Weather Lowdown:
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has a subtropical climate, with warm and mostly dry weather throughout the year. Located off of the northwestern coast of Africa, this Spanish island city has an average daily temperature of 21°C during May, with the lows dropping down to 18°C at night and daytime highs reaching up to 24°C.
May temperatures are very similar to those in November, however May is a much drier month, with an average of only 2 mm of rain over 3 days during the month (compared to November's 29 mm of rain and 10 rainy days). This month is the beginning of a spike in summer travel for Las Palmas, as visitors come to enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities. With only a 6% chance of a rainy day, most May days are filled with 11 hours of sunshine to keep tourists warm and busy enjoying the outdoors.
The sea temperature begins slowly warming up after a cool February and March, reaching an average of 19°C during May. Las Palmas has a windy summer, and the chances of a windy day begin to climb, reaching 83% during May. The wind can affect some beach activities such as parasailing, surfing and sailing, so it's important for tourists to check the forecast when making their beach plans. However, those coming to Las Palmas for the swimming, sun tanning and beautiful parks have nothing to worry about. There's only a 2% chance of a cloudy day in May.
While the May weather in Las Palmas is very similar to the other Canary Islands, it is far warmer and drier than the weather in mainland Spain, particularly the capital of Madrid. As the spring season comes to an end, many tourists head to Las Palmas to enjoy the sunshine and beaches in May.
Where to Stay:
Located on the northern end of Playa de las Canteras, the Tinoca Apartments offer a cozy choice for travelers looking for a quiet, budget-friendly place to stay. A relaxing blue and green theme runs through the bedrooms, which offer free Wi-Fi and a kitchen. There is also a rooftop solarium for sunbathing during Las Palmas' signature sunny days.
With a central location near the beach, Santa Catalina Park and a bus stop that can connect guests to anywhere in the city, Hotel Pujol is a great spot to start exploring Las Palmas. All 48 rooms have free Wi-Fi, a full bathroom, a TV and a fresh, modern design. The hotel will also help you rent a car or bicycle for exploring on your own.
Hotel Astoria is one of the most centrally located hotels in Las Palmas, though with a full restaurant, a rooftop pool and a gym, you may not want to leave. Rooms include free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a TV and toiletries. One of the less expensive hotels in the area, Astoria offers a great value for the price and is a highly rated option.
Things to Do:
Windsurfing is a popular sport in Las Palmas, where the wind stays strong year round. There are several options for classes and tours, from beginner to advanced levels of windsurfing. This exciting sport is a great way to enjoy the water and the sunshine while getting your heart racing.
After all the beach time, visit one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Las Palmas. Dating from 1844, the Gabinete Literario is a historical and national monument. It was the island's first theater and retains an old-world style with elegant patios and rooms lined with bookcases. The building is now a private club, but the fancy terrace restaurant O'Clock is open to all. It's a great way to experience a historical building on a personal level.
Hit the Beach:
Playa de las Alcaravaneras is a mouthful to say, but easy to visit. This beach is next to the Alcaravaneras neighborhood, so it's perfect for a swim after a day of shopping. The lack of waves at this beach make it kid-friendly for those learning to swim and kayak. Besides the beautiful sands and small waves, the beach is near two sailing clubs, including the Royal Sailing Club just north of the beach. An afternoon at Las Alcaravaneras guarantees spotting a few glamorous yachts heading to sea. There are plenty of restaurants nearby too, so when you're done you can head on in to fill up.
Eating and Drinking Out:
Located in the heart of the city, the Don Quixote Restaurant specializes in stone-cooked steak and fine wines, offering an upscale dining experience in Las Palmas. They serve seafood and chicken as well, but a sirloin steak paired with wine and finished off with one of their many dessert choices makes for an excellent evening.
Petit Cafe certainly has big taste. With traditional tapas like Canarian cheeses and Iberian hams, Petit Cafe also offers unique choices like shrimp sandwiches. Open for breakfast, lunch, and "after work" snacks, the delicious pastries and designer coffees make Petit Cafe a tasty choice almost any time of the day.
