The best months to visit Gran Canaria are May, June, September and October, when average highs land in the comfortable low-20s with very little rain. June sees an average high of 20.9 °C with just 2 rain days and 13.2 hours of sunshine a day, while October holds 20.2 °C with 5 rain days — ideal for Las Canteras beach without the summer crush. July and August are peak season, hotter at around 26.8 °C to 27.7 °C and busy with school-holiday crowds. The winter months are quieter and cooler, with highs near 12.3 °C in January, though still sunny by northern-European standards.
Best months MayJuneSeptemberOctober
Gran Canaria month by month
Average highs and lows (°C), 2016–2025. Highlighted bars are the best months.
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Sun / day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12.3 °C | 3.1 °C | 5 | 9.8 h |
| February | 13.2 °C | 3.4 °C | 6 | 10.4 h |
| March | 14 °C | 4 °C | 8 | 11.2 h |
| April | 15.9 °C | 5.2 °C | 5 | 11.8 h |
| May | 18.2 °C | 6.7 °C | 4 | 12.8 h |
| June | 20.9 °C | 9.2 °C | 2 | 13.2 h |
| July | 26.8 °C | 13.6 °C | 1 | 12.7 h |
| August | 27.7 °C | 14.9 °C | 2 | 12 h |
| September | 22.8 °C | 11.5 °C | 3 | 11.5 h |
| October | 20.2 °C | 9.9 °C | 5 | 10.6 h |
| November | 15.9 °C | 6.9 °C | 8 | 9.6 h |
| December | 12.9 °C | 4.2 °C | 7 | 9.6 h |
How the months are picked.A month qualifies when its average high sits in the comfortable 20–28 °C band (scored down towards 9 °C and 37 °C), rain days are few and sunshine hours are high — at least 78 % of the city's best-scoring month. July and August are then set aside as peak season (school-holiday crowds and prices) whenever at least three other months qualify; where summer is the only comfortable window they stay. Figures are ten-year averages (2016-01-01 to 2025-12-31) from ERA5 reanalysis data via Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0) for the city centre coordinates.
When to go, and what to expect
Spring (Mar–May)
A top pick — warm, dry and uncrowded, especially late spring.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
June is excellent; mid-summer suits beach-lovers who don't mind heat and crowds.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
A top pick — the sea is warm and the island relaxed through September and October.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Worth it for mild winter sun seekers, though too cool for comfortable sea swimming.
Notable events
- February
- Carnival of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
- March or April
- Semana Santa (Holy Week)
- June
- Fiesta de San Juan (Las Palmas founding celebrations)
- May
- Día de Canarias (Canary Islands Day)
Frequently asked
Is Gran Canaria too hot in August?
August is the warmest month with an average high of 27.7 °C and just 2 rain days — hot but manageable thanks to coastal breezes. The main downside is the school-holiday crowds, which is why we favour June, September and October instead.
What is the rainiest month in Gran Canaria?
Rain is never heavy, but March and November tie for the most rain days at 8 each. Even then sunshine stays high, with 11.2 hours a day in March.
Is winter worth visiting?
Yes, if you want mild sun rather than beach weather. January highs reach 12.3 °C with 9.8 hours of sunshine a day and 5 rain days — pleasant for sightseeing, but the sea is cool for swimming.
Know when to go? Now decide where to stay — our Gran Canaria area guide →
Areas of Gran Canaria
Best time to visit near here
Sources
- Open-Meteo historical weather API — monthly climate normals, 2016–2025 (CC BY 4.0)
- ERA5 reanalysis (ECMWF / Copernicus) — the underlying temperature, precipitation and sunshine data
- ReasonStay methodology — how the best months are computed and checked
An independent guide to Gran Canaria — honest, verified, no invented data. Climate figures: ERA5 via Open-Meteo, 2016–2025 averages; the best months are computed from them, not opinion.