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Weather Overview for Fuerteventura

The weather in Fuerteventura is unlike any of the other Canary Islands. It sits in the Atlantic, 108 km from the northwest mainland African coast. The weather it experiences is quite unique. Fuerteventura and its neighbouring islands have been called ‘the island of eternal spring’ because of their pleasant weather throughout the year. There isn’t an enormous amount of annual temperature variation. The thermometer sits around the mid twenties year round. There is still a distinction between the ‘summer’ and ‘winter’ months, but the island very rarely experiences temperature extremes.

On the whole, it is thought that the northern shores of each of the Canary Islands ( Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, Fuerteventura and La Graciosa) generally receive more rain than that of the sheltered southern coasts of the islands. However, due to its proximity to Lanzarote which lies 12 minutes by boat to its north, Fuerteventura is somewhat sheltered from various weather conditions that would typically hit the north side of the island. So in a sense, Lanzarote acts as the northern coast of Fuerteventura which results in the island receiving significantly less annual rainfall than its neighbouring islands.

On the whole Fuerteventura is generally cooler in summer than nearby summer resorts, so you may find many people flocking to the island to escape from the harsh heat of the Spanish mainland. The winter sees the island warmer than Majorca and other Spanish resorts, and it is not uncommon for the beaches to still be filled with tourists sun baking even in the cooler winter months.

SUMMER

The summer months of June to August see an average temperature of 27ºC, this average can be misleading as it has been known to reach highs of 40ºC in the height of summer. Its proximity to the African coastline ensures that the island sees plenty of sunshine year round- Fuerteventura boasts an average of 320 days of sunshine per year. Generally the summer highs will average 29ºC to 30ºC, with low humidity and scarce rainfall. At night time the temperature falls to low twenties which provide for an enjoyable atmosphere to kick back and enjoy the island lifestyle.

The name ‘Fuerteventura’ translates to ‘strong wind’ which is certainly a characteristic of the island. The Canary Islands as a whole are in the path of the regular north-eastern trade wind and the cool Canary Stream, but Fuerteventura in particular is dominated by this. The breeze does provide a welcome cooling relief from the sometimes scorching mid-summer temperatures. Because of its location in the path of trade winds, the island is a great destination for those wishing to revel in wind-powered sports.

As the Canary Islands sit in the vast Atlantic Ocean in the cooling Canary Current, the water temperature does not reach the highs of the Mediterranean or more easterly waters. In the warmest of the summer weather, in August and September, the average water temperature reaches 21ºC, a good 4ºC below what might be expected somewhere like Mallorca at the same time of year. Clearly, anything in the 20s is more than bearable and would provide a refreshing break from the heat of the day.

May through until August sees Fuerteventura experiencing very low rainfall amounts and an average of eleven hours of sunshine each day. If you want to avoid the peak summer crowds of July and August then May and June are an ideal time to visit the island. The weather is gorgeous – not too hot but still baking and room to spread out on the beach.

WINTER

The only period that you can really expect to experience bad weather is during the months of December to March, where it is possible to experience an entire week of wet, windy weather. In saying this, it is highly unlikely that these periods will last for longer than a week at a time. In addition to this, the rain is generally localized around the northern parts of the island.

The annual average precipitation is about 147 mm per year which is exceptionally low. Most of this will fall from October through until March. The winter temperature range of 16ºC to 22ºC is enjoyably mild, making Fuerteventura a popular winter holiday destination. These temperatures are actually warmer than those found on the south coast of England in the height of summer. Padstow, in Cornwall, sees an average high of 18ºC in August, the hottest month, while at its coldest in January and February, Fuerteventura’s average high is still 19ºC. Making the island’s weather perfect for a winter getaway is an average of seven hours of sunshine per day, rather better than UK’s two.

The water temperature in winter drops to around 14ºC in the coolest months, which is a little nippy. Again, Fuerteventura’s location in the Atlantic greatly affects water temperature; this is the same temperature that the Mediterranean around Mallorca gets down to. The Mediterranean, a much smaller body of water, cools down more drastically in the winter. It should be noted that while 14ºC is chilly, the sea around the UK rarely hits average temperatures higher than 16ºC in the height of summer.

SANDSTORMS

Fuerteventura can be affected by winds that come from the Sahara, meaning that the island is washed with an agreeable dry, warm breeze as the hot dry air is drawn from the Sahara and eventually reaches the island. On the odd occasion this wind can be burdened with sand particles when can have an uncomfortable whipping affect, particularly if lying on the beach. This phenomenon, named ‘Calima’ by local inhabitants does not happen too regularly and generally passes quickly. If you are however, unfortunate enough to be present during one of these sandstorms (known as the scirocco), it will have the affect of causing high temperatures and drying air. Temperatures during this phenomenon can often rise by 10ºC and the wind brings in fine white sand, lowering visibly to about 100 to 200 m or lower. On the rare occasion the ‘scirocco’ can also bring with it African locusts.

WEATHER HAZARDS

Another unfortunate consequence of these winds blowing across the Sahara are the dust storms that they can bring to Fuerteventura in the late winter/early spring time, usually arriving in the area between February and March and lasting anywhere from two to four days, although every ten years they can last for up to two weeks.

Though these dust storms are not severe, generally considered to be inconveniences by the locals, they can cover large areas and affect you if you are outside when one hits. The main ways they can affect you is by reducing visibility- often to 200 metres of less- and irritating the eyes and any breathing problems such as asthma. For this reason, if you do suffer from a respiratory condition, it is important you make sure you always have any medication you need on you. Be aware also that they can cause flight delays or cancellations. To be safe from these storms, it is best to travel in the summer.  

If you want to go island hopping during your stay in Fuerteventura, one fact you may find useful is that if it is raining in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote at the same time, there’s an 80% chance it is also raining on the other Canary Islands. However, there’s only a 30% chance of rain in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote if it is raining on the western Canary Islands.