Matagorda weather by month

When to go to Matagorda

For beach weather, look at months where the daytime average clears 25°C and rainy days stay low: none reach a 25°C average here, so Matagorda suits city breaks and walking more than beach holidays; the warmest is August. December is the wettest month (19 mm, about 4 rainy days) and June the driest (0 mm). The sea is warmest in September at 22.9°C and coolest in February at 18.1°C.

Getting there

A direct flight from London Gatwick to César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport (ACE, 6 km from Puerto del Carmen) takes roughly 4 h 6 min - short-haul (up to 4.5 h) by UK standards. Time-zone: Atlantic/Canary.

Records and extremes, 1991-2020

The hottest day recorded in Matagorda between 1991 and 2020 reached 38.4°C on 26 August 2020; the coldest fell to 9.6°C on 8 February 2018. In August one day in ten tops 26.3°C and about 3% of days pass 30°C; in January one night in ten drops to 13.5°C or below. The wettest single month of the period was November 2014 with 72 mm, against a November average of 12 mm.

Winter: mild days, cooler swimming

December brings daytime averages of 20°C, falling to 18°C in January and February. That makes winter a reasonable choice for walking and spending time outside without much heat, rather than a reliable hot-weather holiday. Pack light clothes for brighter spells, plus a jumper or jacket for evenings, when temperatures average 16°C in January and February. December has the most rain days, so leave some flexibility in your plans; February is generally drier. The sea cools from 20°C in December to 18°C in February, which may feel chilly for leisurely swimming. Choose winter for mild conditions, not for the warmest water or longest sunshine.

Spring and early summer: gradually warmer and drier

March is still on the mild side, with days around 19°C and sea temperatures at 18°C. April edges up to 20°C, making outdoor time more comfortable for travellers who dislike strong heat, though the water remains cool. May offers a better balance for a mixed holiday: daytime warmth reaches 21°C, the sea reaches 20°C and average rain days fall to zero. June builds on that with 22°C days and longer sunshine, making it a useful alternative to the hottest months. Keep a light layer handy for evenings throughout this period. For swimming, favour the later part of spring over March, but judge comfort by your own tolerance for cooler water.

High summer and autumn: the strongest swimming weather

July brings 24°C days and long sunny spells, while August reaches around 25°C and has warmer evenings. These months suit travellers who want warmth without particularly high average daytime temperatures, though shade and sun protection still matter at midday. September keeps August's daytime warmth while the sea rises to 23°C, making it especially appealing if swimming is a priority. October trades some sunshine for gentler days at 23°C, but the sea stays just as warm as September. Rain becomes more likely again, so keep plans flexible. November feels milder at 21°C, with less sunshine and cooler water. It still suits relaxed outdoor days, but is a weaker choice than late summer for a holiday centred on swimming.