Are you going to Fuerteventura in 2023 and wondering what kind of weather to expect? Look no further! To ensure that you make the most of your holiday, read on for our guide, packed with information:
Is the sky always clear?
What is the average temperature?
Does it matter in which place on the map exactly you’re staying?
How much sun will you see?
Find the answers to these questions (and much more!) in this post.
The weather of Fuerteventura (wind speed, calima, ocean conditions)
Fuerteventura enjoys a pleasant subtropical climate, characterized by warm temperatures, abundant sunshine, and relatively low rainfall throughout the year. The island is known for its strong trade winds, which can vary in intensity depending on the time of year and location on the island. Here’s a general overview of the weather conditions, that you should know about:
Wind
Fuerteventura is known for its windy conditions, which have earned it the nickname “Europe’s Hawaii”. The island’s wind speeds can vary significantly depending on the time of year and location. Also, “fuerte” means “strong” in Spanish, and “viento” – wind, so some interpretations of the island’s name indicate its connection with this weather condition.
On average, the wind speed ranges between 10 and 20 km/h (6 and 12 mph) throughout the year. However, during the summer months, when the trade winds are at their strongest, wind speeds can reach up to 40 km/h (25 mph) or more, especially along the coastline.
There are indeed differences in wind speeds across the island due to its topography and the influence of the trade winds. The northeast parts of Fuerteventura tend to experience stronger and more consistent winds, while the southern and western parts of the island are generally more sheltered and experience lower wind speeds. Coastal areas, particularly those that are more exposed, tend to have higher wind speeds than inland regions.
The windiest period on the island is typically from May to August, when the trade winds are at their strongest. These winds, while providing a refreshing breeze and making the heat more bearable, can also create challenging conditions for beachgoers and swimmers.
Calima
Calima is a weather phenomenon that occurs when hot, dry, and dusty air from the Sahara Desert is blown over the Canarias. Calima is caused by easterly or southeasterly winds that transport dust and sand particles over long distances, resulting in a hazy atmosphere and reduced visibility.
Calima episodes can happen at any time of the year but are most common between February and June. During a Calima, visibility can be significantly reduced, and temperatures can rise above normal levels.
The duration of a Calima can vary widely, lasting from a few hours to several days. If you’re extremely unlucky (like we’ve been during winter 2022), you can endure Calima for a few weeks (!). The severity and duration of a Calima depend on factors such as wind speed, direction, and the amount of dust in the atmosphere.
While it is not typically considered dangerous for most people, it can have some negative effects:
- Reduced air quality: The increased dust and particulate matter in the air during a calima can cause respiratory irritation for sensitive individuals, particularly those with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions.
- Decreased visibility: The dusty haze can significantly reduce visibility, making driving and other activities more challenging and potentially hazardous.
- Increased temperatures: Calima can cause temperatures to rise above normal levels, sometimes resulting in uncomfortably hot and dry conditions.
- Disruption of outdoor activities: The reduced air quality, decreased visibility, and increased temperatures can make outdoor activities less enjoyable or even impossible for some people.
Of these effects, the most annoying aspect of calima for many people is likely the reduced air quality, which can cause discomfort and respiratory issues for sensitive individuals. To minimize the impact of calima, it’s essential to monitor local weather forecasts, stay indoors as much as possible during severe episodes, and use air purifiers or air conditioning to maintain good indoor air quality.
Ocean conditions
The ocean around Fuerteventura tends to be calmer during the summer months (June to August) and rougher during the winter months (December to February). The calmest waters can generally be found on the island’s west coast, where the beaches are more sheltered from the prevailing winds. The east coast, especially near Corralejo, experiences stronger waves and currents, making it popular among surfers and water sports enthusiasts. However, ocean conditions can vary from day to day and depend on factors such as wind direction and local weather patterns.
Average temperatures
The temperatures on the island are around 20°C / 70°F all year round. The hottest months are August and September with an average of 25°C / 77°F and the coldest are January to March, with an average of 18°C / 64°F.
Take a look at this chart to see the detailed weather data:
Data source: holiday-weather.com
There are some differences in temperature between the various regions of the island due to elevation and the influence of the trade winds. The coastal areas generally have milder temperatures, while the inland and mountainous regions can experience slightly cooler temperatures, especially at night. Southern parts of the island tend to be warmer and more sheltered than the northern areas.
Precipitation and humidity
Rainfall in Fuerteventura is scarce, with the island receiving an average of only 147 mm (5.8 inches) of precipitation per year. Most of the rainfall occurs between October and March, with November and December being the wettest months. The summer months, from June to September, are generally very dry with little to no rain. Just like with temperature, there can be some variations in precipitation across the island, but overall, Fuerteventura remains relatively dry all year round.
Data source: holiday-weather.com
Sun or clouds – what to expect during your holidays?
During your holidays in Fuerteventura, you can expect a mix of sunny days and occasional cloud cover. The climate in Fuerteventura is subtropical, and on average, you can expect around 3,000 hours of sunshine annually.
However, Fuerteventura is also subject to the influence of the northeastern trade winds, which can bring clouds, particularly to the northern parts of the island. While these clouds may lead to occasional overcast days or short periods of cloudiness, they usually don’t result in significant rainfall, as is relatively dry all year round.
Fuerteventura weather forecast
To get accurate and up-to-date weather forecasts for Fuerteventura, you can consult various reliable sources, including websites and mobile apps. What worked the best for us to check a short time current weather was AccuWeather with monthly, 14-day, and day weather forecasts. The useful option was also checking the hourly weather forecast, including the chance of precipitation and weather warnings on this app (that also informed about the poor air conditions due to calima).
Another option is AEMET (Agencia Estatal de Meteorología): AEMET is the official meteorological agency for Spain, which includes the Canary Islands. You can visit their website (www.aemet.es) or download their mobile app for reliable weather forecasts.
Weather in Fuerteventura vs Spain and other Canary Islands
Fuerteventura’s weather differs from that of other Canary Islands and mainland Spain in several ways.
Fuerteventura has a subtropical desert climate, characterized by warm temperatures, low humidity, and relatively low rainfall all year round. Due to its proximity to the African continent, the island is drier and warmer. It also experiences the Calima weather phenomenon, which can result in hot, dry, and dusty conditions.
Other Canary Islands:
The other Canary Islands, such as Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Palma, and Lanzarote, have a subtropical climate with some regional variations. While all the islands enjoy warm temperatures and abundant sunshine, some, like Tenerife and La Palma, have more significant differences in climate between their northern and southern regions due to their higher elevations and topography. These islands tend to have more precipitation and greener landscapes in their northern areas, while their southern regions are drier and sunnier.
Mainland Spain:
Continental Spain has a more diverse climate than the Canarias, ranging from Mediterranean in the south and east to Oceanic in the northwest and semi-arid in the southeast. The mainland experiences more distinct seasons than the Canary Islands, with hotter summers and colder winters. The country’s interior, especially the Meseta Central plateau, can experience extreme temperature variations and frosty winters.
As you can see, Fuerteventura’s weather is generally drier, sunnier, and more consistent throughout the year compared to the other Canarias and the mainland. While the Canary Islands share a subtropical climate, each island has its unique weather characteristics influenced by factors such as topography and distance from Africa. Mainland Spain, on the other hand, experiences more significant climatic variations and distinct seasons due to its larger size and diverse geography.
What is the best month to go to Fuerteventura?
Well, it depends on your preferences and the activities you’re interested in.
For pleasant weather and relatively smaller crowds, consider visiting Fuerteventura during the shoulder months of April-May and September-October. During these months, you can enjoy mild temperatures, ranging between 20°C (68°F) to 23°C (73°F), making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The sea is also warm enough for swimming and other water sports, and you’ll likely find fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months.
If you prefer high temperatures and don’t mind the crowds, the typical summer months of June, July, and August are ideal, with temperatures ranging between 23°C (73°F) and 26°C (79°F). These months are popular for beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts. The trade winds during this period provide excellent conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing, making Fuerteventura a favorite destination for these activities.
Keep in mind that the island has a mild climate all year round, so even during the cooler winter months (December-February), daytime temperatures are generally pleasant and suitable for various activities. However, evenings can be cooler, and there is a higher chance of rain compared to the rest of the year.
So… The best month to visit Fuerteventura depends on your preferences for temperature, activities, and crowd levels. The shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October generally offer a good balance between pleasant weather and fewer tourists.