The weather in Gran Canaria and the Canary Islands in general is known to be one of the best in the world. Why? Mainly because the temperature throughout the year is generally temperate. That is to say, in summer the temperatures do not usually rise of 30 degrees and in winter they do not usually go below 15. In the same way, it is not a destination where it is usual to rain or be cloudy. In fact, the Canary Islands is the region of Europe that has more daylight hours throughout the year. It has been shown that sunlight provides numerous benefits and one of them is happiness. Maybe that is why the millions of tourists who visit the Canary Islands each year positively value the hospitality of its residents.
Likewise, the weather in Gran Canaria is quite stable. This means that it is not an area hit by earthquakes, tornadoes, torrential rains or volcanic eruptions. That is to say, it is a very safe destination in this sense.
The weather in Gran Canaria. A miniature continent
You should know that Gran Canaria can have very different climates within the same island. For example, in winter in the interior and mountainous areas of the island there may be 5 degrees and be hailing and to the south of the island there may be perfectly 20 degrees and a spectacular sun. In the same way, it can be cloudy in the north with a pleasant temperature of 22 degrees and in the south a sun that breaks the stones and up to 28 degrees. That is, according to what part of the island, the weather can be very different.
As a general rule, the sun and the highest temperatures in Gran Canaria tend to be concentrated in the south of the island. On the contrary, the interior and mountainous areas tend to be cooler and rainier. In any case, due to the proximity of the Canary Islands to Africa, sometimes the famous haze known as “calima” or “weather from Africa” is given, with which the temperatures rise and the sky is slightly colored earth by the sand in suspension that brings wind. This is not common, but it can occur several times throughout the year. Mostly in summer.
Finally, you should know that the weather of the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has been considered on numerous occasions and by different international media as one of the best in the world: sunny hours, pleasant temperatures and few days of rain.
Temperatures in Gran Canaria
As we mentioned at the beginning, temperatures in Gran Canaria are generally temperate throughout the year. That is to say, without suffering great contrasts between the different seasons. Therefore, in summer you can have a day of 23 degrees and in winter too. But the normal thing is that in the coastal areas the temperatures throughout the year are always pleasant and exceed 20 degrees during the day, especially in the south. On the contrary, in the interior of the island and higher areas, in the winter months the temperatures hardly rise of 20 degrees, but even so in very few occasions it is possible to be at temperatures below zero on the island.
Precipitations in Gran Canaria
Normally, it does not rain in Gran Canaria in summer. That is, between June and October, there is very little chance of rain. On the other hand, during the rest of the months it can rain 3 or 4 times a month, but normally it only occurs in the north or interior of the island, the south and, above all, the southwest, it is always an exception. This does not mean that it does not rain in the south of the island. In fact, when it rains in the south, it usually rains a lot. And it is when there is “southern storm”. In the south it rains well or it never rains.
Wind in Gran Canaria
With the exception of storms or occasional storms (1, 2 or 3 throughout the year), the wind in the islands is usually mild and pleasant. The southeast and east of Gran Canaria is windier than the rest of the island. That’s why it’s a paradise for sports like windsurfing. One of these areas is Pozo Izquierdo and even world championships are held here.
The trade winds make the temperatures in Gran Canaria pleasant throughout the year, as they replace hot air with cooler air from higher latitudes. In addition, these winds cause the well-known donkey belly that we explain to you next.
What is the “panza de burro” or donkey belly?
The belly donkey is an expression that canaries use when, thanks to the trade winds, clouds accumulate in the north of the most mountainous islands of the Canary Islands. As a general rule in Gran Canaria, it is usually produced in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. And normally during the months of July and August. This makes the clouds act as a screen against the strong solar radiation of summer and the climate is cooler than in other areas of the island. It is true that the presence of the donkey belly makes the heat more humid than usual.
The good thing about Gran Canaria being a continent in miniature is that if you want sun you can move 30 minutes by car to the south and you will have it.
Best time to travel to Gran Canaria
We can say that any month of the year is good to travel to Gran Canaria, since the weather is stable throughout the year as we said at the beginning. If you are looking for sun, you can always find it in the south. What is certain is that the months of September and October are when the sun is most guaranteed in the north and the donkey’s belly disappears, however, the countryside will be dry after spending the whole summer without raining. So the interior will be uglier.
Therefore, perhaps the best months to visit Gran Canaria and see it in its splendor are April, May and June, since the weather will be good in practically the entire island. In the same way, there will still be some greenery after the spring rains in the inland towns.
Gran Canaria local guides
You still have a lot to learn about Gran Canaria and we have prepared for you a several local guides of the island. Are you just visiting the most tourist sites? Discover the authentic side of the island with us by clicking on the following image.
Are you organizing your trip to Gran Canaria? Do not forget your travel insurance! As you are our reader you have a 5% discount anywhere in the world. You just have to book the insurance with a click on the next photo. The weather in Gran Canaria is not something you can assure. However, your desired holidays yes 🙂
We are Ruth & Jorge, Gran Canarians with a travelling soul. Experts in tourism and digital marketing. We share the most authentic side of Gran Canaria (where we live) and… our adventures around the world!
