Gran Canaria is the third largest and most populated island in the Canary Islands making it one of the most exciting islands to visit on holiday. The natural beauty of the island is tremendously varied thanks to its mountainous terrain and attractive sandy beaches.
As the island has the largest population of any of the Canary Islands, it also has a vibrant nightlife, bustling cultural scene and plenty of interesting attractions and activities to enjoy; not to mention some fantastic beaches.
The unique geographic location of the island produces several microclimates within a very small area. Therefore, it is possible to experience a sunny day on the beach and a misty walk through lush green mountains on the same holiday.
The island's attractions offer a further contrast; there are plenty of typical tourist hotspots such as packed out water parks, as well as peaceful nature preservation areas that are relatively untouched.
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What's the Weather like in Gran Canaria in January?
Gran Canaria, Canary Islands is a great place to visit in January if you're in search of some pleasantly warm temperatures and winter sun.
How Hot Is Gran Canaria In January?
At this time of year, the average temperature for the resort is 18°C, created by average highs of 21°C during the middle of the day and average lows of 15°C during the coolest part of the evening.
Sunshine Hours and Seawater Temperature
Even though January is a winter month, Gran Canaria still enjoys an average of six hours of sunshine each day. The average sea temperature for the waters around Gran Canaria in December is 19°C. Anything above 18°C is usually considered warm enough for swimming.
Does It Rain In Gran Canaria In January?
January is usually the wettest month of the year for Gran Canaria, when the island is subject to an average of 25mm of precipitation, spread out over the course of three wet days. But even though there is a good chance of a shower on your trip, you'll never get a full day of rain.
How WIndy Is Gran Canaria In January?
Gran Canaria experiences very little wind. Over the course of a typical January, wind speeds range between light and fresh breezes, rarely rising above strong breezes.
Gran Canaria Hotels in January
Gold by Marina
Gold by Marina caters for romantic holidays for adults aged 18+ and even offers five different speciality packs you can book before you go: food and drink welcome pack; cava, rose petals and chocolate welcome pack and a 15-minute massage and spa product welcome pack, plus two erotic passion kits for couples.
There are two swimming pools within the complex, as well as a large Jacuzzi, bi-thermal multi-hose showers and spa which boasts five facials, six massages, one manicure and one pedicure.
There's also the indoor Lobby Style restaurant which serves all kinds of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including smoothies and specialist teas, plus the outdoor Pool Style which serves breakfasts, cheese and meat platters, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, pastas and desserts.
Guests can choose between rooms with terraces/balconies, rooms with superior balconies, junior suites, superior junior suites and master suites, each of which is decorated in a colourful vintage 1950s-1970s style and features free WiFi access, full kitchen and air conditioning.
Cordial Mogan Playa
Cordial Mogan Playa in Puerto de Mogan is another very highly regarded hotel found in the south of the island. Offering a lush oasis set against a backdrop of mountains, this resort features two huge lagoon-style swimming pools surrounded by a sunbathing terrace dotted with palm trees and other tropical plants.
The higher pool is the quietest one, making it the best place to go for an afternoon siesta, whilst the lower action-packed pool is where all the fun and games take place.
For a totally relaxing experience, visit the onsite Inagua Spa, which offers an outdoor flotarium, sauna and private treatments. If you prefer to be more active on holiday, you'll love the daily fitness classes and can keep fit with the gym, tennis courts, table tennis and boules in between classes.
After you've worked up an appetite, you can dine in one of two buffet restaurants, each of which serves a huge selection of modern international and traditional Canarian cuisine.
There's also an a la carte restaurant open on an evening, plus a pool bar and a snack bar, which both serve drinks and snacks during the afternoon. For lively evening entertainment, you've got the Fataga Bar with live performances every night. The standard twin rooms are decorated in warm red hues, but if you need a bit more space, you're best off booking a junior suite.
Hotel NH Imperial Playa
If you're planning on spending a lot of time at the beach during your holiday in Gran Canaria, consider making a reservation at Hotel NH Imperial Playa. This four-star hotel is situated opposite Las Canteras Beach (one of the very best in Gran Canaria) and also puts you within easy access of local shops, restaurants and bars. Each of the guestrooms has a classic-meets-contemporary feel, with neutral décor, satellite TV, WiFi access and air conditioning.
Standard rooms are the cheapest and most basic type of accommodation, but if you want something better, there are also superior rooms and junior suites both of which are significantly larger. Despite the hotel being on the small side, there are several dining options the first-floor restaurant boasts amazing sea views and serves up local and international cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner in contemporary surroundings.
The light and airy NH Imperial Playa Restaurant offers an extensive a la carte restaurant in casual beachside-inspired surroundings, whilst the Bar-Cafeteria is the place to do for simple snacks, cocktails or to catch up on the latest sports advertised on TV. Since this hotel mostly caters for business stays, there is no swimming pool.
Hotel Santa Catalina
If you've got your heart set on a five-star hotel, consider Hotel Santa Catalina. Originally constructed in 1890 in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, this hotel has seen hundreds of famous faces pass through its doors, including Winston Churchill and even the Royal Family.
The hotel is set in the centre of Parque Doramas a huge green park full of palm trees and tropical plants and is comprised of 202 guestrooms divided between singles, doubles, superior doubles, junior suites and senior suites.
All the guestrooms are appointed in a sophisticated way, with dark wooden furniture and free WiFi access. The spa is one of the many highlights of the hotel, where you can swim in the heated indoor pool, relax your muscles under pressure jets or take it easy in the saunas, Jacuzzis and Turkish baths.
There is also a lengthy spa treatment menu if you really want to indulge. Other onsite facilities include a fitness centre with workout classes and state-of-the-art equipment and a huge outdoor swimming pool with sun bathing terrace.
When it comes to dining, there are three restaurants the award-winning Gourmet Restaurant La Terraza, the breakfast buffet Patio Las Tortugas and the poolside snack bar. If you're just after a drink, you can grab a coffee or cocktail at the Terrace and Piano Bar Carabela.
Beaches in Gran Canaria for January
Meloneras Beach
If you're staying in Maspalomas but don't want to be surrounded by the noise of the main Maspalomas Beach, take a look at Meloneras Beach. This beach is backed by a lively promenade where you'll find loads of local restaurants, bars, supermarkets and clothes shops, but the beach itself is comparatively quiet. Here you can relax on the soft, golden sands or freshen up by taking a dip in the sea.
Despite the beach's slightly curved shape, the waves can often come in very quickly one after another here, so be careful when you're in the sea. If you see locals practising any form of surfing, you're best off staying out of the water. As is noted by its Blue Flag status, this beach offers many services and facilities, including sun loungers and parasols available to hire, showers, access ramps and several food and drink kiosks.
Playa de Las Nieves Beach
Playa de Las Nieves Beach is located in Agaete a resort in the north of the island primarily visited by cruise line holidaymakers. Tucked in between the marina and the old dock, this beach is made up of large stones and dark, volcanic sand. Thanks to the marina wall, this beach is entirely protected from waves, which means the sea is always calm enough for swimming no matter how windy it is or how rough the sea is.
Although there are no services or amenities available directly on the beach, the promenade which lines the bay is home to many local bars, restaurants and shops. The impressive mountains in the distance makes this area ideal for those wanting to admire impressive views while swimming or lounging on the beach, as well as the natural pools that make for safe swimming for the whole family.
Bars and Restaurants
Gelatomania
If you stay in Puerto de Mogan, take the time to visit Gelatomania a local café with a chilled out Canarian vibe. Here you can enjoy smoothies, crepes, coffee, ice cream and other light snacks throughout the afternoon. The small establishment is located next to the harbour, which means you'll have a prime spot for watching the boats coming and going. There's also a children's play area in the back of the restaurant to keep little ones amused.
Things to do in Gran Canaria in January
Roque Nublo Rural Park
One of the most notable wonders in Gran Canaria is the Roque Nublo Rural Park. The largest natural area on the island, this park is named after Roque Nublo a huge lava plug which is 80m tall and stands 1,813m above sea level.
The park as a whole covers 26,000 hectares and includes viewpoints from which you can take stunning photos, picnic sites with stone barbecues, volcanic sandy beaches, rural camp sites, traditional Canarian villages and many hiking trails of various difficulties.
Surfing
If an average sea temperature of 19°C isn't too cool for you, grab a surf board and hit the waves during your January holiday in Gran Canaria. The Pro Surfing Company is based in Maspalomas and is the only surfing school authorised to give lessons on the beaches on Maspalomas.
The qualified instructors here give lessons for surfing, kite surfing, paddle surfing, wind surfing and wake boarding for newbies up to professional level. You can sign up for a one-off hour lesson to get you going or jump in at the deep end and take on a five-day course.
Leagues Ahead Diving
Leagues Ahead Diving is located right next to Pro Surfing, and offers a range of scuba activities! The cooler climate in January makes for excellent visibility, and is in the middle of Angel Shark season, making it the best month to spot sharks and sting-rays!
The water averages at 19°C, but Leagues Ahead Diving provides 7mm wetsuits with hoods, so you won't get too chilly exploring the beautiful marine life of Gran Canaria. Also, they offer diving experiences all over the island, including the renowned Marine Reserve El Cabron, which was voted one of the top ten dive sites in Europe!
