Best time to visit
Best Time to Visit Gran Canaria
A round volcanic island often called a 'miniature continent' for its mix of dunes, pine forests and mountain villages. Most sun-seekers stay in the south around Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés; the capital, Las Palmas, has a lively city beach.
Best time to visit: Year-round; it's one of Europe's most reliable winter-sun destinations. The south coast is the sunniest part of the island.
Local tip: Clouds often gather over the north and centre while the south stays sunny — pick your beach day accordingly.
Getting around: Global buses connect Las Palmas, the airport and the southern resorts; a car helps for the mountain villages.
Good to know: The mountain interior is much cooler than the coast, especially in winter.
What to plan your trip around
- Maspalomas Dunes
A protected area of rolling sand dunes next to the beach and lighthouse.
- Roque Nublo
A striking rock monolith in the mountainous centre, reached by a short hike.
- Vegueta, Las Palmas
The historic quarter of the capital, with the cathedral and Columbus House.
- Puerto de Mogán
A pretty harbour village with canals, nicknamed 'little Venice'.
Gran Canaria weather by month
Gran Canaria weather by month
Average temperatures and rainfall Gran Canaria gets in each month (2011–2020). Tap a month for the full breakdown.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21°C | 15°C | 8 mm | 65% |
| February | 21°C | 15°C | 20 mm | 65% |
| March | 22°C | 16°C | 19 mm | 67% |
| April | 22°C | 16°C | 21 mm | 71% |
| May | 24°C | 18°C | 9 mm | 67% |
| June | 26°C | 20°C | 4 mm | 68% |
| July | 28°C | 21°C | 1 mm | 64% |
| August | 30°C | 23°C | 1 mm | 62% |
| September | 28°C | 22°C | 7 mm | 69% |
| October | 26°C | 21°C | 26 mm | 69% |
| November | 24°C | 19°C | 18 mm | 70% |
| December | 22°C | 17°C | 9 mm | 66% |
Gran Canaria through the year
January · 21° / 15°C · 8 mm
- Days and nights are close, only about 5°C apart.
- January is among Gran Canaria's three coolest months.
April · 22° / 16°C · 21 mm
- In Gran Canaria, April is mid-spring.
- Comfortable temperatures make it easy to walk between Vegueta, Las Palmas and Maspalomas Dunes.
July · 28° / 21°C · 1 mm
- Gran Canaria is usually about 5°C warmer than Maspalomas in July.
- July is Gran Canaria's second warmest month.
October · 26° / 21°C · 26 mm
- Compared with Maspalomas, Gran Canaria runs roughly 2°C warmer this month.
- Expect more cloud than at any other time of year.
The best time to visit Gran Canaria is January, February and March, when average highs are 21–22°C and rainfall is around 16 mm a month.
At a glance
When to go to Gran Canaria, season by season
December – February
Best time21° / 16°C · 12 mm
Pleasant temperatures and relatively little rain: the best window for sightseeing and time outdoors.
March – May
Good23° / 17°C · 16 mm
Comfortable weather overall, with fewer visitors than peak season.
June – August
Good28° / 21°C · 2 mm
Comfortable weather overall, with fewer visitors than peak season.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the best time to visit Gran Canaria?
- For pleasant, fairly dry weather, go to Gran Canaria in January, February and March. Average highs are then 21–22°C.
- Why is January a good time to visit Gran Canaria?
- In January, Gran Canaria averages 21°C by day and 15°C at night, with about 8 mm of rain and 29% cloud cover: warm enough to be outdoors without the peak heat or the wettest weather.
- What is the warmest month in Gran Canaria?
- August is the warmest month in Gran Canaria, with average highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C.
- What is the coldest month in Gran Canaria?
- January is the coldest month in Gran Canaria: average highs of 21°C, dropping to 15°C at night.
- When does it rain the most in Gran Canaria?
- October is the wettest month in Gran Canaria with about 26 mm of rain. The driest is July, with around 1 mm.
- When is the worst time to visit Gran Canaria?
- Gran Canaria has no really bad month for weather: average highs stay between 21 and 30°C all year.
- Is the shoulder season a good time to visit Gran Canaria?
- Yes. April and December sit just outside the best months for Gran Canaria, with average highs of 22°C and about 15 mm of rain a month. Weather-wise, they are a good alternative to the peak months.
- How can I check the weather in Gran Canaria before I travel?
- Compare the live forecast for Gran Canaria from three independent weather services on WeatherCompare. When they agree, the forecast is more reliable.
Cite or embed this data
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Best time to visit Gran Canaria. WeatherCompare, 2026 (climate averages: NASA POWER / ERA5, 2011–2020). https://weathercompare.eu/guides/best-time-to-visit/spain/gran-canaria
<a href="https://weathercompare.eu/guides/best-time-to-visit/spain/gran-canaria">Best time to visit Gran Canaria</a> (WeatherCompare)
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