Best months to visit
FebruaryAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctober
April through November is ideal in the south — warm sea, sunshine, almost no rain. Winter (December-March) stays at 18-22°C and is hugely popular with Northern European visitors. October-May is best for hiking inland.
Best for
Beach
April to November (sea 20-24°C, low rainfall in the south, long sunny days)
Hiking
October to May (mild 17-23°C inland, lower fire risk, comfortable for the central peaks)
Sightseeing
year-round (winter remains 18-22°C — Northern European travellers visit December-February for sun)
Climate notes
- Subtropical 'eternal spring' climate: temperatures stay 18-28°C year-round, with minimal seasonal variation thanks to the Atlantic and northeasterly trade winds
- Calima (Saharan dust): episodic 1-3 day events, mostly summer and February-March, that raise temperatures by 5-10°C, reduce visibility, and may aggravate respiratory conditions
- Pronounced north-south climate divide: northern Gran Canaria (Las Palmas) is wetter and cloudier, southern resorts (Maspalomas, Mogán) are arid and sunnier
- Gentle trade winds (alisios) blow most of the year from the northeast, moderating summer heat and feeding cloud onto north-facing slopes
Temperature (min / max °C)
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Rainy days per month
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sunshine hours per month
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Regional notes
- Las Palmas (north): 17-24°C range, ~250 mm annual rain, frequent low cloud (panza de burro) in summer
- Maspalomas (south): hottest of the three — August averages 27.7°C, July precipitation effectively zero, near-desert climate
- Mogán (southwest): sheltered from trade winds, sunniest microclimate, often called Spain's 'sunshine capital'
- Central peaks (Pico de las Nieves, 1,949 m) can drop below 0°C in winter and occasionally see snow; coast meanwhile stays at 18°C
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Gran Canaria?
April through November for warm sea (20-24°C) and reliable sun. December-March stays mild (18-22°C) — perfect for escaping cold European winters but cooler for swimming, especially in the north.
What is calima?
Calima is Saharan dust carried by southeast winds across the Canaries. Brief episodes (1-3 days) reduce visibility, raise temperature by 5-10°C, and may aggravate respiratory conditions. Most common in summer and around February-March.
Is winter swimming possible in Gran Canaria?
In southern resorts (Maspalomas, Mogán) yes — sea temperature stays 19-21°C even in February-March. In Las Palmas the sea drops to around 19°C and feels chilly to most visitors.
Why is the south of Gran Canaria so dry?
The central mountains block moist trade winds carrying cloud from the north. By the time air descends to the south coast it is dry, warm, and sunny — creating a near-desert climate around Maspalomas while the north stays green.
Does it ever rain in Gran Canaria?
Yes, but mostly in the north and during winter (November-February). Las Palmas averages around 250 mm annually; Maspalomas just 100 mm. Summer rain is almost unheard of in the south.
Does Gran Canaria get hurricanes?
Direct hits are rare but not impossible. The Canaries sit on the eastern fringe of the Atlantic hurricane track; once or twice a decade a weakened tropical system passes near the islands (e.g. Hurricane Delta 2005, Storm Hermine 2022). Most named storms recurve far to the west.
When is the calima season?
Calima can occur any month but peaks in summer (June-August) and around the seasonal transition in February-March. Each episode typically lasts 1-3 days; longer events are unusual.
Is it cold in the mountains?
Yes. Pico de las Nieves (1,949 m) and the Tejeda area routinely see 5-12°C lower than the coast. Winter mornings can drop below freezing, with occasional light snow on summits while the coast stays at 18-20°C.
Climate data: Open-Meteo · 2020–2025