Gran Canaria weather by month

When to go to Gran Canaria

For beach weather, look at months where the daytime average clears 25°C and rainy days stay low: June, July, August, September, October. December is the wettest month (28 mm, about 5 rainy days) and August the driest (0 mm). The sea is warmest in September at 23.2°C and coolest in February at 18.8°C.

Getting there

A direct flight from London Gatwick to Gran Canaria Airport (LPA, 27 km from Maspalomas) takes roughly 4 h 24 min - short-haul (up to 4.5 h) by UK standards. Time-zone: Atlantic/Canary.

Records and extremes, 1991-2020

The hottest day recorded in Gran Canaria between 1991 and 2020 reached 41.8°C on 27 August 2020; the coldest fell to 10.0°C on 31 January 2018. In August one day in ten tops 32.2°C and about 22% of days pass 30°C; in January one night in ten drops to 13.5°C or below. The wettest single month of the period was February 2018 with 120 mm, against a February average of 20 mm.

Winter: mild days, cooler evenings and sea

December to February suits travellers who want mild daytime weather rather than strong heat. December averages 21°C by day, easing to 20°C in January and February, so light clothes can work during the warmer part of the day. Pack a jumper or light jacket for evenings, with nights averaging 17°C in December and 16°C afterwards. February has more sunshine than December, but its sea temperature falls to 19°C, making swimming less appealing if you feel the cold. Rain is possible throughout winter, so keep outdoor plans flexible. Choose this season for comfortable time outside, not reliably hot beach weather.

Spring into June: comfortable warmth becomes beach weather

March and April both average 22°C by day, making them sensible choices if summer heat would limit your time outdoors. Their catch is the sea: at 19°C, it can feel cool even when the air is pleasant. May offers a gentler step towards summer, with daytime warmth reaching 23°C and evenings becoming milder. June makes the clearest move into warmer, drier conditions: days average 25°C, with 11 hours of sunshine and just 1 rainy day. It is a good compromise for beach time without the highest summer temperatures. Keep a light evening layer handy, particularly earlier in spring, and use sun protection throughout.

Summer and autumn: peak heat, then a warmer sea

July and August suit travellers who want heat and very little rain, with daytime averages of 28°C and no rainy days on average. July has the most sunshine, while August brings warmer nights and a warmer sea. Plan shade breaks around midday rather than filling the hottest part of the day with activity. September stays warm at 27°C, with the sea holding at 23°C, so it is a strong alternative for swimming. October retains that sea warmth and averages 26°C by day, but its 5 rainy days make flexible plans more useful. November eases to 23°C, with less sunshine and cooler evenings. It still suits a mild-weather break, though it is less convincing than summer for a holiday built entirely around the beach.