When is the best time to visit Gran Canaria? You are thinking about your next holiday and wonder if Gran Canaria would be a good choice? We will answer all your questions here.
Gran Canaria is appreciated both for its beautiful spring days throughout the entire year and for the diversity of its landscape. From beautiful beaches, the desert of Maspalomas, to historical towns such as Teror or Fataga, and beautiful mountains and canyons like Pico de las Nieves or Guayadeque Ravine, you have it all in Gran Canaria.
As a result, there is something for everyone in Gran Canaria. Whether you like hiking, surfing, museums, historical towns, relaxing at the beach, you can do a lot of things.
READ: 10 BEST BEACHES IN GRAN CANARIA
Gran Canaria, like its neighbours, Fuerteventura or Lanzarote, is sunny most of the year with very little rain. On this island located off the coast of Morocco, it is difficult to determine when one season begins or ends. The climate is almost similar all year round, feeling like an eternal spring.
However, let’s break it down for you:
SUMMER IN GRAN CANARIA
If you decide to spend your holidays in Gran Canaria during summer, then expect sunny days almost every single days. The water temperature will also be slightly warmer than the rest of the year. However, like everywhere in the Canary Islands, do not expect Caribbean temperature when it comes to sea temperature. At most the water will be at 23°C.
WINTER IN GRAN CANARIA
From January to March, while some regions on the old continent face the harsh winter, the weather in Gran Canaria is perfect, with temperatures ranging between 19°C and 21°C.
We spend a month in February in the Gran Canaria and we absolutely loved it!
Winter is also the best month to go surfing. Las Palmas and Maspalomas are the best places to surf in Gran Canaria.
However, during our last week in Gran Canaria we were hit by a phenomenon called the calima. This is a strong wind and sand storm coming from the Sahara. This is unfortunately a very unpleasant moment to be in the Canary Islands.
The calima usually last for 2-3 days followed by 1-2 days of rain. However this event is unpredictable. It may happen anytime in the year. So hopefully this will not happen to you during your trip to Gran Canaria.
READ: THE BEST PLACES TO SURF IN THE CANARY ISLANDS
SPRING AND AUTUMN IN GRAN CANARIA
Spring and Autumn are the perfect seasons in Gran Canaria. It is usually less crowded than Winter and Summer and the temperature is most ideal with less rain.
Temperatures usually vary between 23°C and 24°C.
So if you are unsure about when to go to Gran Canaria, opt for Spring or Autumn. This is the best time to visit Gran Canaria!
WHAT IS THE WATER TEMPERATURE IN GRAN CANARIA?
In Gran Canaria like in the rest of the Canary Islands, the water temperature is never too warm. On average, it varies between 18°C in the winter months and 23°C in September, the hottest month. There is therefore relatively little temperature difference during the year, the bravest can swim even during Christmas!
ARE THERE ANY FESTIVALS OR EVENTS IN GRAN CANARIA THROUGHOUT THE YEAR?
In addition to the religious festivals common to all the Canary Islands, some sporting and cultural events are also taking place in Gran Canaria. Here are some of the most popular events in Gran Canaria:
In January during the Epiphany you can admire the cavalcade of the Three Kings. Melchior, Gaspard and Balthazar, traveling the streets on camels at different places with plenty of gifts.
February, Fiesta del Almendro en Flor, The Almond Blossom Festival. It is celebrated on a large scale in the towns of Tejeda and Valsequillo.
From the end of January to the beginning of March, the Gran Canaria Carnival is celebrated in almost every corners of the island.
At the end of April, Fiesta de los Aborígenes on the 29th of the month. A great ceremony as well as traditional dance performances are organized in Fortaleza Grande, near Santa Lucía, during the commemoration of the final uprising of the Guanches against the Spaniards and the annexation of the Gran Canaria by the Crown of Castile in 1483.
On July 16, the Notra. Señora del Carmen. This is a celebration held in honor of the patron saint of sailors. It allows to attend a series of folkloric events.
For more information about all the events in Gran Canaria, you can check out the official website here.
WHAT TO PACK TO VISIT GRAN CANARIA?
In winter, light clothes for the day, as well as a fleece or a very warm sweater for the evening. Even if the rain is rare, it may be wise to take a waterproof jacket, which will always be useful as well as a windbreaker.
During summer, light clothes, t-shirt and long trousers for the evening.
In any season, choose good hiking shoes, without forgetting your swimsuit!
IN A NUTSHELL
Here is is a recap for your trip to Gran Canaria and help you decide on the best time to travel:
- The climate is favorable all year round
- On average, the hottest months are June, July, August, September and October
- The best months for swimming are July, August, September, October and November
- The less touristy time is in Spring and Autumn
In conclusion, the best time to visit Gran Canaria in our opinion would be Spring and Autumn.
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VISITING LAS PALMAS, full guide: here
TEROR, one of the most charming towns in Gran Canaria: here
MASPALOMAS a unique place in Gran Canaria: here
PUERTO DE MOGÁN, our favorite place in Gran Canaria: here
AGÜIMES, a fantastic historical town in Gran Canaria: here
AGAETE, a gorgeous coastal town in Gran Canaria: here
TEJEDA, visit one of the prettiest village in Gran Canaria: here
BEST PLACES TO STAY in Gran Canaria: here
10 BEST BEACHES in Gran Canaria: here
8 REASONS WHY TO VISIT Gran Canaria: here