A year-round cycling island
Fuerteventura sits in the Atlantic off the coast of Africa and enjoys a mild climate with very little rain, so there’s no real off-season for cycling. What changes through the year isn’t whether you can ride, but how: how warm it gets in the middle of the day, how hard the wind blows and how many hours of daylight you have.
The two things that matter most for a bike ride here are the trade wind and the sun. Get those right and almost any day of the year is a good day on the bike.
Winter (December to February)
For many riders this is the most pleasant season: mild days, comfortable temperatures for climbing and clear light over the volcanoes. It’s the time when lots of cyclists from northern Europe come to train in the sun.
Days are shorter, so plan your ride to be back well before dark. Mornings and evenings can feel cool, especially in the wind, and the occasional shower is possible, though it rarely spoils a whole day. A light windproof jacket in your bag is all you usually need.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is another excellent time to ride: days get longer, temperatures are pleasant and there’s plenty of light for long routes such as the Coast to Coast or the Tindaya tour. The wind can pick up as the season goes on, so keep an eye on the forecast and plan your loop around it.
Summer (June to September)
Summer is warmer and sunnier, and it’s also when the trade winds are usually at their strongest, especially in the middle of the season. That doesn’t mean you can’t ride: it means you ride smarter. Start early, keep the hottest hours for the beach, carry more water than you think you need and choose shorter loops or an e-bike if the wind is up.
Every now and then the island can get a spell of calima, hazy air carrying dust from the Sahara, which often comes with heat. On those days, take it easy, drink a lot and shorten the ride.
Autumn (October and November)
Autumn is one of our favourite seasons. The sea is still warm, the wind tends to ease off after summer and the temperatures are just right for long days in the saddle. A short shower is possible as the season moves towards winter, but most days are dry and bright: perfect for a ride followed by a swim at Popcorn Beach.
The wind: plan your route around it
On most days the trade wind blows from the north or north-east. Riding with it behind you feels effortless; turning back into it can double the effort. The golden rule: ride into the wind first, while your legs are fresh, and let it push you home.
If the forecast shows a strong breeze, or if your group has mixed fitness, an e-bike takes the stress out of the headwind. You’ll find our e-bikes, mountain bikes and gravel bikes on the bike rental page, with helmet, lock and insurance always included in the price.
Sun, heat and hydration
The sun is strong all year here, and the wind is deceptive: it keeps you cool, so you don’t notice how much sun and heat you’re taking. Long stretches of desert track have no shade and few places to buy water, so set off well stocked.
Use high-factor sun cream before you leave and again during the ride, wear sunglasses, and drink little and often rather than waiting until you’re thirsty. On longer rides, something salty and a snack help a lot.
The best time of day to ride
Morning is the best time almost all year round: the light is beautiful, temperatures are lower and on many days the wind is gentler. Late afternoon is the second-best option, especially in summer, when the heat of the middle of the day starts to fade.
Our guided e-bike tours start at 09:00, and most of them also at 14:30, in groups of up to 8 riders. If you’re renting, you can collect your bike every day from 9:30 to 13:30 and from 15:30 to 19:30 at our shop in Corralejo. An early pick-up means a cooler, calmer ride.
What to bring
Whatever the season, this short list covers almost every ride:
- At least one large bottle of water per person, more in summer or on long routes.
- High-factor sun cream, sunglasses and a cap or buff for the breaks.
- A light windproof layer, especially in winter and early in the morning.
- Comfortable clothes and closed shoes; padded shorts if you ride more than a couple of hours.
- A snack, your phone and some cash or a card for a coffee stop.
- Helmet, lock and repair kit come with every rental, so you don’t need to bring them.
Ready to ride?
If it’s your first time on the island, the 3-hour Volcano tour at 60 € per person, e-bike included, is a great way to get a feel for the wind and the terrain. Online bookings are requests that our team confirms: nothing is paid online, you pay in the shop, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start. Guides speak Spanish, Italian and English, with German and French on request.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time of year to cycle in Fuerteventura?
You can ride all year round. For most people the most comfortable period is roughly October to May, with mild temperatures and usually less wind than in mid-summer. Summer works too if you ride early and carry plenty of water.
Is it too windy to cycle in summer?
Not too windy, but the trade winds are usually strongest in summer. Ride into the wind first, choose shorter loops or rent an e-bike, and the wind becomes much easier to handle.
What time of day is best for a bike ride?
The morning, almost all year round: cooler, often calmer and with lovely light. In summer, late afternoon is a good alternative. Avoid the hottest hours in the middle of the day.
Do I need to bring my own helmet?
No. Helmet, lock and insurance are included in every rental price. Just bring water, sun protection and a light windproof layer.
