When is the best time to surf Gran Canaria? This is one of the most common questions we get. The short answer is: you can surf in Gran Canaria all year round. But the useful answer is more nuanced, because depending on when you come, the type of waves you’ll find changes significantly.
Here we break it down season by season: what to expect, which areas work best, and a local phenomenon every surfer visiting the island should know about.
Autumn and Winter: the Best Time to Surf Gran Canaria’s North Coast
From October to March is when the north coast of Gran Canaria comes alive. Low-pressure systems in the North Atlantic generate swells that arrive clean and powerful along the coast of Las Palmas and the northern corridor.
La Cicer, El Puertillo, Los Enanos, Molokai, Quintanilla and El Frontón are all at their best. Waves are more consistent, bigger and cleaner. Offshore winds in the mornings help shape the waves before the trade winds kick in during the afternoon.
But it’s not just the north that fires during this season. On the southwest coast, spots like Derecha del Faro, El Palomar and the waves around Arguineguín also work better in autumn and winter, picking up west and southwest swells that arrive more frequently at this time of year.
If you’re an intermediate or advanced surfer looking for real conditions, this is your season.
💡 November to February usually offers the best windows: consistent swell with longer periods and manageable wind.
Spring and Summer: the South Takes Over
From May to September, the north calms down and the south of the island receives waves. South and southwest swells, though less frequent and powerful than northern ones, activate spots like La Punta and Playa del Inglés.
Summer is ideal for beginners and for those travelling with family: smaller waves, warmer water (around 22–24°C), and more predictable conditions. Surf schools operate at full capacity during this period.
The trade wind blows stronger in summer, especially in the afternoons. If you want clean conditions, get out early in the morning. For beginners, this is arguably the best time to surf Gran Canaria.
The Wind Factor: the Trade Wind Rules
In Gran Canaria the trade wind is a constant that every surfer needs to understand. It blows from the northeast, which means on the north coast it acts as offshore (shaping the wave) and on the east coast it acts as onshore (disorganising the waves).
In the mornings, before the trade wind picks up, is when you’ll find the cleanest conditions at almost every spot. From midday onwards, especially in summer, the wind can ruin waves that were perfect at 9am. Understanding the trade wind is essential to choosing the best time to surf Gran Canaria on any given day.
Mareas del Pino: the Local Phenomenon
Ask any local surfer when the sea comes alive, and sooner or later they’ll mention the Mareas del Pino. It’s not a myth: it’s a real phenomenon linked to the moon’s position around the festival of the Virgen del Pino in early September.
During those dates, especially pronounced spring tides occur, with higher-than-usual tidal coefficients. This can activate spots that are normally dormant and change the way waves break across the entire island.
It’s not magic, it’s lunar physics. But the timing with the end of summer and the arrival of the first autumn swells makes this window especially anticipated by the local community.
Water Temperature: Do I Need a Wetsuit?
Water in Gran Canaria ranges from 19–21°C in winter to 22–24°C in summer. In summer you can go in boardshorts or a rash guard. In winter, most local surfers wear a 2mm or 3mm wetsuit. If you’re coming from northern Europe and are used to cold water, it will probably feel mild even in January. Water temperature is rarely a problem, no matter what time of year you choose to surf Gran Canaria.
Quick Summary by Season
October to March: best time to surf Gran Canaria for intermediate and advanced surfers, north coast active, consistent waves. April to May: transition period, mixed swells, good for all levels. June to September: south coast active, ideal for beginners, warm water. September: Mareas del Pino, a special window that can activate unexpected spots.
To know exactly what conditions are like at any given moment, on GCSurfMap you’ll find the real-time forecast for every spot, with swell size, period, wind direction and tide status. And before you paddle out, make sure you know the surf rules.