As much as we hate to say it, summer is officially over in the UK. It’s goodbye to late sunsets and beer garden Saturdays, and hello to darker evenings and colder weather as winter approaches.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom. There are plenty of European destinations that still offer August temperatures in November.
One of these is Lanzarote — a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — which also happens to be the hottest Canary Island coming into winter.
With Mars-like volcanic terrain, golden sands, and white-washed villages, it’s not hard to understand why over 3.4 million tourists visit this magical island annually.
And, with one-way flights coming in cheaper than a London to Leeds train fare, escaping for winter sun has never been more affordable.
What’s the weather like in Lanzarote?
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Lanzarote has a subtropical hot desert climate, meaning temperatures rarely drop below 20°C. Rather, islanders experience stable and sunny weather all year round.
At the height of summer, temperatures reach highs of up to 30°C.
In November, Lanzarote enjoys a comfortable daily average of 25°C. Due to its position near the coast of Africa, the North-East Trade Winds and the Canary Current contribute to minimal rainfall throughout the winter months.
There’s also a slight warm breeze during November, which helps make the heat more bearable.
There are plenty of positive weather testimonials from previous travellers over on Reddit, too.
One user, who goes every year at the end of November, says that the sea is ‘always lovely and warm,’ while another echoed that it’s ‘always summer’ in Lanzarote.
How much are flights to Lanzarote?
Whether you plan on booking a one-way ticket to never look back or need a week-long dose of Canary Island sun, flights to Lanzarote won’t break the bank.
On Saturday, November 1, fly from Leeds Bradford Airport with Ryanair for £35. The journey time is 4 hours 20 minutes.
From London Gatwick, an easyJet flight on the same date will set you back £55.
Fancy a package break? On Monday, November 10, Jet2 will fly you to the THB Tropical Island hotel for one week. Based on a self-catering, premium one-bed apartment, the holiday costs £497 per person.
What to do in Lanzarote
Lanzarote is one of the best Canary Islands for outdoor lovers. While Tenerife and Gran Canaria are renowned for their vibrant, lively nightlife, life is slower here.
There’s more of a focus on nature, with plenty of natural parks, volcanic landscapes, and of course, the island’s 100+ beaches.
In terms of the latter, you’re spoilt for choice: explore rugged hidden coves, golden sandy bays, or dramatic volcanic black beaches.
For travellers seeking a relaxed, sunbathing experience with a book in one hand and a cocktail in the other, Playa Blanca or Costa Teguise are standouts.
The Papagayo Beaches in the southernmost tip of the island — some of which are located in the Papagayo nature reserve — are perfect for privacy.
Kayaking and snorkelling are popular here, too. From £45 per person, you can spend three hours exploring the area by sea.
If you’re into water sports, Famara in the north is the ideal spot for surfing. Lanzarote’s Red Star Surf School says the beach is one of the most consistent surf spots in Europe, with waves all year.
Learn to surf along the 6km stretch of beach for just €70 (£60.57) per day. Surf camps are also available from €265 (£229.30). This package includes a three-night stay in the school’s surf house, where you’ll get a private room and four-hour daily lessons.
While you’re in the north, be sure to check out the majestic Cueva de los Verdes, a unique formation of volcanic caves. The landmark lies within the protected Monumento Natural del Malpaís de La Corona.
Visitors can book a half-day tour to explore the natural wonder, while also making a detour to Jameos del Agua, a series of volcanic tunnels and caverns that double as an underground concert hall, restaurant and salt lake. Prices start from £54 per person.
Prefer to do your exploring on land? Lanzarote has a slew of unreal hiking trails that showcase the best of the landscape.
The 9km Valley of Silence trail takes you through the heart of Los Volcanes Natural Park, while the 7.7km El Golfo Circular guides you to the top of the sea cliffs.
A foodie paradise
You’ll likely build up quite the appetite from all the activities on offer. Luckily, Lanzarote’s cuisine is beloved.
There’s a strong focus on Canary Island traditions thanks to the abundance of volcanic soil that promotes plant growth. Its identity as a Spanish autonomous community provides the Mediterranean influences.
Expect a smorgasbord of fresh seafood, papas arrugadas (volcanic-grown potatoes), roasted meats, and local veg. Staple dishes include chilli or coriander-based mojo sauces, sancocho and puchero canario stews, suckling pig, and roasted rabbit.
According to TripAdvisor, La Casa Roja is one of the best seafood eateries on the island. Located on the water’s edge in Playa Blanca, enjoy everything from tuna to squid on the opulent terrace.
Traditional dishes include black rice paella with fish and seafood, and lobster rice broth, both priced at a reasonable €16.90 (£14.63).
One reviewer from Southampton dubbed the service ‘exceptional.’ A Bournemouth-based reviewer said that they ‘couldn’t fault’ the garlic prawns starter and red snapper special.
Other highly rated restaurants include La Terracita de Flores in Puerto del Carmen, which one person described as a ‘gem of a tapas bar.’
World-class wine
Finally, no trip to Lanzarote is complete without a visit to one of its world-class volcanic vineyards.
Lanzarote’s unique cultivation method requires digging holes in volcanic ash, then surrounding them with stone walls to retain moisture and protect the vines from strong winds.
The La Geria wine region is home to some of the island’s internationally award-winning products. This year, the Malvasía Volcánica, a lemon-toned wine with golden edges, won a gold medal at the prestigious Brussels World Competition 2025.
Guided tours are available all across the island at different vineyards. For example, Bodega La Geria, a family-operated winery, offers one-hour tours for €15 (£13) per person. Under 14s go free.
The tour consists of a walk through the vineyard and winery, and ends with a tasting of three wines.
Metro’s favourite under-the-radar Spanish destinations
Spain is the most popular European getaway for Brits; however, hotspots like Barcelona and Madrid have recently been grappling with the effects of overtourism.
Here, Metro looks at some of the country’s best hidden gems, from a lesser-known Canary Island to an unspoiled and undercrowded coastal city:
• ‘Peace and quiet’: The Spanish city with £17 flights and hardly any tourists
• ‘Secret’ Canary Island lesser-known than Lanzarote gets new direct UK flights
• Spain’s lesser-known ‘Garden of Europe’ that’s 21C in November gets new UK flight
• Lesser-known Spanish village with ‘hanging houses’ is a gem with quick £65 flights
