A small rock in the Atlantic: What to put in your suitcase

The Palmeran climate's a lot less predictable than it used to be. We had an unusually dry winter, but so far spring is wetter than usual. In any case, at this time of year, the weather's very changeable. It's not like Ireland - if you don't like the weather just wait five minute and it'll change - but half an hour ago it was pouring, and now it's just cloudy.

So do bring the waterproofs if you're planning to go walking. Bring good boots too, unless you're planning to walk mainly on roads. The trails vary, and some are very rough. Do NOT try to hike round the Caldera rim in high-heeled shoes! (I did see someone trying once. She didn't get far!)

Then there's the change in climate due to altitude. Down at the airport (260 ft, or 80 m above sea level) it's currently 15ºC. Up at the Roque, (7,900 ft or 2464 m) it's just below zero (-0.6ºC). So unless you're planning to sit on the beach for the whole holiday, you'll want a jumper or even a fleece. Bring the swimsuits too - they don't take up much space, and we've been getting intervals of glorious sunshine. Ten years ago, we only got the calima - the wind off the Sahara - for a few days in the middle of summer. But we had it for a few days in January, and even the locals headed for the beach.

Very often, the west of the island (including Cancajos) is sunny in the morning, and the cloud builds out from the mountain as the day goes on. So the beach is the last place to cloud over. The East of the island (including Puerto Naos and the Princess hotel) is much sunnier and drier.

I've created a page with links to weather stations around the island here. At the moment, it's still very basic, but it will improve as I find more weather stations and webcams.

Labels: Canaries, Canary islands, La Palma, Weather