Winter in Gran Canaria 2026/27: Where to Stay in the Sunny South
A winter guide to southern Gran Canaria: Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas and Meloneras, Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán, the winter climate and tips for long stays.
Why the south of Gran Canaria is a winter favourite
From November to March, the south coast of Gran Canaria is one of Europe’s most reliable winter-sun destinations. Daytime highs are usually in the low to mid 20s °C, rain is rare in the south, and the sea stays mild enough for swimming for most visitors, typically around 19–21 °C in winter.
The island has its own microclimates: the north around Las Palmas is often cloudier, while the south, sheltered by the mountains, gets the most sunshine. Evenings are noticeably cooler, so bring a light jacket or jumper. Occasionally a calima, a hazy wind carrying dust from the Sahara, brings warmer, dusty days.
Four resort areas, four characters
- Playa del Inglés
- The largest and liveliest resort, with a long beach, many apartment complexes, shopping centres and a well-known nightlife and LGBTQ+ scene. Good value for longer stays. About 25 minutes from the airport.
- Maspalomas and Meloneras
- The protected Maspalomas dunes, the lighthouse and the seafront promenade of Meloneras with more upmarket hotels, restaurants and nearby golf courses. Calmer than Playa del Inglés. About 30 minutes from the airport.
- Puerto Rico
- A sheltered sandy bay surrounded by steep hillsides of apartments, popular with families and with boat trips and sport fishing from the harbour. Some apartments are up long slopes, so check the location. About 40 minutes from the airport.
- Puerto de Mogán
- A small harbour village with canals, bougainvillea-covered houses and a weekly market. The quietest of the four, with a more traditional feel. About 45 minutes from the airport.
Long-stay winter visitors
Many visitors from Scandinavia, Germany and the Netherlands spend several weeks or even months on the south coast each winter. They come for the mild climate, walking and cycling in the interior, golf, and the relaxed routine of daily life by the sea. Coastal towns such as Arguineguín and Puerto Rico have long-established Scandinavian communities.
If you plan a long stay, book early: apartments with monthly rates are in demand from December to March. Check whether your accommodation has heating or warm bedding, as nights can feel cool indoors, and look at the location on a map, as some complexes are on steep hills far from the beach.
Christmas and New Year on the island
Christmas in Gran Canaria is a mix of Spanish traditions and holiday resort life. Many hotels offer special dinners on 24 and 31 December. On New Year’s Eve it is a Spanish custom to eat twelve grapes on the twelve strokes of midnight, and the Three Kings are celebrated on the evening of 5 January with parades in many towns before the 6 January holiday. Las Palmas, the island’s capital, is worth a day trip for its old quarter of Vegueta and the city beach of Las Canteras.
From Gran Canaria Airport to the south coast
Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) is on the east coast, and the GC-1 motorway runs south to the resorts. Typical drive times are about 25 minutes to Playa del Inglés, about 30 minutes to Maspalomas and Meloneras, about 40 minutes to Puerto Rico and about 45 minutes to Puerto de Mogán.
With a lot of luggage for a long stay, golf bags or bicycles, a private transfer booked in advance is practical, for example through HotelTaxi. Declare golf bags or bikes when booking so a suitable vehicle is sent; the driver meets you in arrivals with a name sign.
Winter checklist
- Pack layers
- Summer clothes for the day, a jumper or light jacket for evenings and mountain trips.
- Choose the right resort
- Lively Playa del Inglés, calmer Meloneras, family-friendly Puerto Rico or quiet Mogán.
- Book long stays early
- Monthly apartment rentals for December to March go first.
- Declare equipment
- Mention golf bags or bicycles when you book your airport transfer.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gran Canaria warm enough for the beach in winter?
In the south, usually yes. Daytime highs are typically in the low to mid 20s °C with plenty of sun, though evenings are cooler and the sea feels fresh.
How long is the drive from Gran Canaria Airport to Maspalomas?
About 30 minutes via the GC-1 motorway. Playa del Inglés is about 25 minutes and Puerto de Mogán about 45 minutes.
Which area is best for a long winter stay?
It depends on your style. Playa del Inglés has the most choice and facilities, Puerto Rico and Arguineguín have established long-stay communities, and Puerto de Mogán is the quietest.
Is the north of the island as sunny as the south?
Generally not. The north around Las Palmas is often cloudier in winter, while the south is sheltered by the mountains and gets more sunshine.