Gran Canaria
Spain · Africa
The best time to visit Gran Canaria is May, June, July, August, September, October, and November. In summer, daytime highs average 28°C (82°F), with peaks around 32°C (90°F); in winter, nights average 16°C (61°F), dropping to around 12°C (54°F) on the coldest. During the best travel months, the sun shines up to 11 hours per day — ideal for beach and outdoor activities.
Gran Canaria – What you should know
Gran Canaria is often called a "continent in miniature" — and that holds true for its climate too. The southern half of the island is desert-like, dry and hot, with long sandy beaches like the Maspalomas dunes. The north is greener, cooler and receives more rain through the trade wind.
The year-round mild climate makes Gran Canaria an ideal winter escape: from November to February the south coast sees daytime temperatures typically of 20–22°C (68–72°F). The Atlantic water, averaging 19–20°C (66–68°F), is cool but still pleasant for seasoned swimmers. This is exactly why northern Europeans flock to the island during the German winter.
Summer on Gran Canaria is milder than on the Spanish mainland — average highs sit between 25°C (77°F) and 27°C (81°F), as the cool Canary Current prevents extreme heat. Only the Calima, a hot Saharan wind, can temporarily push temperatures up significantly and fill the air with dust.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 21° (70°)18– (64–)24 (75) | 21° (70°)18– (64–)24 (75) | 22° (72°)19– (66–)26 (79) | 23° (73°)20– (68–)26 (79) | 24° (75°)21– (70–)27 (81) | 26° (79°)23– (73–)28 (82) | 28° (82°)24– (75–)33 (91) | 28° (82°)25– (77–)32 (90) | 27° (81°)25– (77–)30 (86) | 27° (81°)23– (73–)30 (86) | 25° (77°)21– (70–)28 (82) | 23° (73°)20– (68–)26 (79) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 16° (61°)13– (55–)18 (64) | 16° (61°)12– (54–)18 (64) | 16° (61°)13– (55–)18 (64) | 17° (63°)15– (59–)19 (66) | 19° (66°)16– (61–)21 (70) | 20° (68°)17– (63–)22 (72) | 22° (72°)19– (66–)24 (75) | 23° (73°)20– (68–)25 (77) | 22° (72°)19– (66–)24 (75) | 21° (70°)18– (64–)23 (73) | 19° (66°)16– (61–)21 (70) | 17° (63°)14– (57–)19 (66) |
☀️Sunshine | 8h | 9h | 10h | 10h | 11h | 10h | 11h | 10h | 9h | 9h | 8h | 8h |
🌊Water Temp | 20° (68°) | 19° (66°) | 19° (66°) | 20° (68°) | 20° (68°) | 22° (72°) | 22° (72°) | 23° (73°) | 24° (75°) | 24° (75°) | 23° (73°) | 21° (70°) |
🌧Rain Days | 2d24mm (0.9") | 3d29mm (1.2") | 1d8mm (0.3") | 0d3mm (0.1") | 0d2mm (0.1") | 0d0mm (<0.1") | 0d0mm (0") | 0d1mm (<0.1") | 1d5mm (0.2") | 2d28mm (1.1") | 3d18mm (0.7") | 2d17mm (0.7") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
April offers great weather in Gran Canaria with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Gran Canaria
January – March
Gran Canaria in the mild winter: in February the Las Palmas Carnival turns the beach promenade and city centre into a stage for two weeks — one of the biggest carnivals in Spain. Ideal temperatures for hiking the uplands around Tejeda.
April – June
Spring: the Maspalomas dunes glow golden, the north coast around Las Palmas is lively and urban. The beaches in the south are accessible without the high-season crush.
July – September
Peak season: Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas are full with an international crowd, and the beach clubs in San Agustín are in full swing. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria remains a city in its own right, away from the resort bustle.
October – December
Quiet off-season: consistently pleasant temperatures, the island centre around Tejeda and Artenara almost empty. The best time for the Ruta de los Volcanes and the Roque Nublo hike.
Events & Festivals
February
- Carnaval de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria· February (two weeks)
One of Spain's biggest carnivals after Tenerife. Highlights include the election of the Carnival Queen, the grand parade along the Las Canteras promenade and the colourful closing celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Gran Canaria?
- The best time to visit Gran Canaria is May, June, July, August, September, October, and November. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Gran Canaria?
- In summer, daytime highs in Gran Canaria average 28°C (82°F), with peaks around 32°C (90°F); in winter, nights average 16°C (61°F), dropping to around 12°C (54°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Gran Canaria get?
- Gran Canaria has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 1 rain day per month. The driest months are June, July, and August.
- How warm is the water in Gran Canaria?
- Water temperature in Gran Canaria ranges from 19°C (66°F) (February) to 24°C (75°F) (September). During the best travel months (May, June, July, August, September, October, and November), the water is most pleasant for swimming.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
🏖️
Beach Holiday
Warm, sunny, little rain
JulAugSep
🏙️
City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
AprMayDec
