Lanzarote in May: temperatures, sea and trip planning

Daytime high: 20.9 C
Night low: 17.7 C
Sea temperature: 19.5 C
Days with rain: 0 of the month

May brings Lanzarote average daytime highs of 20.9°C, nights of 17.7°C and a sea temperature of 19.5°C. That is warmer than April across all these measures, but cooler than June. With 7.3 hours of daily sunshine and 0 days with rain on average, it suits mixing outdoor visits with beach time rather than prioritising the warmest water.

May temperatures and sea

The change from April is modest rather than dramatic: average daytime highs rise from 19.8°C to 20.9°C, while nights move from 16.6°C to 17.7°C. Daily sunshine increases from 6.8 to 7.3 hours. The average number of days with rain falls from 1 to 0, although that rounded monthly figure is not a promise of a rain-free stay. At 19.5°C, the sea is warmer than April's 18.6°C but still cooler than June's 20.6°C. Anyone who finds cool water uncomfortable should treat swimming as optional rather than the centre of the holiday. June also brings higher daytime and night-time averages, at 22.4°C and 19.3°C respectively. May therefore offers a middle ground between its neighbours, not full summer warmth.

A sightseeing-led beach holiday

May makes most sense for a trip in which sightseeing matters as much as swimming. A plan built around Timanfaya National Park, Jardín de Cactus and La Geria can leave room for Playas de Papagayo or Playa Dorada without depending on long sessions in the water. The 20.9°C average daytime high supports choosing May over the warmer summer months if prolonged outdoor visiting is the priority. It does not tell you the temperature on any particular outing, so flexible plans still matter. This month is less suitable if your main requirement is warmer sea swimming: June's water averages 20.6°C against May's 19.5°C. Nor is May the strongest choice for warm evenings, with nights averaging 17.7°C rather than June's 19.3°C.

April, May and June compared

Month	Day	Night	Sea	Rain days	Sunshine
April	19.8 C	16.6 C	18.6 C	1	6.8 h
May	20.9 C	17.7 C	19.5 C	0	7.3 h
June	22.4 C	19.3 C	20.6 C	0	7.8 h

Questions about May

Is Lanzarote warm enough for a beach holiday in May?

May can suit a beach holiday if you are comfortable with relatively cool water. The average daytime high is 20.9°C, with 7.3 hours of sunshine daily, but the sea averages 19.5°C. Beach time can sit alongside sightseeing; if swimming is the main reason for travelling, June offers warmer water at 20.6°C.

Is May better than April or June in Lanzarote?

May is the middle option for warmth, rather than an outright better choice. Its 20.9°C daytime high exceeds April's 19.8°C but falls below June's 22.4°C. The sea follows the same pattern. Choose May for a sightseeing-led holiday with beach time; June makes more sense if warmer water and nights matter most.