Gran Canaria Weather in May - Warm Early Summer Holidays

Published on March 22, 2023
Gran CanariaWeather in Gran Canaria
Weather gran canaria may
Maspalomas dunes in May in Gran Canaria 

Although the weather in Gran Canaria is mild and sunny all year round, May is when the temperatures really start to rise and you know that summer is almost here. 

The average temperature of the sea is above 20° C in May, which means that it will be warm enough for almost everyone to enjoy a good swim.

If you are looking for an early summer holiday, with sunbathing and swimming weather but without the big prices and big crowds, then Gran Canaria is a good destination for May, except for the last week when the prices skyrocket due to the UK school holidays. So if you're planning a family holiday to Gran Canaria and you want to bring the kids, we advise you to book in advance if possible, as the prices will go crazy, especially for flights (if you are booking them separately).

How is the weather in Gran Canaria in May

THE NUMBERS MENTIONED IN THE ARTICLE (temperatures, sunshine hours, seawater temperature, etc.) ARE FROM GRAN CANARIA AIRPORT WEATHER STATION

The temperatures during the day in May are between 22°C and 25°C, which means that you will be able to sunbathe comfortably during this early summer month.

May is also a good month to visit Gran Canaria if you plan on having an active holiday, with plenty of walking and hiking day. The days are longer, the temperatures rise and there are far fewer chances of rain and storms compared to the previous winter months. Also, in winter, many people prefer to stay only in the south of the island, but when May comes around the weather starts to warm up considerably in the north as well. So if you are the type of person who loves to explore and visit places, you could book accommodation in Las Palmas or Teror for a few days, to experience a different Gran Canaria from what you know in the south.

The weather in May in Gran Canaria is almost dry, with no rainy days, especially in the southern resorts. The maximum temperature ever recorded in May was of 36.4°C and the temperatures will rise significantly towards the end of the month, as the summer season approaches.

May is a green and colorful month in Gran Canaria, with lots of vegetation and flowers in full bloom, after the spring and winter months, when the island usually sees some precipitation.

The most popular time to visit Gran Canaria in May is during the school holidays, so prices will be high, especially when it comes to flights. There are slim chances of getting a good last-minute deal on flights, so booking in advance is recommended when traveling in high season.

Temperatures in Gran Canaria in May

The average high temperature in May in Gran Canaria is 26.3 ° C, while at night you can expect average temperatures of 16.3 ° C.

  • Average high temperature: 23.6°C (74.5°F) 
  • Average low temperature: 17.3°C (63.1°F)
  • Daily mean temperature: 20.4°C  (68.7°F)

Remember that in the mountains the temperatures will be lower than on the coast, plus it depends on the altitude, so if you plan on going to the mountains make sure to check the weather forecast before heading out.

In Gran Canaria, the daily mean temperature in May is 20.4°C  (68.7°F), which is calculated as a mean between the average high temperature of 23.6°C (74.5°F) and the average low of 17.3°C (63.1°F). 

Record low & record high temperatures

The highest temperature ever recorded in Gran Canaria in May (at the Airport station) was 36.4° C and the lowest was 12° C.

Rainfall

  • Average rainfall (mm): 3.63 mm
  • Average rainy days (> = 1mm): 0.9

Compared to April, the amount of rain the island gets in May drops by 3 to 4 times, so you shouldn't worry too much about rain if you plan to visit now.

Sunshine hours

  • Sunshine hours per month in May: 276
  • Sunshine hours per day: 8.9
  • Percent of possible sunshine: 64%
  • Daylight hours: 434
  • Average UV Index in May: 10

As you can see, there are almost 9 hours of sun each day, so May comes not only with warmer days but also longer and sunnier ones, perfect for sunbathing.

what is gran canaria like in may weather temperatures
Enjoy the beautiful weather in Gran Canaria in May and watch a beautiful sunset in Agaete

Sea temperature

  • Average sea temperature in May: 20.1°C / 68.18°F

Can you swim in Gran Canaria in May?

With an average temperature of 20.1°C, the ocean is warm enough for swimming for most people. 19°C is considered by many as the minimum temperature for swimming without a neoprene suit, so in May you should be ok, especially towards the end of the month.

What's Gran Canaria like in May

The data below represents the weather averages registered during the month of May at the Gran Canaria Airport weather station. In the south of the island, the temperatures might be even a bit higher, while in the mountain regions, they are usually lower, especially at night.

May weather averages  Gran Canaria
Average high temperature 23.6°C (74.5°F) 
Daily mean temperature 20.4°C  (68.7°F)
Average low temperature 17.3°C (63.1°F)
Mean monthly sunshine hours 276
Percent possible sunshine 64%
Mean monthly daylight hours 434
Average Ultraviolet index 10
Average sea temperature 20.1° C (68.18°F)

The weather in May is really pleasant all over Gran Canaria, but it's especially warm in the south, in Maspalomas, Playa del Ingles, Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogan, which are the main tourist areas on the island. If you're looking for a warm but quiet beach holiday, then May is a good month to visit Gran Canaria, with almost no rainfall at all throughout the month. 

Things to do in Gran Canaria in May

We recommend coming to Gran Canaria at the beginning of May if you want a peaceful and relaxing holiday. We believe that May is perfect for enjoying nature walks and visiting the island's natural attractions.

Go to Pico de las Nieves, the island's highest peak

Pico de las Nieves is Gran Canaria's highest summit, but unfortunately, you can't go hike to the very top, because there is a military base in that area. However, there are lots of trails around Pico de las Nieves, and access there is easy, due to the road used by the military, which can also be used by the public.

Visit Agaete

agaete puerto de las nieves gran canaria
Agaete, Gran Canaria

Although you can't see the Finger of God anymore (Dedo de Dios - a natural monument that was destroyed during a storm), Agaete is still a lovely small town to visit, with a lovely harbor where many day tour buses stop. The best way to get here from the south is by car (and we really recommend that you hire one), or you can use the public buses as well, but depending on where you are staying in Gran Canaria you may have to change several times.

Events in May

Canary Islands Day

May 30th, 2023

All the Canary Islands celebrate Dia de Canarias on May 30th and it's a public holiday, so most of the institutions and shops will be closed.

There are various celebrations on the island and you can ask the local tourist office for more details.

GRAN CANARIA WEATHER - MONTHLY REPORTS

FAQ about visiting Gran Canaria in May

How hot is Gran Canaria in May?

In May in Gran Canaria, you can expect daytime temperatures between 22°C and 25°C, so the weather is warm and pleasant for sunbathing.

Is May a good month to visit Gran Canaria?

Yes, May is a good time to visit Gran Canaria, just like any other month of the year, since the temperature is mild year-round and you can sunbathe even in winter.

Can you swim in Gran Canaria in May?

Yes, you can definitely swim in Gran Canaria in May, although the sea temperature in May is around 20.1°C / 68.18°F.

Is Gran Canaria busy in May?

May is considered a shoulder season in Gran Canaria, which means it is less busy compared to the peak tourist season which is the winter season (December-January).

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