Weather in Gran Canaria in March

How March compares

March is the 9th warmest month of the year in Gran Canaria and ranks 51st of 134 destinations we compare for March - see where else is hot in March. Within Spain it is 1st of 87 (Spain in March). Against London's average high of 10.5°C in March, Gran Canaria is 11.1°C warmer by day and 12.8°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in March

The typical March day in Gran Canaria peaks at 21.6°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 25.2°C or more. Roughly 1 in 8 days top 25°C and 1 in 167 pass 30°C. Nights average 16.1°C; one night in ten drops to 14.3°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest March day here reached 31.8°C (2017-03-31) and the coldest night 11.8°C (2018-03-17).

Rain in March

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 4 days with 1 mm or more, 16 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest March was 1996 with 51 mm, the driest 1992 with 1 mm. Humidity averages 69%.

Sea temperature in March

The sea averages 18.8°C - bracing (18-22°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 18.1°C to 19.4°C. For the warmest sea here, come in September (23.2°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 8.1 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 11.8 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:12 and sets about 19:11 local time in mid-March. Average cloud cover is 32%.

Is March a good time to visit Gran Canaria?

It is a reasonable choice: warm days. The best months for Gran Canaria on our scoring are August, July, June; months averaging 25°C or more: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.

Warm enough for light clothes, not reliably hot

The average daytime high of 21.6°C is a clear step up from London's 10.5°C in March. Light clothes should be useful during the warmer part of the day, but pack a jumper or light jacket for evenings: the average night low is 16.1°C. If your idea of a holiday depends on hot afternoons, March is less convincing. Only 12% of days reach 25°C, so treat that extra warmth as a bonus rather than the expectation. This weather suits travellers who prefer being outdoors in moderate warmth, with a layer ready when the temperature drops, rather than those seeking sustained heat.

Plenty of sunshine, with room for a wet spell

March brings about 8.1 hours of sunshine a day within 11.8 hours of daylight, giving you plenty of scope to spend time outside without relying on every hour being sunny. Rain is a possibility rather than the main feature: about 4 days receive at least 1 mm. Keep your plans flexible enough to move an outdoor afternoon if a wet spell arrives, and pack a light waterproof rather than assuming you will never need it. Sunshine does not make the air temperature a measure of sunburn risk, so keep sun protection in your bag even when the warmth feels gentle.

The sea is the main compromise

The sea averages 18.8°C in March, which puts it firmly in bracing territory. That may be acceptable if you already enjoy cooler-water swimming, but it is not the obvious choice for someone who wants to linger comfortably in warm water. The year-to-year range of 18°C to 19°C also leaves little reason to count on a much warmer sea during your visit. Plan a seaside day around relaxing outside as much as swimming, and have dry clothes ready afterwards. March makes more sense for travellers happy to treat a dip as optional than for those whose holiday centres on long sea swims.