Best Time to Visit Las Canteras 2026

Quick Answer: Las Canteras is a year-round destination with an average annual temperature of about 21°C, around 2,800 hours of sunshine and only about 22 rainy days a year (AEMET). The best months are May, September and October: warm weather (20-24°C on average), sea temperatures of 20-23°C and fewer crowds than summer. They are also low-season months, with lower prices. Even in winter, daytime highs are about 21-22°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.

Month-by-Month Climate

Air temperature, sunshine and rainfall figures in this guide are AEMET normals for 1981-2010 from the Gran Canaria Airport station; sea temperatures are approximate monthly averages. For more detail, see our weather and climate guide to Gran Canaria.

Annual Summary Table

The Seasons in Las Canteras

Winter (December - February)

One of Europe's mildest winters. While the continent freezes, you can stroll along Las Canteras beach in short sleeves.

• Las Palmas Carnival (late January to early March)
• Sand Nativity (December-January)
• Pleasant weather for activities

• December and February are high season: book early for Christmas and Carnival
• Sea cooler for swimming
• Shorter days
• Possible cloudy days

Spring (March - May)

The most balanced time of year. Good weather, reasonable prices and fewer crowds.

• 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

Summer (June - August)

• Sea perfect for swimming
• Very long days
• Very lively atmosphere
• Pleasant terrace evenings

• Higher prices (July and August)
• More tourists (especially August)
• Occasional calima (Sahara heat)

Autumn (September - November)

The best kept secret. Sea at its warmest, fewer people and lower prices.

• Warmest sea of the year (August-October)
• Low prices
• Fewer tourists
• Still summer-like weather

• Possible rain from November
• Shortening days

Sea Temperature

The sea stays fairly cool for the latitude because of the cool Canary Current, which flows south-west past the islands; it is warmest from August to October.

Monthly Water Temperature

Hours of Sunshine

Las Canteras gets about 2,800 hours of sunshine per year (AEMET, Gran Canaria Airport). Daily sunshine ranges from about 6 hours in winter to 10 hours in summer.

Sunrise and Sunset

Local times in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in June and December, the months with the longest and shortest days of the year:

Rainfall

Las Palmas is one of Spain's least rainy cities (about 150mm a year, against a Spanish average of about 640mm).

Monthly Precipitation

Special Weather Phenomena

Calima

Wind carrying sand from the Sahara that can raise temperatures and reduce visibility.

• Frequency: Several episodes a year
• Duration: Usually 1-3 days
• Effects: Yellowish sky, heat, dust

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: The northern stretch behind La Barra (from Playa Grande to La Puntilla) and Playa Chica

When to Travel Based on Your Profile

For Families with Children

• Warm and safe sea
• Summer schedules (shops open late)
• Family activities

For Couples

• Romantic atmosphere (fewer tourists)
• Warm sea
• Spectacular sunsets
• Lower prices

For Digital Nomads

• Low-season prices in October and November
• More active nomad community
• Good weather for working
• Carnival as a bonus

For Surfers

• Best waves (north swell)
• Fewer tourists in the water
• La Cícer at its best

For Hikers

• Moderate temperatures
• In spring (March-May): green island after the rains, wildflowers and longer days

For Budget Travelers

• Lowest prices of the year
• Pleasant weather
• Fewer tourists

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)

Events and Weather

Events with Good Weather

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time to visit Las Canteras?

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 about 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 about 6 hours in winter and 10 hours in summer.

When is it cheapest to travel?

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.