Today's weather for Fuerteventura, Canary Islands16th May 2008 09:30

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Weather Overview for Fuerteventura

The weather in Fuerteventura is dissimilar to any of the other Canary Islands. In fact, considering its location in the Atlantic, 108 km from the northwest mainland African coast, the weather it experiences is quite unique.

Fuerteventura has been called ‘the island of eternal Springs’ because of its pleasant weather throughout the year. There isn’t an enormous amount of annual temperature variation and the barometer sits around the mid 20’s 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 generally 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.

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 10 degrees Celsius and the wind brings in fine white sand, lowering visibily to about 100 to 200 m or lower. On the rare occasion the ‘scirocco’ can also bring with it African locusts.

Summer

The summer months of June to August see an average temperature of 27 degrees, this average can be misleading as it has been known to reach highs of 40 degrees 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 29- 30 degrees, with low humidity and scarce rainfall. At night time the temperature falls to low 20’s 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 warm 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.

May through until August generally sees Fuerteventura experiencing no rainfall, and 11 hours of sunshine a 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.

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, and most of this will fall from October through until March.

The winter temperature range of 16 to 22 degrees is enjoyably mild, making Fuerteventura a popular winter holiday destination.

Because of its location in the path of trade winds, the island is a great destination for those wishing to reveal in wind powered sports.

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 still be filled with tourists sun baking even in the cooler winter months.

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