Gran Canaria weather

We’re sure you’ve all heard of Gran Canaria when searching for a sunny getaway – but did you know that it is one of the most popular islands in the Canaries and the climate makes it particularly ideal for many different types of holiday? Let’s give you an insight into the weather month to month and highlight some of the popular activities and places you could visit as part of your next adventure.

Weather during January

Being one of the wettest months of the year, you’d be forgiven for thinking that you wouldn’t be able to do a lot during January. This isn’t the case however, as you'll only expect to see around 3 days of rain during the month. 

Now when we say winter, we don’t mean your typical cold, wet or icy conditions, but more 18° temperatures and 6 hours per day of sunshine.

With fresh breezes and sea temperatures at around 19°c, a beach trip would be ideal for those who prefer the weather to be just warm instead of too hot. Thanks to most amenities being accessible all year round, you will be able to enjoy a day at the beach with everything to hand. You could even brave the sea, it will probably be quite pleasant!

If you want to experience something a bit livelier, you might want to consider attending the International Music Festival. Enjoying the array of music genres while basking in some winter sun – what more could you ask for?

Now we know a lot of people think of a holiday as not doing too much and simply relaxing, but for those of you that want to stretch your legs and enjoy the great outdoors – January is ideal because it won’t be too hot when you're hiking. A perfect place for this is Rogue Nublo Rural Park where you can experience walking trails, volcanic sandy beaches, and picnic areas. You will also get the opportunity to explore the stunning surroundings, maybe even spotting reptiles and birds, along with taking photographs of the breathtaking views.

See our full analysis of the Gran Canaria weather during January

Weather during February

The overall climate is about the same as what you’d get in January, with a difference of 1 hour of sunshine, taking the duration you can enjoy it up to 7 hours per day.

At the warmest part of the day, you can expect the temperatures to reach highs of 21°c which means for most of the day you can enjoy the sun, thanks to there not being too many clouds and leaving you with blue skies and only 3 days of rain forecast over the whole month.

If you’re a bit of a sun worshipper and love nothing more than relaxing on the beach for most of your stay, then we’d recommend visiting Playa de Puerto Rico for its glorious beach. As well as local amenities and sun loungers being available, you can also take a dip in the sea, which at 19° is a comfortable temperature and the water is normally quite calm to swim in.

If you do happen to get stuck with a day or two of rain, there are a lot of places to visit that can give you a great day out. One such place is located in south Gran Canaria – Holidayworld Maspalomas – offering bowling, rides, amusements, food markets, and lots more. This will keep you entertained for the whole day. And even if the sun is shining for your day out, you won’t be too hot to enjoy all that this place has to offer.

In general, Gran Canaria is one of the warmer islands to visit during the winter months. And with so much on offer – beautiful beaches, landscapes, and scenery, we can see why people choose a getaway at this time of year. With inviting blue skies and gentle breezes, it is quiet enough to enjoy a relaxing holiday before the spring and summer descends.

See our full analysis of the Gran Canaria weather during February

Weather during March

Again, temperatures don’t really change much in March – ranging at 19°c on average, although you do get one day less of rain. 

Being able to enjoy the great outdoors in such a beautiful place is an inviting prospect, especially for those who are quite active and like to partake in water sports. The sea is warm enough to take on activities such as scuba diving and wind surfing, and compared to the windier climes that you may find in January and February, the sea from March onwards becomes a lot more inviting for those who will spend a long time in the water – with stable temperatures of 19°.

If you’d like a trip that is just for couples then you’d do well to holiday in Puerto de Mogan, where the weather is mild during the day, and cooler in the evenings. B prepared to pack a jumper or cardigan if you like to take a romantic evening stroll! 

A livelier holiday for partygoers can be found in Playa del Ingles. You’ll find most bars, clubs, and entertainment venues open all year round, though March would see the weather being quite mild during the evenings, making your party nights a lot more comfortable. 

Sand or dust storms become less of a risk because the wind is only light, however do keep in mind that they are still a possibility.

If you don’t mind the weather being a tad cooler and breezier, then head north where you can discover authentic villages and heritage, history and museums. For example, visiting Casa del Colón, also known as Columbus House, is a beautiful building to visit in Las Palmas.

See our full analysis of the Gran Canaria weather during March

Weather during April

With summer fast approaching, many people treat this month as though their summer has already begun and with average temperatures of 19°c, rising to highs of 22 and 23° it is a really good time to take a beach holiday, especially if you have younger children, as it will not be too warm for them.

Unlike in the UK, April showers are pretty unheard of and with now a whopping 10 hours of sun throughout the day, we’re sure you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors.

We have already mentioned Playa de Ingles (situated in south Gran Canaria) for its nightlife, but it is worth mentioning the beach too as it is one of the most well-known in Gran Canaria. If you’re not one to lay on the beach all day, then why not book yourself onto a day cruise, or use public transport and hop on a bus to the local neighbouring areas?

When thinking of a holiday in April, bear in mind that the Easter period will get slightly busier, with some families hoping to take their first holiday of the year. Along with the locals enjoying all the festivities, it can get quite lively. Apart from that you should be able to get around Gran Canaria without it being too overcrowded.

See our full analysis of the Gran Canaria weather during April

Weather during May

Your suitcase will contain more summer clothes than cardigans from now, with long hours of sunshine and rain being nothing to worry about – May is a glorious month to visit Gran Canaria.

Although the north is usually cooler than the south, with the rising temperature throughout the month, it’s worth knowing that the north coast is a beautiful place to stay. In particular, Las Palmas – the capital city of Gran Canaria. With its bustling tourism trade, many hotels, and harbour, as well as its history and culture, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect accommodation and itinerary to pack your holiday out.

If you enjoy a bit of retail therapy then you can wander around in the sunshine, visiting the boutiques and upmarket shops, before stopping at a café to refresh. Or maybe you’d prefer to relax on the long stretch of beach that Las Palmas has to offer – the choice is yours!

For those who want a whole day out with something for all the family, we’d suggest trying Palmitos Park which holds a zoo, aviary, and botanical garden. 

In the south of Gran Canaria you’ll find it a lot warmer. Beaches are popular with all walks of life hoping to top up their tan. With the temperatures overall hitting the 20’s, the beach is definitely a delight and similar temperatures at night time means a stroll along the promenade or a walk to watch the sunset will be pleasant.

The sea temperature is also in the early 20’s and as a result, water sports begin to get a lot busier. Some of us may not have wanted to brave the waters below 20°, but with the rise in temperature and long hours of sun, the sea is extremely tempting.

See our full analysis of the Gran Canaria weather during May

Weather during June

June marks the beginning of the summer season when we really start to see the tourists flock to the popular resorts.

With rain pretty much non existent and the high temperatures reaching the mid 20’s, it’s the perfect weather for sunbathing. You’ll still feel a light breeze from the winds, but with the sun out this really shouldn’t bother you too much.

If you are the kind of traveller who enjoys a lot of sunbathing, relaxing around the pool, or like to have everything to hand, you could visit Meloneras which has hotel complexes that provide a lot of amenities on site or close by. These include swimming pools, restaurants, entertainment, kids’ clubs, and spas, as well as being yards away from the beach and coastline.

If you're looking for a quieter holiday, then you’ll prefer the beach that Puerto de Mogan has to offer too as it’s considered to be a peaceful getaway. Heading inland a little, you may find it a bit busier with restaurants and shops, but nothing that will be too rowdy.

The sea’s temperature is creeping up again in June which gives surfers and scuba divers a great reason to visit.

See our full analysis of the Gran Canaria weather during June

Weather during July

In full swing and bustling with tourists – July is peak season for families, friends, couples, or solo travellers to enjoy the summer break.

High temperatures reach up to 27°c making the island in July one of the hottest months throughout the whole year. Rain is practically unheard of in July and over the next few months, with temperatures remaining in the mid 20’s, and this is the same during the night too. Along with the sea reading at 22°, you’ll pick a fabulous month to stay in Gran Canaria.

You may experience some moderate breezes in terms of wind, but nothing that will make you want to cover up – the sun will definitely keep you warm. Calimas (or dust storms) can occur during summer and raise the temperatures even more.

If your goal is to work on your tan during your stay, then we’d suggest investing some time in visiting Puerto Rico beach – beautiful golden sands and a harbour where the sea is calm enough to swim for as long as you like makes this beach extremely popular with families. Everything you could possibly need is available at peak season, from sun loungers, to boat trips, to restaurants, to jet skiing. There is enough to warrant you returning day after day.

Everyone loves the sunshine, but sometimes it can get a little too much. If that’s the case for you then why not take a trip to Galdar, which is located in Las Palmas. Here you’ll find Cueva Pintada (translating to Painted Cave), as well as the Archaeological Park where you can take a break from the sun and get to grips with the history and culture of such a beautiful place.

See our full analysis of the Gran Canaria weather during July

Weather during August

Another hot month brings another busy time for the island. With similar temperatures to July, the beaches will be popular during the day and the sea, at an inviting 22°c, will be full of those enjoying a swim, snorkelling, or relaxing on an inflatable lilo - what better way to soak up the atmosphere!

Chances are if you’ve travelled during peak season, the busy crowds will not phase you. However, if you do feel like you need a rest from the hustle and bustle, you’d fit in well at Playa de San Agustin beach which is a quieter part of the island to relax and take in the scenery.

The air will be quite dry, and the humidity will be at a comfortable level. There will be fresh breezes every now and again, but with the strong rays of sun for 10 hours per day this will not impact you. You may find the cooler breezes by the coast a welcome feeling as the sun reaches its hottest during the day.

Thanks to the skies being so clear in August, it will be the perfect time for astronomy enthusiasts to witness the shooting stars that grace the skies so beautifully. There are telescopes available to the public in Las Palmas and because of how popular stargazing is, there are even dedicated night tours and trips that can take you to the best spots to see the meteor showers.

If you’re thinking of going on boat trips, cruises or trying out a new water sport, we’d suggest booking in advance to make sure you don’t miss out. Away from the heat, you can still visit museums, take shade in the caves, or enjoy a drink in one of the many air-conditioned bars or restaurants.

Known for being the hottest month of the year, July is definitely one of the most popular – you’ll see holiday prices skyrocket and you’ll have to book early to avoid disappointment. If you’re looking to go to an all-inclusive hotel, these will be the ones that are the most popular for this time of year.

See our full analysis of the Gran Canaria weather during August

Weather during September

From previous months you’d think the sea couldn’t get any warmer, yet September is known for having the warmest waters throughout the whole year – this is great to know if you like swimming or water sports, and even though most tourists have started to pack up for summer, the amenities and activities remain open. One is AquaSport water sport centre in Playa de Ingles, for those thrill seekers who love fast paced fun.

If you prefer to keep your feet on dry land then you may want to opt for exploring the Maspalomas sand dunes, where you’ll find designated paths to walk as you enjoy the vast landscape and take in the stunning Maspalomas lighthouse. They give you a real sense of being in a desert and are a perfect Insta spot!

You could see 1 day of rain over the course of the month which will usually increase from now as the seasons change, but on the whole, September is filled with sunshine and blues skies during the days, with temperatures still in the mid 20’s.

The north will be a little quieter from now on, and you can expect an increase of clouds. This does make it a perfect time for hiking through the mountains, seeing waterfalls, and enjoying the stunning scenery.

With the lowest temperatures not going below 20°c, September still gives off summer vibes and could be an ideal month to travel.

See our full analysis of the Gran Canaria weather during September

Weather during October

October is another great month to visit Gran Canaria. For one, it is now out of peak season which means you’ll probably get a really good deal on your hotel and flights. It will also be a little quieter for the first half of October, although take into account, towards the end of the month it may become busier when half term means families will want to enjoy their last holiday of the year.

Temperatures are still around the mid 20’s and with only a few days of rain forecast over the whole month, you’ll be able to fit in a lot of activities during your break. These could involve a day at Las Canteras beach located in the south and therefore bringing you the warmest weather, or maybe you’d like to experience the Apples festival, and if you’re a fan of walking and hiking then why not participate in the Gran Canaria Walking Festival – what better way to spend your days on the island.

There are so many charming places to visit, and the October climate gives you the perfect weather to do as much as you can if you’re active holidaymakers, or as little as possible if you simply want to relax.

The weather in October can also be quite deceiving because while more clouds might mean that the sun does not beat down, the UV index is still rather high and can quite easily give you sunburn without you even noticing until it is too late – you’ll still need to bring your suncream!

See our full analysis of the Gran Canaria weather during October

Weather during November

Autumn season has definitely arrived, although you’d never think this was the case on such an idyllic island. The sun shines between 6 and 8 hours per day and while you may see rain over 4 days of the month, at highs of 24°c, you will still be able to sunbathe on the beach or laze around the pool. At night the temperature drops to around 18° which may be cool for some, so think about this when packing your case.

At 22°, the sea is still comfortable to swim in and many tourists will be enjoying water sports that are usually available all year round.

If the sea isn’t your thing but you want to stay active, you could cover a lot of ground by cycling around the island. There are plenty of places that you can hire bikes from and we’d strongly recommend cyclists to experience the island in this way – what could be nicer than witnessing the stunning scenery with the sun shining and the gentle breeze keeping you cool, as you take in everything Gran Canaria has to offer.

November is known as the second high season of the year because from this point onwards, more people tend to visit the island to escape the wintry conditions they’re used to back home – with some even staying for a couple of months at a time.

Taking into consideration that there may be an increased risk of storms and showers, November is still an ideal time to experience some winter sun, especially in the south.

See our full analysis of the Gran Canaria weather during November

Weather during December

Considering that December is known for being a winter month, Gran Canaria at this time is still a tempting option at 19°c on average and 22° at its highest during the day. Dropping down to 16° at night may mean you need to pack a jumper or light coat, but compared to the UK temperatures during the winter, we’re sure you won’t mind.

5 days of rain over the month still doesn’t seem a lot, again compared to what we’re used to. Wind stays at around a mild breeze, although in the north you may find it a lot cooler and wetter, but it will be nice and quiet if you prefer a more tranquil getaway.

The beaches are still open for visitors, and you can expect to enjoy a little bit of sunbathing throughout the day.

Gran Canaria is known as the warmest of the Canary Islands during winter and if you want to make the most out of your holiday then book accommodation in Puerto de Mogan or Maspalomas for the best weather. Hiking or walking trails are a good way to explore and you can do this for the whole day as it will be cool enough to enjoy the surroundings without the excessive heat of the summer.

Delights such as urban beaches, aquariums and nativity sand sculptures can all be found in Las Palmas.

See our full analysis of the Gran Canaria weather during December

Gran Canaria is a beautiful place to visit any time of the year. The north will always be a tad cooler than the south, but during the you'll not really notice a difference and the weather is almost guaranteed to be wonderful. The winter brings a second peak season when there is a surge of tourists wanting to escape the cold back home.