What's the Weather like in Gran Canaria in August
Temperature
On average, August is the hottest month of the year for Gran Canaria, when clear blue skies, high temperatures and sunshine are almost guaranteed all day, every day.
At this time of year, the average temperature for the island is 24°C, created by average highs of 28°C during the warmest part of the day and average lows of 21°C during the coolest part of the night, compared to September, which has an average temperature of around 24.2°C.
Throughout the month, the daily average temperatures stay essentially constant at 25°C for the first 11 days, before they begin to fluctuate between 25°C and 26°C. From August 26th until the end of the month, the daily average temperature is a constantly hot 26°C. This makes the final week of August the hottest time to go to Gran Canaria.
The hottest temperature ever recorded in Gran Canaria in August is 39°C, which was registered on August 10th 2010 at Gran Canaria Airport. The lowest temperature ever recorded on the island during this month is 16°C, which was registered on August 6th 1968 at the same location.
Rainfall
In August, the likelihood of precipitation happening significantly increases as the month develops, beginning at 6% on August 1st and rising up to 10% by August 31st. Despite this, the island is subject to an average of 0mm of rainfall overall during this month.
But if you are incredibly unlucky and do get some precipitation during your holiday in Gran Canaria in August, it will most likely be drizzle (which occurs on 52% of days with rainfall), moderate rain (28%) or light rain (14%).
The highest monthly rainfall ever recorded in Gran Canaria in August is 3.8mm, which was registered at Gran Canaria Airport in August 2004.
The 26th day of that month was recorded to be the wettest August day ever, when 3.5mm of precipitation fell within a single 24-hour period. However, the August which saw the highest number of rainy days was August 1956, when rainfall was recorded across six days.
Average Sunshine Hours
Throughout the month, Gran Canaria enjoys an average of ten hours of sunshine each day, along with median cloud coverage which stays fairly constant throughout the month. Median cloud coverage begins at 28% on August 1st, drops down to 27% by August 12th and then rises up to 30% by August 30th. On an average day, the sky is clear/mostly clear 65% of the time, partly cloudy 19% and mostly cloudy/overcast 8%.
Average Sea Temperature
The average sea temperature for the sea around Gran Canaria is warm all year round. In August, the sea is 22°C, which is certainly pleasant enough for swimming, despite it being 1°C cooler than it is in September and October.
Humidity
The relative humidity for Gran Canaria in August is an average 66%, varying between 53% (mildly humid) and 84% (humid) across the month, rarely falling below 36% (comfortable) or reaching as high as 100% (very humid). The air is driest around August 1st, when the relative humidity falls below 61% (mildly humid) three days out of four, whilst it's at its most humid around August 25th, when it rises above 76% (humid) three days out of four.
Winds
Over the course of an average August in Gran Canaria, wind speeds range between 6 m/s (moderate breeze) and 14 m/s (high wind), rarely going above 16 m/s (high wind). The highest average wind speed of 11 m/s (fresh breeze) occurs around August 1st, when the average daily maximum is 14 m/s (high wind).
The lowest average wind speed of 9 m/s (fresh breeze) happens around August 31st, when the average daily maximum wind speed is 12 m/s (strong breeze). The strongest wind ever recorded in Gran Canaria in August is 22.7 m/s, which was registered on August 22nd 2013.
Calimas
Although calimas can affect the Canary Islands at any time of year, they're particularly bad when they happen during the summer months, such as August. When they occur at this time of year, temperatures can rise 10°C above average highs, which make temperatures up to 34°C a distinct possibility.
A calima is a weather phenomenon during which the trade winds which usually blow over the Canaries from the north east blow in directly from the east. When they blow in this way, they cross the Sahara Desert first and bring with them high temperatures and low visibility created by an intense concentration of dust and sand particles in the air.
On average, calimas only last for 3-4 days, but they can last up to a fortnight. The best way to stay comfortable if Gran Canaria is affected by a calima during your holiday is to stick to the coast this is usually the part of the island the least affected by calimas, since it enjoys cool sea breezes thanks to the Canary Current.
You can check the forecast here.
Gran Canaria Hotels in August
El Cardonal Apartments
For something more budget-friendly, consider staying at El Cardonal Apartments. Based in the popular holiday resort of Maspalomas, this apartment complex is made up of small bungalows which are situated around two large outdoor swimming pools and a sun terrace.
Each simply-furnished bungalow features a kitchenette with microwave, hob, fridge, toaster and tea/coffee machine, plus one bedroom and one living room with sofa and TV. The El Cardonal Pool Bar serves full English breakfasts in the morning and snacks (such as sandwiches and pizzas) throughout the day, in addition to various alcoholic and soft drinks.
The pool bar also has three large TVs which broadcast live sporting events and free WiFi access is available in most public areas of the complex. Although onsite services and facilities are limited, Maspalomas beach is only 1km away, where you'll find loads of shops, supermarkets, bars, cafes and restaurants, and golf course Campo de Golf Maspalomas is just 2.1km away.
Gloria Palace San Agustin Thalasso & Hotel
If you're searching for a luxury hotel in San Agustin, take a look at the Gloria Palace San Agustin Thalasso & Hotel. This four-star hotel was renovated in 2012 and boasts sea views from all its rooms and most public spaces. Wellness is a strong theme throughout the resort, with one of the world's most modern spas taking centre stage.
This spa covers more than 7,000m2 and features four salt water pools, relaxing circuit, 33 massage points, sauna, large gym, beauty salon and 35 cabins for individual treatments. There's also a nudist sunbathing area, tennis courts, daytime and evening entertainment, children's playground, kids' clubs, mini bar, shopping gallery and free WiFi access within the hotel's grounds.
Onsite dining options include Restaurant Gorbea on the ninth floor with views over Maspalomas Dunes, Lobby Bar which specialises in cocktails and fresh fruit smoothies, Pool Bar next to the pool, Snack Bar in the garden, Bar Salon with live music six nights a week, Chill Out Terrace Gorbea which boasts sea views and the main restaurant with international buffet and show cooking.
Accommodation comes in the form of 385 double rooms and seven suites, each of which is light and modern with air conditioning, satellite TV and plush bathroom with double sinks. The junior suites are more luxurious than the standard rooms and there are two honeymoon suites which boast four-poster beds.
Seaside Gran Hotel Residencia
The Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia in Maspalomas on the southern coast of the island is considered the best beach resort on Gran Canaria. This luxurious and opulent hotel is intimate despite its large size. The rooms come with the modern amenities you would expect while on vacation with other details to go above and beyond. The restaurant within the hotel is superb, the grounds are manicured with lovely flowers and best of all, and it is only a short walk to beautiful beaches.
Beaches in Gran Canaria for August
Playa Amadores
is an absolute must-visit if you're staying in Puerto Rico or Puerto Mogan. This crescent-shaped bay stretches on form 800m and is best known for its stunning golden sands lined by aquamarine waters. The colours are so vibrant you'd swear you were in the Caribbean not the Canaries!
Thanks to the beach's curved shape and the harbour wall on one side, this beach is well protected by waves, which means the sea is always calm and safe enough for even the youngest visitors to swim in.
There are sun loungers, parasols and showers scattered across the beach, with many local bars and restaurants found just a couple of steps away on the promenade. Since loud music and ball games are not allowed at this beach, it's a big favourite with families who want a quiet, safe environment in which to enjoy the day.
Playa de San Agustin Beach
If you prefer sandy beaches. Located in the resort of the same name, this beach is very quiet, making it perfect for families and couples who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the major tourist resorts. Here you'll find a mixture of dark volcanic and light golden sand which stretches out for 670m in a curved shape, providing everyone with loads of room even during the busy summer months.
The sand gently slopes into the water which is well protected from rough seas, thanks to the natural crescent-shape of the bay. This means that swimming is always safe here. A rocky breakwater flanks one side of the beach, where you'll find some amazing scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities.
On the beach you'll find sun loungers and parasols available to hire, as well as showers. Along the promenade there is a great selection of seafood restaurants, in addition to cafes, shops and bars.
Bars and Restaurants
Peppermint Bar
in Maspalomas is ideal for those looking for a fun, lively night out full of cocktails with sparklers, great music and very friendly, attentive staff. Pick one of the many tasty cocktails and watch the world go by, and the variety of characters who flock to this wonderful place.
Things to do in Gran Canaria in August
Holiday World
Holiday World in Maspalomas is ideal for the whole family to enjoy. Here you can find simulators, a 6D cinema, bumper cars, parrot shows, bowling, rollercoasters and fairground rides. There are also 4 restaurants on site to choose from, including a grill, and Chinese.
Sioux City Park
Sioux City Park in San Agustín is the place to go for fans of cowboys. This park is a recreation of the Wild West, featuring staged gunfights and duels, saloons, bank robberies, dancing and barbecue feasts. Meet the Sherrif, and enjoy the can can girl performances. You can even discover the art of lasso throwing!
Paratriking
Adrenaline junkies won't want to miss the chance to go paratriking with Sky Rebels. There are several different flying locations and yours will be chosen according to the weather on the day. The various routes cover areas such as Pasito Blanco, Meloneras, Maspalomas and the impressive sand dunes. La Verga canyons, golf courses and beaches are stunning to witness from the air.
Casa de Colon
If the summer sunshine gets a bit much for you, enjoy some shade and visit Casa de Colon in Las Palmas. This museum is housed inside one of the most attractive buildings inside the city's capital and houses 13 permanent exhibition rooms, a study centre, library and several spaces dedicated to events such as lectures, seminars and temporary exhibitions.
Within the museum you'll find pre-Columbian artifacts, a replica of a cabin from La Niña, ship models, navigation instruments, nautical charts and paintings related to Christopher Columbus. Casa de Colon is completely free to enter and is open 9am-7pm Monday to Friday and 9am-3pm Saturday to Sunday.
