> Quick Answer: Las Canteras is a year-round destination with an average annual temperature of 21°C and over 300 sunny days. The best months are May, September and October — warm weather (21-25°C), a calm sea (20-24°C) and fewer crowds than summer. Even in winter, temperatures stay at 17-20°C, perfect for walks along the promenade near Casita Palmera.
The Perfect Climate of Las Canteras
Las Canteras enjoys one of the best climates in the world. The average annual temperature is 21°C, with minimal variations between summer and winter. It's no coincidence that Gran Canaria is known as the island of "eternal spring".
This means any time of year is good to visit Las Canteras. However, depending on what you're looking for, some periods may suit you better than others.
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Month-by-Month Climate
Annual Summary Table
| Month | Avg Temp | Sea Temp | Sun Hours | Rain | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18°C | 19°C | 6h | 25mm | Quiet, Carnival |
| February | 18°C | 18°C | 7h | 20mm | Carnival |
| March | 19°C | 18°C | 7h | 15mm | Spring |
| April | 20°C | 19°C | 8h | 5mm | Spring |
| May | 21°C | 20°C | 9h | 2mm | Ideal |
| June | 23°C | 21°C | 9h | 0mm | Early summer |
| July | 25°C | 22°C | 10h | 0mm | Summer |
| August | 26°C | 23°C | 9h | 0mm | Summer, most tourists |
| September | 25°C | 24°C | 8h | 10mm | Ideal, warm sea |
| October | 23°C | 23°C | 7h | 15mm | Mild autumn |
| November | 21°C | 21°C | 6h | 25mm | Quiet |
| December | 19°C | 20°C | 6h | 30mm | Christmas, Nativity |
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The Seasons in Las Canteras
Winter (December - February)
Europe's mildest winter. While the continent freezes, you can stroll along Las Canteras beach in short sleeves.
Temperatures: 17-20°C day, 14-16°C night Sea: 18-20°C Rain: Possible rainy days, but never prolonged Advantages:- Lower accommodation prices (except Christmas and Carnival)
- Fewer tourists (more space on the beach)
- Las Palmas Carnival (January-February)
- Sand Nativity (December-January)
- Pleasant weather for activities
- Sea cooler for swimming
- Shorter days
- Possible cloudy days
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Spring (March - May)
The most balanced time of year. Good weather, reasonable prices and fewer crowds.
Temperatures: 19-22°C day, 15-18°C night Sea: 18-20°C Rain: Very scarce Advantages:- Ideal climate (neither cold nor too hot)
- Moderate prices
- Green island after winter rains
- Perfect for hiking
- Sea still somewhat cool (until May)
- Easter can be busy
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Summer (June - August)
Peak season par excellence. Guaranteed sun, warm sea and lively atmosphere. Temperatures: 24-28°C day, 20-22°C night Sea: 21-24°C Rain: Practically non-existent Advantages:- Sea perfect for swimming
- Very long days
- Very lively atmosphere
- Pleasant terrace evenings
- Higher prices
- More tourists (especially August)
- Occasional calima (Sahara heat)
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Autumn (September - November)
The best kept secret. Sea at its warmest, fewer people and lower prices.
Temperatures: 22-25°C day, 19-21°C night Sea: 23-24°C (warmest of the year) Rain: Possible from October Advantages:- Warmest sea of the year (September)
- Low prices
- Fewer tourists
- Still summer-like weather
- Possible rain from November
- Shortening days
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Sea Temperature
Las Canteras water is warmer than the Atlantic average thanks to warm currents from the south.
Monthly Water Temperature
| Month | Temperature | Swimming? |
|---|---|---|
| January | 19°C | Refreshing |
| February | 18°C | Cool |
| March | 18°C | Cool |
| April | 19°C | Refreshing |
| May | 20°C | Pleasant |
| June | 21°C | Good |
| July | 22°C | Perfect |
| August | 23°C | Perfect |
| September | 24°C | Excellent |
| October | 23°C | Excellent |
| November | 21°C | Good |
| December | 20°C | Pleasant |
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Hours of Sunshine
Las Canteras has over 2,800 hours of sunshine per year (one of the highest rates in Europe).
Sun by Season
| Season | Hours/day | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | 6-7h | ~7:30 | ~18:30 |
| Spring | 8-9h | ~7:00 | ~20:30 |
| Summer | 9-10h | ~6:30 | ~21:00 |
| Autumn | 7-8h | ~7:00 | ~19:30 |
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Rainfall
Las Palmas is one of Spain's least rainy cities (approximately 150mm annually, compared to the national average of 650mm).
Monthly Precipitation
| Month | Precipitation | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| January | 25mm | 3-4 |
| February | 20mm | 2-3 |
| March | 15mm | 2-3 |
| April | 5mm | 1 |
| May | 2mm | 0-1 |
| June | 0mm | 0 |
| July | 0mm | 0 |
| August | 0mm | 0 |
| September | 10mm | 1 |
| October | 15mm | 2 |
| November | 25mm | 3-4 |
| December | 30mm | 4-5 |
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Special Weather Phenomena
Calima
Wind carrying sand from the Sahara that can raise temperatures and reduce visibility.
- Frequency: 2-5 episodes per year
- Duration: Usually 1-3 days
- Effects: Yellowish sky, heat, dust
- Most common months: July-August, February
Wind
Trade winds blow constantly from the northeast, especially in summer.
- Benefit: They cool the air and keep the climate pleasant
- Drawback: Can blow sand on the beach some days
- Sheltered areas: El Confital, Playa Chica are more protected
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When to Travel Based on Your Profile
For Families with Children
Best time: July-August- Warm and safe sea
- Summer schedules (shops open late)
- Family activities
For Couples
Best time: September-October- Romantic atmosphere (fewer tourists)
- Warm sea
- Spectacular sunsets
- Lower prices
For Digital Nomads
Best time: October-April- Low accommodation prices
- More active nomad community
- Good weather for working
- Carnival as a bonus
For Surfers
Best time: October-March- Best waves (north swell)
- Fewer tourists in the water
- La Cícer at its best
For Hikers
Best time: March-May- Moderate temperatures
- Green island after rains
- Longer days than winter
- Wildflowers
For Budget Travelers
Best time: January (except Carnival), November- Lowest prices of the year
- Still pleasant weather
- Fewer tourists
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What to Pack
Year Round
- High SPF sunscreen (Canarian sun is strong)
- Sunglasses
- Light clothing (t-shirts, shorts)
- Swimsuit
Winter (add)
- Light jacket for evenings
- Long trousers
- Thin sweater
- Light rain jacket (just in case)
Summer (add)
- Hat or cap
- Sandals
- Extra beach clothes
For Excursions
- Hiking shoes
- Small backpack
- Windbreaker (for mountains)
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Events and Weather
Events with Good Weather
| Event | Date | Expected Weather |
|---|---|---|
| Carnival | January-February | 18-20°C, possible occasional rain |
| TransGranCanaria | March | 19°C, ideal for running |
| San Juan | June 23 | 23°C, perfect nights |
| Sand Nativity | Dec-January | 18-19°C, pleasant |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time to visit Las Canteras?
There's no bad time. For beach, summer (June-September). For hiking, spring (March-May). For budget travel, autumn-winter (October-February, except Christmas and Carnival).Is it cold in winter?
Not really. Minimum temperatures hover around 15°C. You can walk in short sleeves most days. That said, evenings can be cool.
Can you swim in winter?
Yes, though the water is 18-19°C. Many locals swim year-round. For tourists, it may feel refreshing, but not cold.
Does it rain a lot?
Very little. Most days are sunny. Rains are more frequent between November and February, but usually brief.
What is calima?
It's a weather phenomenon with Saharan dust. It raises temperatures and reduces visibility. It happens a few times a year and lasts 1-3 days.
Is there a hurricane season?
No. The Canary Islands are outside hurricane paths. Occasionally there may be tropical storms that pass by, but they're very rare.
How many hours of sun per day?
Between 6 hours in winter and 10 hours in summer. It's one of Europe's sunniest cities.
When is it cheapest to travel?
January (after Three Kings, before Carnival), November and first half of December have the lowest prices.Do I need air conditioning?
Not essential. The climate is mild and the sea breeze is cooling. However, in summer or during calima it can be pleasant. Casita Palmera has air conditioning for your comfort.
Looking for a vacation rental apartment?
Casita Palmera is a licensed vacation rental apartment 50 metres from Las Canteras Beach.
View Apartment