Fuerteventura in winter means days of 20-22 °C, plenty of winter sun, little rain and a sea temperature of around 18-19 °C, only a few hours' flight from almost all of Europe. Here is everything you need to know to plan a long stay of several weeks or months.
More and more people are swapping the cold for a few weeks (or a few months) in the Canary Islands: retirees, remote workers, families on school holidays or simply anyone who wants sun in January. Fuerteventura is one of the best options thanks to its stable climate, its beaches and its relaxed pace.
Fuerteventura in winter at a glance
- Temperature: highs of around 20-22 °C and lows of 14-16 °C from December to March.
- Sea: around 18-19 °C in midwinter; in November it is still warmer.
- Sun: between 6 and 8 hours of sunshine a day on average.
- Rain: scarce; weeks can go by without any.
- Wind: generally gentler than in summer, although there are windy days and the occasional storm.
- Pace: fewer people than in summer and an island that carries on with life all year round.
The weather month by month
Approximate values; every year is different and the south of the island is usually a little sunnier and warmer than the north.
| Month | Max / min approx. | Sea approx. | What it's like |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 24 / 18 °C | 21-22 °C | Still warm, a good month for the beach |
| December | 22 / 16 °C | 20 °C | Mild; cool nights |
| January | 21 / 15 °C | 19 °C | The coolest month, but sunny |
| February | 21 / 15 °C | 18-19 °C | Longer days; carnival |
| March | 22 / 16 °C | 18-19 °C | Spring; a bit more wind |
Can you swim in winter? Many people do, especially on windless days and on sheltered beaches, but the water is cool. For most people, winter here is more about walks, sunshine and a terrace than spending hours in the water.
What to pack
- Summer clothes for the daytime and a jacket or sweatshirt for the evenings and windy days.
- Swimwear, sun cream and sunglasses: the Canarian sun burns in January too.
- Comfortable shoes for walking and, if you like, for hiking.
- A light windbreaker, very handy on the beach and at the viewpoints.
What to do in winter
- Beaches and seafront promenades: the plan for every day, whether for a swim or just a walk in the sun.
- Hiking: winter is the best time to walk in the interior and the mountains, without the summer heat.
- Villages with history: Betancuria, Pájara, Antigua and the Ajuy caves.
- Water sports: surfing, kitesurfing and paddle surfing depending on the day and the area.
- Festivals: Christmas and Three Kings' Day with a Canarian atmosphere, and the carnivals, which are held in different municipalities between February and March.
- Resident life: street markets, terraces, cafés and the island's relaxed pace.
Where to stay for the winter
For a long stay it's best to choose an area with local life all year round, services nearby and accommodation with a kitchen and space, not a hotel room. Some good options:
- Tarajalejo and Gran Tarajal (centre-south): quiet, sunny, with sheltered bays and well placed for exploring the island by car.
- Puerto del Rosario (centre-east): the capital, with all services, shops and transport.
- Morro Jable and Costa Calma (south): the sunniest area, with long beaches and a seafront promenade.
- Corralejo (north): lots of atmosphere and services, although a little cooler and windier.
If you can't decide between areas, our guide where to stay in Fuerteventura compares them one by one.
Paperwork and insurance: the basics
This is general guidance; rules change, so always confirm with official sources before travelling.
- EU citizens (for example from the Netherlands, Belgium or Germany): can travel with a national ID card or passport. If your stay in Spain exceeds three months, you must register as an EU resident.
- Citizens of the United Kingdom and other non-EU countries: in general, can stay a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen area, counting all countries together.
- Healthcare: the European Health Insurance Card covers necessary care during a temporary stay, but for long stays it's worth checking with your insurer exactly what is covered.
Tips for a long stay
- Book early: December, Christmas and February are very popular months.
- Hire car: for long stays it usually pays off to rent by the week or month.
- Kitchen and space: an apartment or house with a fully equipped kitchen, a terrace and wifi makes life much more comfortable than a hotel.
- Remote working: if you're going to work, ask about the internet connection beforehand and find a quiet corner to work in.
Our houses for a winter long stay
Our holiday houses have 2 bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, wifi and space for 4 people, so they work very well for long stays:
- In Tarajalejo: Casa Erika Tarajalejo, Casa Erika Tarajalejo C, Casa Yamile and Casa Rubén, with free parking and the beach about 12 minutes' walk away. We tell you what the village is like in our Tarajalejo guide.
- In Puerto del Rosario: Casa Érika, with a balcony.
- In Morro Jable: Raman Nivas, close to the beach.
If you want to stay for several weeks or months, message us on WhatsApp and we'll tell you about availability and conditions for long stays.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Fuerteventura in winter?
Mild and sunny: highs of around 20-22 °C, lows of 14-16 °C, between 6 and 8 hours of sunshine a day and very little rain. Evenings and windy days are cool, so it's worth bringing a jacket.
Can you swim in the sea in winter?
Yes, although the water is cool: around 18-19 °C in January and February, a little more in November and December. It's most tempting on windless days and on sheltered beaches.
What is the best area of Fuerteventura to spend the winter?
The south and centre-south (Morro Jable, Costa Calma, Tarajalejo, Gran Tarajal) are usually the sunniest and most sheltered. Puerto del Rosario is the best option if you want all the services of a city.
How long can I stay in Fuerteventura?
EU citizens can stay without a limit, but after three months they must register as residents. Citizens of the United Kingdom and other non-EU countries can, in general, stay a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. Always confirm with official sources.
Is it very windy in Fuerteventura in winter?
Generally less than in summer, when the trade wind blows hardest. Even so, there are windy days and the occasional storm, especially on the open beaches of the north and west.
Cover photo: Costa Calma beach, by Bengt Nyman, licensed under CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (resized).
