When to go to Gran Canaria? Best time to visit.
Spring weather, paradisiacal beaches, stunning landscapes – welcome to picturesque Gran Canaria, dubbed by many as the ‘Continent in miniature’.
For years, Gran Canaria has been regarded as the ideal destination for relaxation and sightseeing. Not only can you sunbathe or relax by the pool, but you can also enjoy the exotic – and at times harsh – vegetation. What is there to say, the island really has a lot to offer tourists. But before you come face to face with Gran Canaria’s somewhat wild nature, be sure to check what the weather will be like when you arrive.
Gran Canaria in January
The start of the year promises to be very promising. January is a month with relatively high temperatures for this time of year. During the day the thermometer poles indicate 18 to 21 º Celsius, while at night it is 17 º Celsius.
Do you like to travel outside the tourist season? The first month of the year will therefore be the ideal time to discover the charms of the “Island of Eternal Spring”. It is also good news that the colourful and energetic Epiphany parades take place at this time. The extraordinary displays are sure to linger in your minds for a long time. It is a good time to visit the monuments in Gran Canaria.
January – weather parameters
Length of day: 10 hours.
Number of hours of sunshine per day: 5 to 9 hours.
Number of days of sunshine per month: 29 days.
Average water temperature in the sea: 18 to 21 degrees Celsius.
Humidity during the day: 63 per cent (Note: the optimum humidity at which we feel most comfortable is 45 per cent).
Wind: there is usually a gentle breeze in January: 17.6 km/h.
Pressure: 1020 hPa (Note: The best air pressure for blood circulation is 1016 hPa).
Number of rainy days per month: 2 days.
Shortest day of the month: 1 January (offering 10 hours and 24 minutes of daylight).
Longest day of the month: 31 January (offering 10 hours and 50 minutes of daylight).
Gran Canaria in February
How about… taking part in a unique Carnival parade? A great idea! If you can’t make it to Rio de Janeiro for Carnival, Gran Canaria’s February to March Carnival is a great substitute. It is interesting to note that the carnival on the “Island of Eternal Spring” is the largest in Europe. Winter in Gran Canaria is great!
Warmer and warmer…
February is still the beginning of the year, so expect air temperatures of several degrees on site. The day will bring 18 to 21º Celsius, while the night will bring 17º Celsius.
February – other weather parameters
Day length: 11 hours.
Number of hours of sunshine per day: between 5 and 8 hours.
Number of days of sunshine during the month: 26 days.
Average water temperature in the sea: 18 to 20 degrees Celsius.
Humidity during the day: 62 per cent (Note: the optimum humidity at which we feel most comfortable is 45 per cent).
Wind: Typically, there is a moderate wind in February: 21.25 km/h.
Pressure: 1019 hPa (Note: The best air pressure for blood circulation is 1016 hPa).
Number of rainy days per month: 2 days.
Shortest day of the month: 1 February (offering 10 hours and 51 minutes of daylight).
Longest day of the month: 28 February (offering 11 hours and 31 minutes of daylight).
Gran Canaria in March
March is the perfect time to find a cheap holiday deal to suit the whole family. There is no shortage of interesting offers, so be sure to take the time to do a thorough search. It is also worth noting that the third month of the year encourages long walks and allows you to enjoy the carnival atmosphere.
The big smoke of a big… sardine
Another aspect in favour of a holiday in March is the pleasant, truly spring-like weather, which will allow you to take part in the so-called “funeral of the sardine” (“El Entierro de la Sardina”). What is ‘El Entierro de la Sardina’? It is the symbolic burning of a large effigy resembling a sardine. It is something to behold!
Look out: during the day the thermometer will indicate 18 to 22º Celsius, while at night it will be 17º Celsius.
March – other weather parameters
Length of day: 12 hours.
Number of hours of sunshine per day: 5 to 10 hours.
Number of days of sunshine per month: 29 days.
Average water temperature in the sea: 18 to 20 degrees Celsius.
Humidity during the day: 64 per cent (Note: the optimum humidity at which we feel most comfortable is 45 per cent).
Wind: Typically in March there is a moderate wind: 21 km/h.
Pressure: 1016 hPa (NB: The best air pressure for blood circulation is 1016 hPa).
Number of rainy days per month: 2 days.
Shortest day of the month: 1 March (offering 11 hours and 33 minutes of daylight).
Longest day of the month: 31 March (offering 12 hours and 23 minutes of daylight).
Gran Canaria in April
Is April a good time for a holiday? Of course! This is the time when Gran Canaria takes on its beautiful colours and hues and prepares for the start of the tourist season. The weather is getting warmer every day, making sweatshirts and jackets a thing of the past. To corroborate these words, the average daytime air temperatures are 19 – 23º Celsius, while nighttime temperatures are 17º Celsius. The water in the ocean is also suitable for taking short baths.
April – other weather parameters
Day length: 12 hours.
Number of hours of sunshine per day: between 7 and 11 hours.
Number of days of sunshine per month: 29 days.
Average water temperature in the sea: 18 to 20 degrees Celsius.
Humidity during the day: 62 per cent (Note: the optimum humidity at which we feel most comfortable is 45 per cent).
Wind: Typically, there is a moderate wind in April: 23.2 km/h.
Pressure: 1015 hPa (Note: The best air pressure for blood circulation is 1016 hPa).
Number of rainy days per month: 1 day.
Shortest day of the month: 1 April (offering 12 hours and 25 minutes of daylight).
Longest day of the month: 30 April (offering 13 hours and 10 minutes of daylight).
Gran Canaria in May
The end of May is a great opportunity to face the local public holiday, Dia de Canarias. Dia de Canarias – Canary Islands Day – commemorates the first session of the Autonomous Canary Parliament and provides a lavish party that lasts for hours. The festivities take place on 30 May, but it is also possible – and even worthwhile – coming to Gran Canaria at the beginning of the month. Sunny days, of which there is no shortage in May, bring relatively high temperatures (around 20 – 21º Celsius) and give the opportunity to explore more and more of the island.
May – other weather parameters
Day length: 13 hours.
Number of hours of sunshine per day: between 8 and 11 hours.
Number of days of sunshine per month: 31 days.
Air temperature at night: 18 degrees Celsius.
Average sea water temperature: 19 to 21 degrees Celsius.
Daytime humidity: 60 per cent (Note: the optimum humidity at which we feel most comfortable is 45 per cent).
Wind: Usually a moderate wind blows in May: 28.25 km/h.
Pressure: 1016 hPa (Note: The best air pressure for blood circulation is 1016 hPa).
Number of rainy days per month: 1 day.
Shortest day of the month: 1 May (offering 13 hours and 12 minutes of daylight).
Longest day of the month: 31 May (offering 13 hours and 46 minutes of daylight).
Gran Canaria in June
“The Island of Eternal Spring”, as you may have noticed, has a whole host of parades and local festivals to offer tourists. Another interesting event is June’s Midsummer Night, which is the most anticipated night of the year. Noche de San Juan – the Night of Saint John – is a real explosion of joy, fire and love. Countless fireworks light up the sky and locals and tourists alike rejoice in the coming solstice. The fact that it is getting warmer and more pleasant under the Spanish sky also adds spice.
Look out: the thermometer poles will indicate 21º Celsius during the day and 20º Celsius at night.
June – other weather parameters
Day length: 14 hours.
Number of hours of sunshine per day: between 8 and 12 hours.
Number of days of sunshine per month: 31 days.
Average water temperature in the sea: between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius.
Humidity during the day: 61 per cent (Note: the optimum humidity at which we feel most comfortable is 45 per cent).
Wind: usually feels refreshing in June with gusts of wind: 33 km/h.
Pressure: 1016 hPa (Note: The best air pressure for blood circulation is just 1016 hPa).
Number of rainy days per month: 0 days.
Shortest day of the month: 1 June (offering 13 hours and 47 minutes of daylight).
Longest day of the month: 22 June (offering 13 hours and 55 minutes of daylight).
Gran Canaria in July
With half the year behind us, it is time for the peak tourist season. And this, as you can imagine, is in July and August.
July in Gran Canaria is a great time for sunbathing and indulging in holiday pleasures. There is no shortage of activities and entertainment in the hot Canarian resorts, so there is something for everyone. A perfect solution, for example, would be a holiday in Maspalomas, which enchants with its spectacular dunes. Maspalomas is located in the south of Gran Canaria, making it the warmest resort on the island. However, when it comes to air temperatures, you can expect 23 – 27º Celsius during the day and 21º Celsius at night. As you can see, the holiday looks very promising.
July – other weather parametersDay length: 14 hours.
Number of hours of sunshine per day: between 10 and 12 hours.
Number of days of sunshine per month: 31 days.
Average water temperature in the sea: 21 to 23 degrees Celsius.
Humidity during the day: 62 per cent (Note: the optimum humidity at which we feel most comfortable is 45 per cent).
Wind: it usually feels refreshing in July with gusts of wind: 37.6 km/h.
Pressure: 1015 hPa (Note: The best air pressure for blood circulation is 1016 hPa).
Number of rainy days per month: 0 days.
Shortest day of the month: 31 July (offering 13 hours and 30 minutes of daylight).
Longest day of the month: 1 July (offering 13 hours and 54 minutes of daylight).
Gran Canaria in August
The peak season is in full swing, which means you should expect a flurry of tourists and higher prices for services. The Gran Canaria holiday will therefore be a real hit with all lovers of the hot resort atmosphere. Do you like spending time in seaside resorts? Apart from Maspalomas, you can also enjoy the atmosphere of the Playa del Inglés and San Agustín resorts.
Hot, hotter and hotter…
August, without a doubt, is one of the hottest months on the island. During the day the thermometer poles will indicate 23 to even 28º Celsius, while at night it will be 22º Celsius. It makes you want to jump into a cool pool….
August – other weather parameters
Day length: 13 hours.
Number of hours of sunshine per day: between 9 and 11 hours.
Number of days of sunshine per month: 31 days.
Average water temperature in the sea: between 21 and 24 degrees Celsius.
Humidity during the day: 62 per cent (Note: the optimum humidity at which we feel most comfortable is 45 per cent).
Wind: it usually feels refreshing in August with gusts of wind: 35.5 km/h.
Pressure: 1014 hPa (Note: The best air pressure for blood circulation is 1016 hPa).
Number of rainy days per month: 0 days.
Shortest day of the month: 31 August (offering 12 hours and 47 minutes of daylight).
Longest day of the month: 1 August (offering 13 hours and 29 minutes of daylight).
Gran Canaria in September
September is another hot month on the island. Are you going to sunbathe and enjoy your holiday to the full? Then remember to protect yourself. The most important holiday attributes are sun cream, sunglasses, headgear and good sense. It is also important to hydrate your body and drink plenty of mineral water. Water, in many situations, will be a real saviour as Gran Canaria in September guarantees high air temperatures. Expect 23 – 27º Celsius during the day and 22º Celsius at night. It will be really hot…
September – other weather parameters
Day length: 13 hours.
Number of hours of sunshine per day: between 9 and 11 hours.
Number of days of sunshine per month: 29 days.
Average water temperature in the sea: between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius.
Humidity during the day: 66 per cent (Note: the optimum humidity at which we feel most comfortable is 45 per cent).
Wind: usually in September there is a moderate wind: 23 km/h.
Pressure: 1016 hPa (NB: The best air pressure for blood circulation is just 1016 hPa).
Number of rainy days per month: 1 day.
Shortest day of the month: 30 September (offering 11 hours and 58 minutes of daylight).
Longest day of the month: 1 September (offering 12 hours and 45 minutes of daylight).
Gran Canaria in October
October is the perfect time for sightseeing combined with relaxing on the beach. The beautiful weather favours outdoor activities and allows you to enjoy every day. To confirm this, during the day the thermometer will be between 22 and 26º Celsius. And at night? The nights are slightly cooler and around 21º Celsius is to be expected.
Wondering what to do during the October holidays? A great option would be a trip to the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which is also the capital of the island. In the ever-vibrant Las Palmas, picturesque beaches, Spanish monuments and a whole host of attractions await you. One of these is the Columbus House, which now houses a museum. It is well worth stopping by on your way there.
October – other weather parameters
Length of day: 12 hours.
Number of hours of sunshine per day: between 7 and 10 hours.
Number of days of sunshine per month: 28 days.
Average water temperature in the sea: 22 to 24 degrees Celsius.
Humidity during the day: 66 per cent (Note: the optimum humidity at which we feel most comfortable is 45 per cent).
Wind: there is usually a gentle breeze in October: 17.8 km/h.
Pressure: 1015 hPa (Note: The best air pressure for blood circulation is 1016 hPa).
Number of rainy days per month: 3 days.
Shortest day of the month: 31 October (offering 11 hours and 9 minutes of daylight).
Longest day of the month: October 1 (offering 11 hours and 56 minutes of daylight).
Gran Canaria in November
November in Gran Canaria is very different from what we experience in other parts of Europe. It is usually warm, sunny and very pleasant. During the day, the thermometer can indicate 21 to 24º Celsius, and at night 20º Celsius.
November is not so terrible…At the end of the year, it is worthwhile visiting the top corners of the “Continent in miniature”. The list of the most attractive places includes Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the island’s capital, the colourful town of Teror, the rum-producing town of Arucas and the fishing village of Puerto de Mogán. As you can see, there is no room for boredom in Gran Canaria.
November – other weather parameters
Length of day: 11 hours.
Number of hours of sunshine per day: between 6 and 9 hours.
Number of days of sunshine per month: 28 days.
Average water temperature in the sea: between 21 and 23 degrees Celsius.
Humidity during the day: 65 per cent (Note: the optimum humidity at which we feel most comfortable is 45 per cent).
Wind: there is usually a gentle breeze in November: 17.5 km/h.
Pressure: 1016 hPa (Note: The best air pressure for blood circulation is just 1016 hPa).
Number of rainy days per month: 2 days.
Shortest day of the month: 30 November (offering 10 hours and 32 minutes of daylight).
Longest day of the month: 1 November (offering 11 hours and 7 minutes of daylight).
Gran Canaria in December
The end of the year, like the beginning, promises to be very promising. December brings high air temperatures – for this time of year – ranging from 19 to 22º Celsius. Nights in Gran Canaria are a little cooler and are expected to be around 18º Celsius. Speaking of slightly cooler, we remind you to bring a warm sweatshirt or jacket. Covered shoes and a neck scarf will also be useful for evening walks. It’s also worth spending Christmas or New Year’s Eve on the island, if you can make the plan. Champagne fun combined with plenty of warmth will keep you energised for the coming year.
December – other weather parameters
Length of day: 10 hours.
Number of hours of sunshine per day: 6 to 9 hours.
Number of days of sunshine per month: 28 days.
Average water temperature in the sea: 19 to 22 degrees Celsius.
Humidity during the day: 62 per cent (Note: the optimum humidity at which we feel most comfortable is 45 per cent).
Wind: there is usually a gentle breeze in December: 17.2 km/h.
Pressure: 1021 hPa (Note: The best air pressure for blood circulation is 1016 hPa).
Number of rainy days per month: 3 days.
Shortest day of the month: 23 December (offering 10 hours and 22 minutes of daylight).
Longest day of the month: 1 December (offering 10 hours and 31 minutes of daylight).