The weather in Fuerteventura makes the climate one of the best in the world. Of course, I have not visited everywhere to compare, but I am quite well travelled. The climate was one of the most important reasons I moved here.
Fuerteventura’s weather is not extreme. It is rarely very hot in summer, as it can be in southern Spain, with temperatures reaching 33ºC. In winter, it is very mild, with temperatures often reaching 25ºC and never going below 11ºC, even at night.
Rain is almost non-existent during summer and is not common in winter.
As an example of how it is never cold in winter, I wear shorts all year – for over ten years now without wearing long trousers. The locals would disagree with that though as they often wear more clothes in winter than I used to wear in a British winter.
There are a number of reasons why the island has such a lovely climate. The Canary Islands are in the north easterly trade winds, used by the sailing ships of old to cross the Atlantic.
They are also located within the Canary Current, which has a pattern similar to the trade winds. These two factors help to keep the weather in Fuerteventura cooler in summer. Another influence in keeping the islands warmer in the winter is the latitude, which puts the islands only 80 miles west of the Sahara desert.
Fuerteventura Weather Forecast
The weather in Fuerteventura is much easier to forecast than the UK’s. However, it is amazing how often the meteorologists can still be wrong. Perhaps one day, they will admit you can’t predict the unpredictable.
For those who believe such things, here is an up-to-date Fuerteventura weather forecast for El Cotillo. It gives the current temperature and winds.
Fuerteventura Temperatures
The temperature in Fuerteventura is generally pleasant throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a warm and sunny getaway. Fuerteventura boasts an average temperature of 24 degrees Celsius.
August generally has the hottest temperatures in Fuerteventura, with an average daily temperature of 25°C (77°F). The coldest month on average is January, with temperatures of 18°C (64°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 10 in July.
Even in January and February, the temperatures in Fuerteventura normally allow for many days on the beach.
Fuerteventura has over 3000 hours of sunshine annually, making it the perfect holiday destination all year round and an even better place to live.
| TEMPERATURES | Average Daily Max (°C) | Average Daily Min (°C) | Average Monthly Temp (°C) |
| January | 23.2 | 10.9 | 17.5 |
| February | 24.7 | 11.2 | 17.9 |
| March | 27.0 | 11.8 | 18.6 |
| April | 27.4 | 12.8 | 19.3 |
| May | 28.5 | 14.3 | 20.6 |
| June | 29.4 | 17.0 | 22.2 |
| July | 32.5 | 18.6 | 23.9 |
| August | 32.6 | 19.4 | 24.3 |
| September | 30.5 | 18.0 | 23.8 |
| October | 29.4 | 16.1 | 22.4 |
| November | 28.9 | 13.3 | 20.5 |
| December | 24.6 | 12.0 | 18.5 |
Fuerteventura Winds
Due to the Trades, the prevailing wind is north-easterly. A few times a year, it does come from the east or south-east, which sometimes brings a Calima. This wind brings heat from the Sahara Desert and dust, as seen in the satellite photo below.
As I said, it can be windy sometimes, which helps keep it cooler in summer. However, as many believe, Fuerteventura translates in Spanish to strong (fuerte) wind (venture), which would be quite apt but is incorrect. It means strong fortune.
Read my full article Is it always windy in Fuerteventura?
Rain in Fuerteventura
One of the advantages of visiting Fuerteventura is its relatively dry climate. This island sees very little rainfall throughout the year, making it a haven for sun-seekers and beach enthusiasts.
Fuerteventura does receive some rain, usually between October and March, which causes the landscape in the north to become greener than normal.
When Fuerteventura has rain, it tends to last for just a few hours and maybe a few days. Fuerteventura never experiences the days and weeks (or months!) of almost non-stop rain that the UK often gets.
About 12 years ago, there was no rain for 18 months.
| RAINFALL | Monthly Average (mm) | Average No. Days with rain |
| January | 14.2 | 5.6 |
| February | 8.4 | 3.2 |
| March | 15.1 | 4.3 |
| April | 5.8 | 2.5 |
| May | 0.9 | 1.0 |
| June | 0.1 | 0.2 |
| July | 0 | 0 |
| August | 0 | 0 |
| September | 2.5 | 1.5 |
| October | 11.0 | 2.6 |
| November | 7.7 | 2.7 |
| December | 39.4 | 7.1 |
When we do get rain, it is often a downpour. As very little soaks in, it forms riverlets that flow across the Campo (countryside) and end up in the sea.
Sea Temperature in Fuerteventura
| SEA TEMPERATURE | Monthly Average (°C) |
| January | 19 |
| February | 18 |
| March | 19 |
| April | 20 |
| May | 20 |
| June | 21 |
| July | 22 |
| August | 22 |
| September | 23 |
| October | 23 |
| November | 21 |
| December | 20 |
The Canary Current is relatively cold. This means that water temperatures are slightly cooler than expected at this latitude.
But it is still much warmer than the seas around the UK, as the lowest Fuerteventura sea temperature in February is still higher than the sea temperature around the UK in the summer.
A summary of 20 years of Fuerteventura weather
What is the weather in Fuerteventura in winter like?
I recently made a video and a blog post about the weather here in Fuerteventura. It is one of the main reasons we chose to live here, so it is an important topic.
As I always say to people who ask, “If you come here in the winter on holiday, you can guarantee that the worst day you have here will be better than the best day back home!”
Read the blog post winter Fuerteventura weather
FAQs
What is the best month to go to Fuerteventura?
The nicest months in Fuerteventura are generally from August to October. During these months, the wind tends to be calm and the temperature is high. On the worst day in Fuerteventura during your stay, it will still be better than the best day back home.
What is the coldest month in Fuerteventura?
Since Fuerteventura is in the northern hemisphere, winter occurs at the same time as the rest of Europe, and the coldest month is normally January. However, it still has an average daytime temperature of 20.6ºC/69.1ºF and a nighttime low of 14.7ºC/58.5ºF —substantially warmer than northern Europe.
What is the sunniest part of Fuerteventura?
On average, Fuerteventura’s sunniest and warmest part is south of the island. But since the island is only just over 80km from north to south, that difference is normally quite small (temperature difference just 1-2ºC).
Is Fuerteventura hot?
Fuerteventura is quite hot, but, fortunately, due to its position in the Atlantic Ocean and the Trade Winds, it is rarely very hot, with temperatures in the mid-40ºCs, which it can be in the summer in Mediterranean areas. The hottest month is August, with an average maximum temperature of 27.8ºC/82.0ºF. Perfect!
Fuerteventura weather in January
Although the middle of winter temperatures are still quite high during the day normally, reaching almost 21ºC/71ºF. There may be the occasional overcast day or two, perhaps with some rain, but it is still likely to be beach weather for at least 4-5 days a week.
Fuerteventura weather in February
February can reach an average of 21ºC/70ºF, with 190 days of sunshine. The sea is at its coldest around Fuerteventura in February, but it is still 18ºC, which is warmer than the sea around the UK in the height of summer.
Fuerteventura weather in March
The lowest-ever temperature recorded in Fuerteventura was in March 1988 at 8.5ºC/47.5ºF. But that was a freak and was at night too. The normal daytime temperatures in March average 22ºC/72ºF, which is perfect for lying on the beach or around the pool.
Fuerteventura weather in April
April is normally a lovely month. It’s not too hot, with maximum daytime temperatures of 23C/74ºF, so it’s great for lying on the beach or by a pool. You are unlikely to see any rain and the winds should be fairly light unless there is a storm or a Calima.
Fuerteventura weather in May
The likelihood of rain in May is almost zero, and the temperatures should average 24ºC/75ºC during the day—perfect beach weather, in fact. The temperature should be no less than 18ºC/64ºF in the evenings, so it’s a nice temperature to sit outside and enjoy an evening meal and a drink.
Fuerteventura weather in June
June is a lovely month in Fuerteventura, with daytime average temperatures of 26ºC/79ºF and some breeze to ensure you don’t get too hot. Just find a nice place on the beach and relax. The chances of rain are zero, so enjoy.
Fuerteventura weather in July
In July, the wind is normally at its strongest, but the benefit is that it helps to prevent you from getting too hot, with temperatures reaching 27ºC/81ºF. Just find a sheltered spot on the beach, perhaps in a rock circle, and enjoy the lovely days. Sit outside a bar or restaurant in the evening in just light summer clothes.
Fuerteventura weather in August
August is normally the hottest month of the year, with an average maximum temperature of around 27.8ºC/82.0ºF and 300 hours of sunshine. Almost zero chance of rain and a cooling breeze on many days.
Fuerteventura weather in September
September and October are the best months of the year (I think), with warm days and less wind than at other times of the year. The sea is at its warmest, around 23ºC, and there is very little chance of rain.
Fuerteventura weather in October
October (and September) are the best months of the year in Fuerteventura (I think), with warm days and less wind than at other times of the year. The sea will be around 23ºC, so it is perfect for swimming. It may rain very briefly for one or two days.
Fuerteventura weather in November
Lots of sunshine in November, with temperatures still reaching 24ºC/75ºF. There may perhaps be two days in the month with rain. The sea temperature is still around 21ºC (so much warmer than the air in the UK and perfect for swimming).
Fuerteventura weather in December
According to the statistics, December is the wettest month of the year, but to put that into perspective, it still only averages 3.2 days with rain (and it never rains all day). The temperature reaches 22ºC/72ºF during the day, so there is plenty of time to sunbathe. Even at night, the temperature only averages 16ºC/61ºF.
