Gran Canaria is a coastal area of Spain on the Atlantic Ocean, with 21 tracked beaches. The sea here ranges from about 14°C in the coolest month to 26°C at the summer peak, with roughly 5 months a year sitting above 20°C — the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit. Use the beach list below to check the current sea temperature at each spot before you head out.
Gran Canaria
21 tracked beaches in Gran Canaria, Spain, with live Atlantic Ocean temperatures.
Best time to swim in Gran Canaria
The sea in Gran Canaria peaks in August, when the water averages around 26°C.
The main swimming season runs from June – October, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 5 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Shoulder months like May and November are noticeably cooler but often quieter, with fewer crowds and steadier weather.
Outside peak season the water drops toward 16°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable.
The coldest month is typically February at around 14°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Gran Canaria sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Gran Canaria shows an annual mean sea temperature of 19°C, ranging from 14°C in winter to 26°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 12°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.
Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Gran Canaria, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.
Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.
Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.
Gran Canaria sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Gran Canaria?
August is the warmest month in Gran Canaria, when the sea averages about 26°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Gran Canaria?
The coldest month in Gran Canaria is typically February, when the water averages around 14°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Gran Canaria without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Gran Canaria runs from June – October — about 5 months a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit in Gran Canaria?
Outside peak summer the water in Gran Canaria drops toward 16°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable. In peak months most swimmers go without.
What is the average sea temperature in Gran Canaria?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Gran Canaria is about 19°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Gran Canaria?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Gran Canaria, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Beaches in the Gran Canaria
Ranked by current live sea temperature.
- 1Playa de las CanterasLas Palmas, Spain—
- 2Playa del InglésSan Bartolomé de Tirajana, Spain—
- 3Playa de MaspalomasSan Bartolomé de Tirajana, Spain—
- 4Playa de AmadoresMogán, Spain—
- 5Playa de Puerto RicoMogán, Spain—
- 6Playa de AnfiMogán, Spain—
- 7Playa de MogánMogán, Spain—
- 8Playa de TauritoMogán, Spain—
- 9Playa de San AgustínSan Bartolomé de Tirajana, Spain—
- 10Playa de MelenaraTelde, Spain—
- 11Playa de TufiaTelde, Spain—
- 12Playa de AmadoresMogán, Spain—
- 13Playa de Puerto RicoMogán, Spain—
- 14Playa de Anfi del MarMogán, Spain—
- 15Playa de Puerto de MogánMogán, Spain—
- 16Playa del InglésSan Bartolomé, Spain—
- 17Playa de MaspalomasSan Bartolomé, Spain—
- 18Playa de las AlcaravanerasLas Palmas, Spain—
- 19Playa de MelenaraTelde, Spain—
- 20Playa de SalinetasTelde, Spain—
- 21Playa AguadulceMogán, Spain—
