Gran Canaria in winter: the islands of eternal spring are the ideal escape from winter at home. Where it is warmest and least windy, whether you can swim and where to stay – tips from a tour rep.
It is warmest and least windy around Puerto Rico and Mogán. Both are sheltered from the wind, so even within the sunny south this is where the weather is most stable.
San Agustín, Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas are lovely in winter too, though. The south of the island is stable and sunny all year round. You can read more about each place in the articles Gran Canaria resorts and Puerto de Mogán.
To see where the sun is shining on the island today and what the sea is like, check IslaBu.
Puerto Rico and Mogán – both sheltered from the wind.
Shorts during the day, a light jumper in the evening.
Much colder in winter – you will need warm clothes.
From roughly January to March, winter temperatures are around 20–22 °C. There can be windier days when it is partly cloudy or overcast – mainly in the mountains. Most days are sunny, though.
You can swim in the sea in winter too. Just bear in mind that this is the ocean, so the water is cooler. Even so, swimming is completely normal for holidaymakers.
In the south, shorts are enough for most of the year, including winter, with a light jumper for the evening. For the mountains, take warm clothes.
If you do not like very high temperatures and would rather go hiking or explore the island, winter is ideal. There is more water and waterfalls can appear, for example at Fuente de los Azulejos.
It can be much colder in the mountains in winter. It is, however, a good time for a barbecue in the mountains – in summer the barbecues at Llanos de la Pez are usually closed because of the risk of fire. You will find tips for trips inland in the article Gran Canaria mountains and interior.
Expect cooler weather and more cloud – take a jumper or a jacket.
In winter there is more water on the island and waterfalls appear too.
In San Agustín I would recommend the Don Gregory or Abora Interclub hotels, in Playa del Inglés the Barceló Margaritas and in Maspalomas the Mirador or Suites & Villas.
From January to March temperatures are around 20–22 °C. The south is sunny and stable all year round; windier and cloudier days are mainly in the mountains.
Around Puerto Rico and Mogán. They are sheltered from the wind, which is why the weather there is the most stable, even within the sunny south.
Yes, holidaymakers swim quite normally. Just bear in mind that this is the ocean, so the water is cooler.
Shorts for the south and a light jumper for the evening. Warm clothes for the mountains, as it is much colder there in winter.
Gran Canaria is an island of eternal spring, so I warmly recommend a winter visit to anyone who does not want to spend the whole winter at home. Most days here are sunny.