Gran Canaria is a small island, but it has a lot of contrasts in its weather. The Pico de las Nieves is a snow capped mountain peak, and the rolling sand dunes of Maspalomas are more like a desert. There are many beautiful beaches, which can be used all year round because of the temperate climate. The water ranges between 18ºC during winter months and 22ºC the rest of the year.

Even though they are only 200km east of the North African mainland, they are protected from the stifling summer heat by the North-East tradewinds, which are nearly constant in July, and the Canary Current, which brings cooler water up from the depths of the ocean as it flows south past the Canaries.

There is low annual rainfall in Gran Canaria, and virtually none in the summer months. The rainy season is in December and January, with about 8 days of rain in each of those months. There is more rain on the north side of the island than in the south, and it is also cooler there.

The mountains get even more moisture and have snow in the winter. You can sunbathe on the beach and then drive an hour up the mountain to walk in the snow! From there you can go to Maspalomas and slide down the dunes. Because you find so many extremes on Gran Canaria, it is known as a “continent in miniature.”

The south end of Gran Canario, around Puerto Rico, is the hottest and sunniest in all of the Canaries.

Because of its beautiful climate, car hire in Gran Canaria is ideal as it allows you to visit this beautiful island.