Winter in Gran Canaria, weather for November, December and January. Worth it?

Are you thinking of visiting Gran Canaria but you’re not sure when would be a good time? Or perhaps you have a spare weekend during the winter season and you don’t know what to do with it?

Today we’ll talk about why Gran Canaria is worthy of consideration as your holiday destination of choice this winter. Is it warm in Gran Canaria in winter? Are winter holidays in Gran Canaria worth it?

First, we’ll give you five things you can do in Gran Canaria in winter. At the end, we’ll include a breakdown of the Gran Canaria temperatures in November, December and January.

Skip there, if that’s all you need to make your call.

 

Winter in Gran Canaria

Is it warm?

 

Is it warm in Gran Canaria in winter? Oh, warm understates this. Like for the rest of the Canaries, Gran Canaria never really moves on from spring and certainly knows nothing of the greys of winter.

We’ll talk about the exact temperatures in a moment, as firstly we need to discuss what you can do in Gran Canaria in winter.

 

Walks across Gran Canaria

Winter hikes in Gran Canaria

 

Gran Canaria has trekking trails scattered all across the island and the weather in winter is just right for a very pleasant walk. For instance, you can take a hike to Pico de Las Nieves, Gran Canaria’s tallest peak at almost 2000 metres above sea level. Be mindful, however, that the temperatures and general weather will change when you traverse high enough.

You can also go trekking in the Parque Natural de Pilancones National Park, visit the Caldera de Los Marteles or the Reserva Natural Especial de los Tilos.

 

Camel rides in Gran Canaria

A unique gem in Gran Canaria

 

Camels? In Gran Canaria? Sounds like two jigsaw pieces which shouldn’t match, yet here we are. Brought from North Africa, most likely in the 16th century, can still be found in the Maspalomas Dunes. For around €15 you’ll be able to ride a camel yourself, for around 30 minutes. 

Even though they are treated exceptionally well in Gran Canaria, there’s still obviously a massive moral dilemma in regards to using these animals as a tourist attraction – you’ll have to look to your own moral compass to dictate whether you would like to partake. If not and it has just made you a bit angry, you can consider making use of that anger and supporting foundations like the Wild Camel Foundation, helping… well, wild camels in China and Mongolia.

 

Outdoor sports in Gran Canaria

Active winter holidays in Gran Canaria

 

Thanks to the spring-like temperatures, you can also spend time being more active – for instance by playing sports outdoors. What can you do in winter in Gran Canaria? You can try water skiing, windsurfing, diving or a newer form of windsurfing: foiling.

On land, of course, you can do cycling, run along mountain paths or even play golf.

 

Dolphins and whales in Gran Canaria

Dolphin and whale watching in winter

 

Not the sort of thing we get to see everyday at home, but it’s everyday bread for the Canaries. You can either spot them at random or pay for a dolphin or whale watching cruise, where a ship takes you to areas where you can most likely see these lovely creatures.

The cost of such an endeavour is about €35 per person for a 2.5h cruise.

 

Weather in Gran Canaria in November

Temperatures in November

 

In November, you can expect temperatures of around 24 to 26 degrees Celsius during the day on the coast.

At night, the temperatures will drop to around 16 degrees, it can be a bit windy too. Do take a windproof jacket with you if you’ve got one. As for rain, don’t expect much of it at all.

 

Weather in Gran Canaria in December

Temperatures in December

 

What about December? If you’re coming over for the Christmas season, you can expect 21-25 degrees, a tiny decrease from November, and plenty of sunshine still.

Nights get down to 14-15 degrees. Still practically no rain.

 

Weather in Gran Canaria in January

Temperatures in January

 

January is the coldest month listed, with temperatures at truly freezing 20-22 degrees Celsius and around 15 degrees at night.

It can rain a tiny bit more than in the previous months, but don’t worry too much, it’s still negligible amounts.

 

If you’re looking to escape the winter’s grasp, Gran Canaria has got you covered. Honestly, with heating costs these years, the trip may even pay for itself.

If you’re looking for somewhere else interesting to visit in winter, why not winter in Fuerteventura, Lanzarote or Tenerife?