Gran Canaria Weather in March: Sunny Days and Long Evenings

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March is one of the sunniest months of the Gran Canaria winter. Daytime highs average about 22°C on the east coast and 23 to 24°C in the southern resorts, nights about 16°C, and there are more than seven hours of sunshine a day. Rain is infrequent, around two days in the month. The sea is at its coolest, about 19°C.

Gran Canaria in March at a glance

MeasureMarch average
Daytime highAbout 22°C
Night-time lowAbout 16°C
Sea temperatureAbout 19°C
Rainfall12 mm
Days with rain (1 mm or more)2
SunshineAbout 7.5 hours a day
DaylightAbout 12 hours

Figures are AEMET long-term averages (1981-2010) for Gran Canaria Airport (Gando). The south is usually a little warmer and sunnier; Las Palmas is similar in temperature with more morning cloud.

North vs south in March

The south, from San Agustín to Mogán, remains the place for guaranteed sunshine. Las Palmas has pleasant temperatures but more cloudy mornings, while the mountains are cool, with cold nights and sometimes rain or mist. March is also when the almond trees blossom in the hills around Tejeda and Valsequillo, usually from late January into early March, one of the island’s prettiest sights.

What March weather feels like

Afternoons are warm and bright, evenings are mild, and the light is clear. The trade wind becomes more regular in spring, so beaches on the east coast can be breezy. On the last Sunday of March (28 March 2027) the clocks go forward, and sunset moves to around 20:10.

Is the sea warm enough to swim in March?

The sea is still cool, about 19°C, as it takes months to warm up. Swimming is fine on calm, sunny days, especially at sheltered beaches like Amadores, Anfi del Mar, Puerto Rico and Las Canteras. Heated pools are popular this month.

Easter in March 2027

Holy Week runs from 21 to 28 March 2027. There are processions in Las Palmas, Telde and Agüimes, some shops close on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, and resorts get busier with Spanish and European holidaymakers. Book flights early if your stay ends around Easter.

Carnival season can also stretch into March in some years. Las Palmas and Maspalomas hold some of the biggest carnivals in Spain; their dates change every year, so check the official programmes.

What to pack for March

  • Summer clothes plus a light jumper for evenings.
  • A fleece and waterproof jacket for the mountains.
  • Swimwear and sun cream: UV levels rise quickly in spring.

Is March a good month for a long stay?

Yes. It is ideal for hiking and cycling, and a lovely month to end a winter. Non-EU visitors who arrived in January should check that their departure date fits inside the 90-day rule with the Schengen 90/180 calculator.

March compared with other months

March is about 1°C warmer and noticeably sunnier than January and February. November is warmer still, with a much warmer sea. See all islands compared in warmest Canary Island in winter.

Frequently asked questions

Is Gran Canaria warm in March?

Yes: about 22-24°C in the afternoon in the south, and warm in the sun.

Does it rain in Gran Canaria in March?

Not much. Expect about two rainy days, mostly in the north and the mountains.

Where is the best weather in Gran Canaria in March?

The south-west coast, around Puerto Rico, Amadores and Mogán, is usually the sunniest and most sheltered.