Weather Lowdown:
Despite being in the heat of summer, the Spanish island city Las Palmas de Gran Canaria maintains its moderate climate with warm but not hot days, and plenty of sunshine. August is the warmest month of the year in the city, with an average daily temperature of 25°C. Temperatures don't fluctuate much during the summers here, but low temperatures can drop down to 22°C during the evenings and reach up to 28°C during warmer afternoons.
As the temperature heats up, so does the ocean. Sea temperatures in August reach 22°C, which isn't quite as warm as the 23°C in September (the warmest month for sea temperatures), but is still plenty warm for beach goers to enjoy the Atlantic waters.
The sun starts setting a bit earlier than it did in June and July, but August still has a full 10 hours of sunshine on average, and a 76% chance of a sunny day. Not only is it the warmest month of the year, it's also the driest. There is an average of 0 mm of rain in August, and approximately only one day with any rain at all. There's only a 3% chance of rain, and a 1% chance of a cloudy day during August, so visitors don't need to bring any rain gear in their bags.
Though there isn't any rain, August still has the windy days that characterize a summer in Las Palmas. There's a 98% chance of a windy day this month, which can make planning ahead important for some beach activities such as parasailing or surfing. Of course, the breeze helps keep the summer weather from being too warm and doesn't inhibit most outdoor activities.
From the sunshine to the perfectly comfortable temperatures, August is a great month for visiting Las Palmas and can help tourists enjoy summer sunshine without being too hot for all of the parks, beaches and shopping that make this destination one of the most popular of the Canary Islands.
Where to Stay:
Located on the Playa de las Canteras beach, the Colon Playa Apartments offer a home-like feel paired with an incredible sea view for most of the terraces. Each apartment has a full bath, a kitchen, free Wi-Fi, a safe box and access to the rooftop solarium for sunbathing. The surprisingly affordable apartments are a great option for families who need a bit more space but still want to be centrally located in Las Palmas.
Brisamar Canteras Apartments features 45 studios each equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living room and TV to make your stay on the beach as comfortable as possible. Most rooms have a balcony with a gorgeous ocean view and hotel services include a TV lounge, a library, sunroof and free Wi-Fi. Located on the Las Canteras beach, these apartments have a great, central spot for exploring the city of Las Palmas.
With the Atlantic horizon in front of it, Hotel Exe Las Canteras has a gym and luxurious spa to turn your time in Las Palmas into a true treat. There is free Wi-Fi, a mini-bar, a safe deposit box, TV and air conditioning in each room though you may prefer to open the windows and let the breeze in right off of the Las Canteras beach. To enjoy more outdoor time, visit the sunroom on the fifth floor with lounge chairs and umbrellas to enjoy the view.
Things to Do:
Surfers love Las Palmas' waves and year round sunshine. Whether you're advanced or just getting on a board for the first time, there are schools and guides for all levels in Las Palmas. Constant onshore winds are ideal conditions for surfing and waves can reach up to 5 meters high.
If you need a break from the waves, The Parque San Telmo is a gorgeous place to enjoy the architecture of Gran Canaria. The San Telmo church is located on the southwestern side of this park and was one of the first religious buildings in town. Beside it is a beautiful tourist kiosk that can help you plan where to go next. There is also a cafe for breakfast, sandwiches or coffee to sip while relaxing in the park.
Hit the Beach:
The Playa de la Laja is a great escape from the buzz of the Las Canteras. Locals populate this 'secret' beach more than tourists, but if you make the effort to get there you will be greeted by a large statue of Triton, the Greek god and messenger of the sea! Playa de la Laja is great for families and has "natural pools" (actually man made) which allow for calm swimming away from the larger wave breaks which surfers love. The beach has been recently renovated and cleaned up, so it now reflects the full beauty of the island. It is accessible only by foot, but there is a car park near the statue of Triton, and it's only a five-minute walk down a path to reach the beach from there.
Eating and Drinking Out:
For Mediterranean flavors, De Cuchara can't be beat. There is a three-course menu of the day that features fresh, local ingredients as well as a five-course tasting menu focusing on Canarian dishes. De Cuchara offers a wide variety of tapas with interesting ingredients such as the squid ink with rice.
Just south of Santa Catalina is the Natural Burguer. This burger joint is a favorite for budget-minded travelers and students. There are regular beef burgers as well as veggie burgers for vegetarians and extras include watercress salad and corn on the cob. With soy burgers and fresh fruit smoothies, this is a fun place to visit for a healthy twist on home-style dishes.
