Las Canteras & Gran Canaria Weather 2026: Month by Month

The weather in Las Canteras (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) is among the most stable in Europe: an average annual temperature of about 21 °C, sea temperatures of 19–23 °C, about 2,800 hours of sunshine a year and only around 22 rainy days. Monthly averages range from about 18 °C in January to 25 °C in August, and most of the little rain there is falls between November and February. Below is the weather in Gran Canaria by month, followed by what each winter month means for your stay.

Weather in Gran Canaria by Month

Air temperature, rain and sunshine are the official climate normals for 1981–2010 from AEMET, Spain's state weather agency, at the Gran Canaria Airport station in Gando, on the island's east coast, not in Las Canteras itself (AEMET). Monthly rain figures are rounded, so they add up to slightly less than the official annual total of 151 mm. Sea temperatures are monthly averages for Las Palmas (weather2travel, Met Office/CRU data).

In short: the air is warmest in August, the sea is warmest from August to October (about 23 °C), and December is the wettest month. From May to August it hardly rains at all, and over the whole year there are only about 22 days with rain.

The Eternal Spring

Gran Canaria enjoys one of the best climates in the world. With monthly average temperatures from about 18 °C (January) to 25 °C (August), around 2,800 hours of sunshine and only about 150 mm of rain a year, the island offers perfect conditions for holidays in any season. It rarely rains, and the biggest seasonal change is the occasional calima.

A 1996 study by Syracuse University climatologist Thomas Whitmore ranked the Canary Islands' climate among the most pleasant in the world.

Winter Weather Month by Month: November to February

Winter is high season on the island, as many visitors come to escape the European cold. This is what each month means for your stay, based on the averages in the table above.

November

November still feels like late summer by the sea. Expect highs of about 24 °C, lows of 18 °C and a sea at about 22 °C, still warm after the summer. Rain becomes more likely, with about 22 mm over roughly 4 rainy days, but showers are usually brief, and you get around 6 hours of sunshine a day.

• Swim? Yes: at about 22 °C the sea is still pleasant.
• What to pack: summer clothes, swimwear and a light layer for the evenings.
• Typical day: sunny hours on the beach, a walk along the promenade at sunset, a light jumper after dark.

December

December is the rainiest month of the year, yet it only totals about 31 mm, spread over 4–5 rainy days. Highs are about 22 °C, lows 16 °C, the sea is about 20 °C and you get around 6 hours of sunshine a day. The days are the shortest of the year: in Las Palmas the sun rises at about 07:35–07:55 and sets at about 18:05–18:15.

• Swim? Yes, if you don't mind fresh water: 20 °C is cool but swimmable.
• What to pack: T-shirts for the day, long trousers, a jumper or light jacket for the evenings, and swimwear.
• Typical day: a sunny morning walk, a swim around midday, a jacket in the evening.

At Christmas, the Belén de Arena, a nativity scene sculpted in sand, is set up on Las Canteras beach from mid-December to early January. The 2025–26 edition, the twentieth, ran from 15 December to 8 January and was free to visit.

January

January is the coolest month, with an average of 18 °C: highs of about 21 °C, lows of 15 °C and a sea at about 19 °C. It rains on about 3 days in the month (25 mm in total), and you get around 6 hours of sunshine a day.

• Swim? Cool but swimmable at 19 °C: best on a sunny afternoon.
• What to pack: layers for the evenings (lows around 15 °C), a light jacket, closed shoes and swimwear.
• Typical day: mild, sunny hours for walks and hikes, cool evenings.

February

February is very similar to January: highs of about 21 °C, lows of 15 °C, a sea at 19 °C and about 24 mm of rain over 3 days, with a little more sun (around 7 hours a day). Inland, it's the month of the almond blossom.

• Swim? As in January: cool (19 °C) but swimmable.
• What to pack: as for January, plus sunscreen.
• Typical day: mild sunshine for hiking or the beach, cool evenings.

February is also Carnival time: the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival runs from late January to early March, with its main stage in Parque Santa Catalina, and it is a Festival of International Tourist Interest. In 2026 it ran from 23 January to 1 March, with the Queen's Gala (Gala de la Reina) on 13 February. Dates change every year, so check the official programme before you book.

Microclimates

The "Miniature Continent"

Gran Canaria is nicknamed the "miniature continent": conditions change sharply with altitude and orientation, from the humid north-east to the dry south-west and the summits above 1,500 m. In a single day, you can experience very different conditions depending on the area.

Indicative ranges:

By Altitude

Indicative ranges:

The Seasons

Summer (June-September)

• Long sunny spells (morning cloud is common on the north-east coast)
• Pleasant nights (20-22°C)
• Trade winds refresh
• Clear summits
• High-season prices in July and August

Autumn (October-November)

• Sea water at its warmest (about 23 °C)
• Fewer tourists than summer
• Lower prices
• Perfect for hiking
• Spectacular sunsets

Winter (December-February)

• Spring-like days (21-22°C) in the middle of the European winter
• Perfect for outdoor activities
• Almond blossoms (February)
• Carnival (late January–early March)
• Occasional snow on summits

Spring (March-May)

• Island green after winter rains
• Wild flowers
• Perfect temperature for walking
• Less wind than summer
• Excellent for photography

Special Phenomena

Calima

• Stay well hydrated
• Avoid intense exercise
• Seek air-conditioned indoors
• Beaches are still enjoyable

Trade Winds (Alisios)

• Refresh summer heat
• Keep air clean

Sea of Clouds

Frequent phenomenon: clouds trapped on northern slopes while summits and south remain clear.

Climate by Activity

Best Season by Activity

Best Season by Zone

What to Pack

Summer (June-September)

Winter (December-February)

For Mountains (Year-round)

Weather Forecast

Recommended Apps and Websites

Before a hike or a day trip, check the forecast: conditions on the summits and in the south can be very different from those at Las Canteras.

Live Webcam of Las Canteras

Before heading down to the beach you can check the sea, the swell and the atmosphere with a live webcam of Las Canteras. The SkylineWebcams camera shows a panoramic view of the promenade and the beach in real time, 24/7, and for surf you can watch La Cícer live. It's the quickest way to see the real-time weather at Las Canteras before you leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Gran Canaria?

Does it rain a lot in Gran Canaria?

No. The coast receives only about 150 mm of rain per year (AEMET, Gran Canaria Airport; Madrid Retiro: about 420 mm). Rain concentrates in November–February and is usually brief.

Is it cold in winter?

On the coast, no. In December-February daytime highs are about 21-22°C and nights about 15-16°C. You can swim year-round (water about 19-20°C in winter). At the summits, yes, it can be cold, so bring warm layers.

Which is the warmest month, and which is the coolest?

What is calima?

Saharan wind that brings African dust. Occurs several times a year, usually for 1–3 days. It raises the temperature and reduces visibility. Uncomfortable but not dangerous.

When is the sea water warmest?

Do I need a jacket for Gran Canaria?

For the coast, a light cardigan is enough for cool evenings. If you plan to go to the summits, bring a windbreaker and some warm layers.

Why do they say the south is better?

The south (Maspalomas, Mogán) has fewer clouds and more sun than the north. But the north has greener landscapes, and Las Canteras is protected by its natural reef, La Barra.

Is there a temperature difference north-south?

Yes, the south is usually sunnier and somewhat warmer than the north-east coast.