A Month-by-Month Guide to Gran Canaria’s Climate
Gran Canaria is famous for having multiple climates on one island. You can leave Las Palmas de Gran Canaria under a soft grey sky, drink a coffee in the sun in Maspalomas, and then put on a fleece in Tejeda, all in the same morning.
Weather here changes quickly, the microclimates are real, and the island sometimes makes its own rules.
This guide breaks down each month so you know what to expect in the north, the south, and the mountains, with practical notes for beach lovers, hikers, sun seekers and anyone planning a long stay.
☀️ January: Mild Winter, Clear Skies and Cool Nights
North:
Expect 18 to 22 degrees during the day. Evenings drop quickly once the sun disappears. You may get a few cloudy mornings, but rain is usually light and brief. Great month for long walks on Las Canteras.
South:
Warm, sunny, stable. Easily 22 to 26 degrees most days. Pool-friendly, beach-perfect. Rain is rare.
Mountains:
8 to 15 degrees during the day, colder at sunrise and sunset. You may hit fog near Cruz de Tejeda or Pico de las Nieves.
Bring layers, especially for sunset missions.
Weather changes:
Mountain weather can flip from blue sky to cloud in 20 minutes.
🌤️ February: Fresh Air and Bright Days
North:
Similar to January, but with a cleaner, bluer sky on many days. Still cool at night. Breezy afternoons are common.
South:
Reliable sun. One of the best winter beach months. Slightly warmer than January.
Mountains:
Cold mornings. Possible frost in the highest areas. Visibility shifts quickly, especially near Roque Nublo.
Weather changes:
Expect sudden wind gusts on exposed trails.
🌱 March: The Island Starts Warming Up
North:
More sunny spells, fewer long cloud stretches. Evening temperatures get more comfortable.
South:
Summer-lite has arrived. Warm and bright, ideal for beach life.
Mountains:
One of the most beautiful months. Flowers bloom, temperatures rise, and trails are perfect. 12 to 20 degrees depending on altitude.
Weather changes:
Afternoon clouds can roll into the highlands even on a sunny day.
😎 April: A Golden Month for Almost Everything
North:
Warm afternoons, pleasant breezes, and fewer grey mornings than in summer. Fantastic terrace weather.
South:
Hot but not overwhelming. Proper beach and pool days all month.
Mountains:
Crisp mornings, mild afternoons, and excellent visibility on most days. Bring a light jacket for sunset.
Weather changes:
The mountains can still surprise you with sudden fog in the late afternoon.
🌺 May: Sunshine Season With Cloudy Surprises in the North
North:
The early signs of Panza de Burro appear. Expect cloudy mornings and sunny afternoons, though some days stay grey. Still warm and comfortable.
South:
Dry, bright, and heating up fast. Evening walks feel summery already.
Mountains:
Very pleasant, 15 to 22 degrees depending on altitude. Trails are still green.
Weather changes:
Cloud banks can appear out of nowhere near the north coast.
☁️ June: Warm Days and the Start of the Grey Blanket
North:
Classic Panza de Burro mode. Cloudy mornings, sometimes all day. Temperatures still warm at 23 to 26 degrees.
South:
Full summer vibes. Expect strong sun and dry heat. UV is intense.
Mountains:
Warm days, cool evenings. Fog is common in the early morning and later afternoon.
Weather changes:
A sudden burst of sun can appear even on a very cloudy day.
🌞 July: Sunny Everywhere, Breezy in the North
North:
Warm, sometimes humid. Breezy afternoons keep it comfortable. Cloud cover reduces but still appears unexpectedly.
South:
Hot and dry. Temperatures easily reach 28 to 35 depending on location.
Mountains:
Warm and clear most days. Nights get chilly again. Great for stargazing.
Weather changes:
Trade winds can jump from gentle to intense without warning.
🔆 August: The Hottest Month
North:
Warm days, warm nights, and often humid. Cloud cover varies a lot. Sea temperatures are perfect.
South:
Very hot. Inland areas can hit 40 during heatwaves. Expect intense sun and minimal wind.
Mountains:
Warm but pleasant, 20 to 26 degrees at midday. Nights cool down fast.
Weather changes:
Heatwaves arrive quickly and usually come with calima.
🌬️ September: Soft Light and Perfect Ocean Temperatures
North:
Sunny, calm, warm. A lovely month to live or stay in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
South:
Still hot, but evenings become more comfortable. Ideal for long beach days.
Mountains:
Warm afternoons, cool mornings. One of the best hiking months.
Weather changes:
Clouds can wrap mountains suddenly as the seasons shift.
🍂 October: Golden Days and a Hint of Autumn
North:
Mix of sun and short showers. Temperatures remain beach friendly. Panza de Burro fades out.
South:
Sunny and warm, usually 25 to 30 degrees. Perfect late-season holiday weather.
Mountains:
Cooler evenings, beautiful skies, and occasional mist.
Weather changes:
Rain showers can appear suddenly but rarely last long.
🌧️ November: Rain Arrives, But Not for Long
North:
Short bursts of rain, then back to sunshine. Temperatures stay mild. Even when it rains, the sea stays warm.
South:
Mostly sunny, but expect a few dramatic cloudy days with fast-moving storms.
Mountains:
More rain, more fog, cooler temperatures. Trails may be muddy.
Weather changes:
Storm clouds move extremely fast across the island.
🌞 December: Gentle Winter Sun With Cosy Nights
North:
Colder days, cooler evenings. A very comfortable winter. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria feels lively and fresh.
South:
Sunny, calm, and holiday-ready. Outdoor lunches every day.
Mountains:
Cold. Proper jackets needed. Sunsets above the cloud layer are spectacular.
Weather changes:
Temperature drops quickly after sunset in higher areas.
🌈 Final Word: The Island Lets You Pick Your Weather
Gran Canaria offers sunshine, cloud, fog, heat, and cool ocean breezes every single day somewhere on the island. If you do not like the weather, take a bus in almost any direction. It will change. Sometimes within minutes.
😄 Disclaimer
Gran Canaria’s microclimates have no interest in your expectations. Clouds move quickly, fog appears dramatically, and calima arrives without sending a polite message first. Always double check the weather if you are planning a hike or long day out. Check our most popular weather apps for Gran Canaria.
