Gran Canaria in winter: a good idea?
Absolutely! Here’s our guide to help you decide and plan your trip:
- Gran Canaria’s winter sun, temperature and weather,
- Reasons to visit between December and March,
- Attractions in Gran Canaria in winter,
- Christmas and New Year in Gran Canaria
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Is Gran Canaria a winter destination? Short answers
What should you expect when visiting Gran Canaria in winter?
Gran Canaria has a lot to offer all year round. When it comes to winter, you can expect the following:
- The days are long
the shortest day of the year still has 10 hours of daylight (sunrise around 7:30 am and sunset around 6 pm). - The climate remains very sunny with little rain.
- The winter sun is warm – It’s not hot like summer, but it’s warm. Especially when the sun is out. Daytime temperatures between 18°C and 24°C (64°F and 75°F) at the seaside
- Sea temperature between 18°C and 20°C (64°F and 68°F)
- Beautiful beaches, a little less crowded than in summer (except at Christmas and Easter)
- Nice hikes to do thanks to cooler temperatures.
- Almost everything stays open in winter
So is Gran Canaria a good winter destination?
Absolutely.
If you’re looking to escape the winter chill, enjoy a little warmth and breathtaking scenery, traveling to Gran Canaria is a great idea.
Enjoy longer days, warmer temperatures and plenty of activities.
WHERE TO STAY IN Gran Canaria
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Gran Canaria
- Our favorite: Marina Suites Hotel
Select by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best adults-only hotels
- Best all-inclusive hotels (coming soon)
- Best hotels for families
Select by city:
5 reasons to visit Gran Canaria in winter
#1. Climate
Gran Canaria offers a warm climate in winter, ideal for escaping the cold.
Temperatures are similar to spring – around 18 to 24°C (64.4°F to 75.2°F) during the day by the sea (cooler in the mountains).
There’s a little rain, and it doesn’t last long.
#2 – The tours and activities don’t stop
As a year-round destination, you can enjoy most visits and activities in winter too.
FUN in Gran Canaria:activities
Dolphin watching
Buggy / Quad
Snorkeling
Kayaking in the Mogan caves
But also: Canyoning, Horse riding, Via Ferrata, Coasteering… See all options
#3 – Fewer people (more or less)
Gran Canaria is popular, especially in summer (high season).
In winter, it’s always popular (it’s a year-round destination), but you can more easily find quieter spots.
However, the Christmas and Easter vacations are also very busy!
#4 – Hiking
In summer, it’s almost too hot to hike in Gran Canaria’s mountains. In winter, however, conditions are ideal for discovering the island’s magnificent central landscapes.
#5 – Kitesurfing and more
Although the windiest months (the trade wind season) are in summer, winter remains an excellent time for board sports on Gran Canaria. It’s the ideal time to combine kitesurfing and windsurfing, but it’s especially high season for surfing thanks to the beautiful Atlantic waves.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Gran Canaria
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
Gran Canaria in winter – Sun, heat, weather
Is it warm in Gran Canaria in winter?
In winter, the temperatures to be expected at the seaside are..:
- around 18 to 24°C during the day (64°F and 75°F)
- 12 to 17°C overnight (54°F and 63°F)
This makes it one of the warmest places in Europe in winter.
Temperatures are a little lower in the mountains.
Winter sun in Gran Canaria – how much sun can you expect?
With the climate, nothing is guaranteed.
But due to the island’s geography, most days offer beautiful blue skies.
It may rain, but not that much compared to the rest of Europe, and mostly in small patches. All you have to do is wait a little.
The weather is normally a little nicer and warmer in the south of the island.
In winter, you have:
- at least 10 hours of daylight,
- 7 to 9 hours of sunshine on winter days out of these 10 hours.
Can you sunbathe in Gran Canaria in winter?
Absolutely.
As previously written, in December, January and February, daytime temperatures at beach level are around 18 to 24°C (64°F and 75°F).
When the sun is out, due to the island’s low latitude, it’s quite warm.
And don’t forget to use sunscreen!
See our selection of Gran Canaria’s most beautiful beaches.
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