been characterised by warm, sunny, light and delightful weather - the perfect counterpoint to the relentless grey, dark, gloomy, dank and damp UK.
So, with the proviso that NOTHING is guaranteed these days, it’s a big ‘YES’ from me.
Corcaigh_the_Cat
Well-known member
We went a few years ago for New Year and flew back in early January. We were lucky, could lie on the beach every day in good sunshine despite the cloudy/rainy weather forecast..
We had rain on the bus back to the airport but quite possibly because we were heading to the other side of the island.
We've stayed in Gran Canaria (twice in Puerto Rico), Tenerife (Las Americas) and Lanzarote (Costa Teguise) for Christmas and New Year, the only place with poor weather being the last one, apart from the weather it wasn't a place is go back to.
The weather forecasts you see are often for the capital which will have a different micro climate to the resorts.
We had rain on the bus back to the airport but quite possibly because we were heading to the other side of the island.
We've stayed in Gran Canaria (twice in Puerto Rico), Tenerife (Las Americas) and Lanzarote (Costa Teguise) for Christmas and New Year, the only place with poor weather being the last one, apart from the weather it wasn't a place is go back to.
The weather forecasts you see are often for the capital which will have a different micro climate to the resorts.
spanishman
Well-known member
The climate stats are good. With fewer days of rain in the winter when compared with the rest of Europe. Particularly in December and January. Including when compared to Almería province where we live.
Like Almería province the bad weather is more windy than rain there. As someone has mentioned already.
We considered moving there. However we felt it was a better area to visit than live. For a number of reasons.
Like Almería province the bad weather is more windy than rain there. As someone has mentioned already.
We considered moving there. However we felt it was a better area to visit than live. For a number of reasons.
Ingleby_Flash
Well-known member
As I’ve said on here many 
times I spend just short of half my life in Lanzarote, been there for most of January for the last 17 years and most of those I’ll have been on the beach quite a lot. Last year we went for a few weeks after Christmas and the weather was so glorious we stayed on for an extra week- mid 20s no wind and sun sun sun.
The big thing most people don’t realise is that in January it’s dark in the uk from half three, in the Canaries it’s light until half six, seven, that’s a huge difference and you feel it. It’ll cool to possibly needing a fleece in the evening, but then possibly not. I have a range of what we jokingly call ‘carrying fleeces’ which are dead cheap, I carry them but never end up putting them on and loose them in bars. All that said you can have a couple of crappy days anywhere, it’s just far less likely in the Canaries in January.
times I spend just short of half my life in Lanzarote, been there for most of January for the last 17 years and most of those I’ll have been on the beach quite a lot. Last year we went for a few weeks after Christmas and the weather was so glorious we stayed on for an extra week- mid 20s no wind and sun sun sun. The big thing most people don’t realise is that in January it’s dark in the uk from half three, in the Canaries it’s light until half six, seven, that’s a huge difference and you feel it. It’ll cool to possibly needing a fleece in the evening, but then possibly not. I have a range of what we jokingly call ‘carrying fleeces’ which are dead cheap, I carry them but never end up putting them on and loose them in bars. All that said you can have a couple of crappy days anywhere, it’s just far less likely in the Canaries in January.
Ingleby_Flash
Well-known member
No not at all, we only usually use it in the peak of august and September. Just open a window or door if it’s warm in the room when you’ve been getting showers etc, remember in Lanza there aren’t any buzzy things flying around that you get elsewhere, so you can leave windows and doors open all year.
Sergio
Well-known member
Thanks for that!
GingerTravel
Well-known member
The only thing you can guarantee that the Canaries will be warmer and sunnier than here in January. You can't guarantee it will be warm enough for swimming.
This is also true for the south/west parts of thr Iberian peninsula (but not further East even in the Med where it will be cooler), I've been to Lisbon in January and it was 24 degrees with unbroken blue skies! Booked flights this weekend to Faro for February half term and will do either the Algarve or Andalucia.
Personally I love getting away in January or February just because it takes away several of the really dark days at that time of the year!
This is also true for the south/west parts of thr Iberian peninsula (but not further East even in the Med where it will be cooler), I've been to Lisbon in January and it was 24 degrees with unbroken blue skies! Booked flights this weekend to Faro for February half term and will do either the Algarve or Andalucia.
Personally I love getting away in January or February just because it takes away several of the really dark days at that time of the year!
spanishman
Well-known member
South East Spain has what I believe is the only desert area in mainland Europe. In the province of Almería. I live about 40 minutes drive from it.
Not as dry as the canaries though.
It also has rather a lot of sun.
Here are some rain stats for Spain.
spainguides.com
Also I think the Algarve might have a little bit more sunshine hours than us in Almería. However we have less rain.
Yes the sea is quite cool in the winter.
Not as dry as the canaries though.
It also has rather a lot of sun.
Here are some rain stats for Spain.
Rain In Spain Doesn't Always Stay On The Plain
Rain in Spain - A guide to what you can expect during the year to help you plan your next holiday to Spain. Rainfall figures for Madrid, Barcelona and many more cities.
spainguides.com
Also I think the Algarve might have a little bit more sunshine hours than us in Almería. However we have less rain.
Yes the sea is quite cool in the winter.
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spanishman
Well-known member
Not sure you are quite right about the south east of Spain. I think what you say is correct for a comparison with the higher East coast of Spain.
NorthumberlandBoro
Well-known member
The sea is a lot warmer than the North sea in the height of summer!South East Spain has what I believe is the only desert area in mainland Europe. In the province of Almería. I live about 40 minutes drive from it.
Not as dry as the canaries though.
It also has rather a lot of sun.
Here are some rain stats for Spain.
Rain In Spain Doesn't Always Stay On The Plain
Rain in Spain - A guide to what you can expect during the year to help you plan your next holiday to Spain. Rainfall figures for Madrid, Barcelona and many more cities.
Also I think the Algarve might have a little bit more sunshine hours than us in Almería. However we have less rain.
Yes the sea is quite cool in the winter.
The Ruthsayer
Well-known member
I-F, we are heading out to Gran Canaria in Jan for a week’s hiking, after being stunned by how beautiful La Palma was (and some tough walking too!).As I’ve said on here many
The big thing most people don’t realise is that in January it’s dark in the uk from half three, in the Canaries it’s light until half six, seven, that’s a huge difference and you feel it. It’ll cool to possibly needing a fleece in the evening, but then possibly not. I have a range of what we jokingly call ‘carrying fleeces’ which are dead cheap, I carry them but never end up putting them on and loose them in bars. All that said you can have a couple of crappy days anywhere, it’s just far less likely in the Canaries in January.
Which airport have you found best to fly from? I’m a pretty experienced traveller, happy to use Skyscanner etc.) but always good to hear an experienced voice.
Thanks.