The Met Office has named the European island that is the most ideal to visit in October, with temperatures reaching 26C and 7 hours of sunshine a day
October is undoubtedly the time of year when the weather takes a turn for the worse and we all begin bracing ourselves for winter. But rather than miserably anticipating the chillier months, what could be better than one final summer getaway? Well, according to the Met Office, this is the island that’s most perfect to visit in October.
Lanzarote, known as the ‘island of eternal spring’, offers the best European sunshine in October. Boasting an average temperature of 26.8C, the Met Office declares it’s the warmest European destination you can jet off to in October. Gran Canaria came in a close second.
The Met Office explained: “October is the perfect time to visit Lanzarote if you’re after sunshine, an average of 7 hours daily, and a comfortable peak temperature averaging 26.8C and 19C at its coolest during the night.”.
“Rain during this month, is at most moderate with an average of 11 mm. In comparison to the summer months, the wind speed also drops during October to around 11.1 mph.”
The island is part of Spain’s Canary Islands archipelago, positioned in the Atlantic Ocean just off Africa’s coastline. Weather experts at the agency even suggest October is the optimal time to visit Lanzarote thanks to its reduced tourist numbers.
Data from the National Centers for Environmental Information reveals it typically experiences just one rainy day throughout the entire month, whilst wind speeds fall dramatically compared to busier periods of the year. A quick search on Skyscanner could land you return flights to Lanzarote in October for less than £100 per person.
The majority of these flights depart from Gatwick, Stansted or Luton, with EasyJet and Ryanair being the main carriers.
Where to stay
Lanzarote boasts a variety of beach resorts and quaint fishing villages that are perfect for either a visit or an extended stay. Here’s a brief overview:.
Puerto del Carmen: Ideal for a comprehensive beach holiday, you can’t really go wrong here. Just a 10-minute drive from the airport, it was designed with British tourists in mind.
Puerto del Carmen is home to a plethora of bars, restaurants and clubs nestled between apartments and hotels, all set along a 7km stretch of sandy beaches.
Playa Grande is perhaps the most famous of these beaches and features relatively shallow waters, making it perfect for families. Playa Chica, described as more of a hidden gem by Destination Well Known, is a favourite among locals.
Costa Teguise: Also a short drive from Lanzarote Airport, located along the eastern coast. Costa Teguise is a family-friendly destination offering a large golden beach – Playa de las Cucharas.
It offers numerous safe swimming spots if you’re travelling during the October half-term, while the local waterpark, Aquapark Costa Teguise, is also a hit with tourists.
Playa Blanca: Tucked away on the southern coast of Lanzarote, Playa Blanca has been hailed as the top holiday resort in Lanzarote by Which? The consumer watchdog gave it high marks across the board, particularly praising its hotels and accommodation.
Playa Blanca is also known for its relaxed atmosphere, stunning beaches and connections to nature. The town centre is a major draw, boasting a variety of restaurants along the promenade.
If you’re planning a trip here, be sure to take advantage of the fantastic boat trips available. You can journey to the nearby island of Isla de Lobos, or even hop on a ferry to Fuerteventura to explore the beautiful harbour town of Corralejo.
Weather
- September: Average high 28C. Average low 20C.
- October: Average high 26C. Average low 18C.
- November: Average high 23C. Average low 16C
Top 10 Warmest Places in October (According to the Met Office)
- Cancún — 32.9 °C
- Marrakech — 28.3 °C
- Sharm El Sheikh — 28 °C
- Lanzarote — 26.8 °C
- Cyprus — 26.7 °C
- Gran Canaria — 26.4 °C
- Kos — 26 °C
- Rio de Janeiro — 26 °C
- Algarve — 23.2 °C
- Rome — 22.4 °C
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