Lanzarote is advertised by the holiday companies as an all year round holiday destination. This is not the whole truth. The summer in Lanzarote, May through to September is consistently warm with average max temperatures peaking in August circa 85 F. There are times however when it can be oppressively hot, humid, with visibility reduced. This is due to Lanzarote and Fuerteventura being so close to the African Sahara which is only 70 or so miles away. When an area of high pressure pushes northwards over the Sahara this can extend out to the west covering Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. The result is a phenomenon called La Calima or El Tiempo Africano by the locals. Fine dust particles from the Sahara desert are carried high up in the atmosphere and deposited on the neighbouring islands. This can be noticed on the ground as the sky tends to haze over appearing to be white and the usual wind patterns of Northerly changes to Southerly.
These Calimas can last a few hours or several days and can occur usually half a dozen times over the Summer. The level of dust in the air can also cause problems for people with respiratory problems. If you are in Lanzarote when a Calima occurs it is wise to avoid any tiring outdoor activities.
These Calimas also occur in winter in Lanzarote but they are more welcome at this time of the year as they tend to make it warmer.
Also if you do fancy a winter holiday be aware that although the daytime temperatures are still pleasantly warm it does tend to be cloudy in the mornings and with the constant breeze blowing you will find it quite chilly if you venture onto exposed beaches. Personally if you are looking for a typical beach holiday avoid January and February. These are the wettest and coolest months of the year. Also take note that the winds do decrease in winter as the North East trade winds abate but the North and Central part of the island does have a lot of cloudy days.
In winter I would stay in the South of the island in or near Playa Blanca as this area is protected by higher land rising to the hilltop village of Femes.
Check out weather patterns before you go and dont trust the weather information provided by holiday websites. Enjoy Lanzarote.It is a great place for a holiday but not quite all the year.
All About Lanzarote,fourth largest Canary Island closest to Africa yet part of Europe with all year round spring temperatures.
Thursday, 22 July 2010
Monday, 19 July 2010
Joy for Flamingo
Happy days may be here again in Lanzarote if you are one of those families that have booked right by Playa Flamingo Beach.As you may or not be aware Playa Flamingo beach, which is always popular with parents of young families because of the safety of the shallow protected waters, has been closed for major works for several months now. As always in Spain, and Lanzarote is no exception, the manana effect is paramount.
The main damage to the breakwaters, which led to the loss of the sand, was attributed to the remnants of a Carribean hurricane back in 2005!! Yes 2005, now thats a few mananas in my book. Each following year the loss of sand on the beach has increased especially when winter storms have ensued. Finally the Cabildo authorised the funds for the repairs to the breakwaters and work has been ongoing for several months now.
The good news is that the company working on the repairs have announced that the beach is scheduled for re-opening at the end of the first week in August so British holiday makers going in School holidays may be ok!! I said maybe OK!! You just never know. Keep up to date with this blog for the actual opening date as soon as we hear.
happy holidays.....
The main damage to the breakwaters, which led to the loss of the sand, was attributed to the remnants of a Carribean hurricane back in 2005!! Yes 2005, now thats a few mananas in my book. Each following year the loss of sand on the beach has increased especially when winter storms have ensued. Finally the Cabildo authorised the funds for the repairs to the breakwaters and work has been ongoing for several months now.
The good news is that the company working on the repairs have announced that the beach is scheduled for re-opening at the end of the first week in August so British holiday makers going in School holidays may be ok!! I said maybe OK!! You just never know. Keep up to date with this blog for the actual opening date as soon as we hear.
happy holidays.....
Thursday, 15 July 2010
Weather - Holiday Lanzarote, Holiday in the Canary islands
Weather - Holiday Lanzarote, Holiday in the Canary islands: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"
Calima in Lanzarote
If you have ever been to Lanzarote and found it to be VERY hot with dust blowing in your face and settling on cars, buildings etc then you will have experienced the Calima.Well i suppose you have to have some inclement weather ,even in Lanzarote with its all year round spring like temperatures. The unpleasant conditions are caused , usually in the Summer months, when hot air is generated over the Sahara in North Africa , only 100 km away, and it moves towards Lanzarote and Fuerteventura the two Canary Islands closest to Africa.
The wind that causes this initially in N Africa is called the Sirocco and is just as unpleasant there. Lanzaroteans also call it El Viento Africano (african wind).
Last weekend in Lanzarote these conditions prevailed for a few days with daytime temperatures reaching a steamy 95 degrees!! You will be glad to know if you are heading out on holiday that we now have "normal " temperatures" of around 82 F..LuVERRRLY...
When these conditions prevail it is wise for people with any type of respiratory problem to take precautions. Hikers shoudl not venture out either. luckily these conditions are only short lived ranging from a few hours to a couple of days maximum.
Anyway , thought id keep you up to date. Even get problems in paradise!!!
hasta manana a todos....
The wind that causes this initially in N Africa is called the Sirocco and is just as unpleasant there. Lanzaroteans also call it El Viento Africano (african wind).
Last weekend in Lanzarote these conditions prevailed for a few days with daytime temperatures reaching a steamy 95 degrees!! You will be glad to know if you are heading out on holiday that we now have "normal " temperatures" of around 82 F..LuVERRRLY...
When these conditions prevail it is wise for people with any type of respiratory problem to take precautions. Hikers shoudl not venture out either. luckily these conditions are only short lived ranging from a few hours to a couple of days maximum.
Anyway , thought id keep you up to date. Even get problems in paradise!!!
hasta manana a todos....
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