Gran Canaria weather

Gran Canaria weather averages and climate

The temperature in Gran Canaria is among the most consistent anywhere in Europe. The island lies on the same latitude as the Sahara Desert, which makes sure the sun is warm all year round. This proximity to North Africa can mean sand and dust storms in February and March, but they can be avoided by sticking to the western side of the island during these months.

Average daily max (°C)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
21.0	21.3	22.3	22.9	23.9	25.6	27.1	27.6	27.1	26.4	24.3	22.4	24.3

Average relative humdity (%)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
65	66	65	64	64	65	64	66	68	68	66	67	67

Average total rainfall (mm)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
31	46	12	5	1	1	0	0	5	19	22	30	148

Average daily sunshine (hrs)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
6	6	7	8	8	9	10	9	8	7	6	6	8

Average wind speed (mph)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
10.8	13.1	14.2	16.8	17.5	21.0	25.4	23.1	17.0	12.6	11.6	10.9	16.2

Temperatures rarely drop below an average of 24 °C throughout the year and, despite being in the Atlantic Ocean, Gran Canaria sees only 148mm of rainfall in total over 12 months. Most of this falls between October and February, while July and August are very dry.

During the summer, the ‘calima’ that picks up heat as it travels over the Sahara Desert can bring very high temperatures to Gran Canaria. However, these bouts of heat don’t last long and the island usually enjoys a sufficient breeze to counter the heat. Water temperatures can be cool in winter but are perfect for water sports during the summer and autumn.

When is the best time to visit Gran Canaria?

Any time of the year is good for a visit to the Gran Canaria thanks to its reliably warm, dry weather. For those seeking the hottest temperatures, the best time of year is in July and August when around 27 °C is the norm.

For a milder heat, May to June and September to October provide lots of sunshine and very little rain. The sea will be at its warmest for swimming during the summer and autumn but can on the cool side in spring.

Summer

Summer weather starts early in Gran Canaria and you can enjoy average temperatures of more than 25 °C from June until October. Even out of this long peak season, the climate remains warm and mild. There’s little rainfall in the summer, so the chances of a wet day are very remote. Long hours of sun and a constant cooling breeze help make this island one of the most popular with tourists.

Winter

Very mild winters mark out Gran Canaria as a popular destination for those looking for winter sun. There may be only six hours of sun per day between November and February, but average peak temperatures remain at a minimum of 21 °C even in the coolest months of January and February. The only note of caution is dust storms can come in from the Sahara in February to March.

Regional variation

Most tourist destinations are in the south of Gran Canaria to take advantage of the best weather. This part of the island enjoys the hottest temperatures, though it can get extremely hot when the wind blows from the Sahara. For cooler weather, the mountains inland from the coast offer some respite. At the top of the hills, there can be snow even when it’s warm by the coast. The northeast of Gran Canaria is the wettest and has milder heat.

Gran Canaria tourist information

Often the last European port of call before long sea journeys, Gran Canaria benefits from the diverse range of cultures that have graced its shores. A world apart, Gran Canaria gives you a taste of the major cities of the world, blended into one.

Gran Canaria was populated by the Canarii, maybe as early as 500BC. Known as the 'Land of the Brave' they fought of invasion attempts from the French and Portuguese, before finally succumbing to the Spanish in 1483 after a 5  year campaign.

Formed through magmatic activity, the Canary Islands are famous for their volcanos. Originally the islands provided inhabitants with fertile ground for farming, and this was the trade the early economy was built upon. The volcanoes now serve as a tourist attraction, bringing in thousands of visitors every year. Gran Canaria has also been the set for many Hollywood films, often using its rocky landscape to portray distant planets.

Many people will escape to Gran Canaria for sun, sea and sand, and thankfully for them, it has it in abundance. With 147 miles of coastline, and 60 miles of golden beaches, Gran Canaria is the perfect place for those looking to relax whilst listening to the waves roll in. Playa de Ingles is perhaps one of the more famous beaches in Gran Canaria, and one of the most versatile. This stretch of sand boasts something for everyone, with wide, safe areas for fun-seeking children, to a party atmosphere at night, and water sports for the more adventurous adrenaline seekers.

Gran Canaria is the perfect destination for those looking to partake in some sporting activity. With great weather all year round, there is never a bad day for sport on the island. There is tons of variety - you could be playing golf next to a caldera, surfing the waves as they break or running through the pin forests all whilst taking in the stunning landscape.

Of course many will visit Gran Canaria in the off season to enjoy the blissful weather, take advantage of the average maximum temperature of 23 °C (between the months of October to March), and get some relaxation. With arguably the best winters in Europe, Gran Canaria is a place to relax and watch the world go by at your own pace. A combination of the year round sun and an array of excellent spa and wellness centres makes Gran Canaria one of the most enjoyable locations for an off season getaway.