Gran Canaria Weather Overview
Year Round Sunshine
Gran Canaria benefits from year-round sunshine and warmth with little seasonal variation. Summers are dry and hot while winters are only a little cooler with few showers. The island, the third largest ofSpain's Canary Islands, are often called 'Islands of Eternal Spring' due to their exceptional climate.
What Is The Canary Current?
The Canaries sit to the south of mainland Spain closer to the west coast of Northern Africa. Located on the same latitude as the Sahara, they are much hotter than mainland Spain in the winter. However, they are generally much cooler than other resorts on a similar latitude, due to the northeast trade winds, the surrounding sea and the cool Canary Current
Regional Variation In Gran Canaria
A mountainous volcanic island, Gran Canaria experiences a great regional variation in climate due to the high central mountains. Generally, the northeast regions are cooler and wetter than the southwest as the mountains trap the trade winds.
However, this usually only creates a temperature difference of a few degrees at the most.
Alpine Climate
The mountains receive an alpine-like climate with higher rainfall and cooler temperatures year round. The contrast in weather conditions is most pronounced in the winter when there is thick snow on Pico de las Nieves but 20°C heat on the Maspalomas dunes.
Summer Weather in Gran Canaria
How Hot Is Gran Canaria In Summer?
May until November, is hot and sunny. The average high temperature stays in the mid to high twenties, reaching a peak of 28°C in August. At the beginning of the season nights cool to around 17°C but the rest of the time it's usually around 20°C overnight.
The northeast trade winds help to keep these high temperatures comfortable in coastal regions, but most would agree that the mid 20s provide an ideal level of heat.
Sirocco Wind In Gran Canaria
The west side of the island can sometimes be affected by the Sirocco, a hot, dry wind that originates in the Sahara. This can push temperatures into the 30s, bring a hazy sky and even clouds of dust and sand.
When hot, dry conditions prevail for long, forest fires can ensue. In 2007 forest fires did extensive damage to Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
How Much Rain Does Gran Carania Get In Summer?
Rainfall is very low at the start of the season then totally absent from June through to August. September often sees a few violent rainstorms and the odd storm can be expected in October and November. In October 2017 and 2018, there was only one day of serious cloud cover.
Sunshine Hours In Gran Canaria
Sunshine levels of around ten hours per day can be expected in the peak of the season. This decreases in October and November but November can still expect six hours per day.
How Warm Is The Sea In Gran Canaria in Summer?
The sea temperature peaks in September and October at 23°C; it is always warm enough for swimming.
Winter Weather in Gran Canaria
How Warm Is Gran Canaria In Winter?
December until April, is pleasantly warm with cool nights. The average high temperature drops to around 22°C for the whole season. The average low temperature falls to a cool 15°C in January and February; nights are generally cool throughout the season and require some warm clothing.
Does It Rain In Gran Canaria In Winter?
Rainfall is low and reduces as the season progresses, but cool, damp and blustery weather can creep up on you without warning. It doesn't generally rain in Gran Canaria in the post-summer months of September and October.
Winter Sunshine Hours
You can expect around six hours of sunshine a day in December and January, increasing to eight hours by April.
How Warm Is The Sea In Winter In Gran Canaria?
The water temperature rarely falls below 19°C - while up in the mountains, snow falls!
Diverse Landscapes In Gran Canaria
The diverse climates of Gran Canaria have created equally diverse landscapes. You can find anything from desert to tropical forest and from palm groves to alpine meadows.
Something For Everyone In Gran Canaria
There is something for everyone on Gran Canaria: packed, seaside megaresorts, pubs, bars and nightclubs, golf courses, secluded beaches, a coral reef and endless routes for hikers and climbers.
Weather Hazards In Gran Canaria
Dust Storms
Thanks to Gran Canaria's proximity to North Africa, the island can be affected by the area's weather patterns. While it is this proximity that is responsible for the island's enviably hot climate, it also means that dust storms can occur as a result of strong winds blowing in from the Sahara.
February and March are the two months during which dust storms can occur. If you see one approaching, it is best to head inside, as they can seriously irritate the eyes and affect your breathing, especially if you suffer from asthma or other respiratory problems.h.
Escalated Temperatures
As well as the dust storms, August can see hot and dusty air invade the atmosphere and cause the temperatures to suddenly escalate. Although they don't last long, it can be useful to ensure that your accommodation has air conditioning.
Air Pollution In Gran Canaria
Air pollution can also be an issue in the winter time, when the wind drops considerably. This can cause a problem with those who suffer from respiratory problems. For the optimum weather conditions year-round, the coast is the best place to head. As well as plenty of sun and hot weather, this part of Gran Canaria experiences very little rainfall.
Floods In Gran Canaria
Heavy rainfall is rare in the area, with most falling on the mountains, but flash flooding can occur every 15-20 years on the island.