The month in detail
What to expect in May
Spring marks the start of the good season in Gran Canaria. Temperatures rise (75°F) and tourists have not yet arrived en masse. Rain is virtually absent (0% of days) — ideal for planning without a backup. This is one of the best times of year to visit Gran Canaria.
May ranks 4 out of 12 months in Gran Canaria. Compared to April: +4°F daytime, +1.2h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in May
UV index
8 · very high
protection essential
Feels like
comfortable
14°
Sea
21°C
cool, invigorating
Daylight
13.4h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 36
Compare
Is May the right month?
The best month in Gran Canaria is August (9.7/10), 0.7 pt higher than May.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Gran Canaria
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Gran Canaria
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach trip.
Country · Spain
🗣️LanguageSpanish
💶CurrencyEuro (€)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘModerate · 3/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend ⓘ+3.22°F/decade
🔥Hottest monthAugust · 82°F
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 68°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘDecember · 16%
🏖️ Beach trip
📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
🛂VisaSchengen · 90 days
Explore
Other destinations in May
If May doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is Gran Canaria ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
SpainTemperate oceanic climate with a 9.7 → 7.9 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
27.92°N · 15.39°W
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Gran Canaria?
August is the best month with 82°F highs, 72°F lows, 9.7h of sunshine and 0.0% rainy days. The months of August & July offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Gran Canaria get in August?
Gran Canaria averages 9.7 sunshine hours per day in August. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 9.5/10.
What is the rainiest month in Gran Canaria?
January is the most unfavourable month with January has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Gran Canaria in August?
In August, overnight lows reach 72°F, while afternoon highs average 82°F.
Is Gran Canaria good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Gran Canaria scores 7.4/10 on average — Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains August with a score of 9.5/10.
When should you avoid Gran Canaria?
January is the most difficult month to visit Gran Canaria, with January has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Gran Canaria in May?
In May, the sea averages 70°F in Gran Canaria: cool, invigorating. Swimming is possible but brisk; sensitive swimmers may prefer a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Gran Canaria in May?
The average UV index reaches 8 in May in Gran Canaria (very high), with about 13.4h of daylight. Protection essential.