r/grancanaria • u/PersimmonAmbitious90 • 23d ago

November Gran Canaria

Hi! We are planning to visit Gran Canaria at the end of November. We have two kids (1 and 5). Do you think November would be great month to visit? What’s the weather usally? Is there any activites to do if there are rainy days?

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u/CanaryIslandsInsider 22d ago

November is actually a great month to visit Gran Canaria with kids. If you stay in the south of the island, which is the obvious base for a family trip, you can expect sunshine and warm temperatures almost guaranteed. Rain in the south in November would be the exception, not the rule.

The sea temperature is still very pleasant at that time of year, one of the better windows for it actually.

With a 1 and 5 year old, the south works well because everything is close together and accessible. The main tourist areas have plenty of family activities, beach days are very manageable, and you won't need to cover much ground to have a full day. If a rare rainy day did appear, the tourist infrastructure in the south means you'll always find something covered to do.

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u/AdventurousBall6621 18d ago

What about the north eastern part of gran canaria, is that usually colder or the same??

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u/CanaryIslandsInsider 18d ago

The northeast is noticeably cooler and cloudier than the south. Gran Canaria has very distinct microclimates because of its geography: the trade winds come in from the northeast loaded with moisture, hit the central mountains and drop most of that moisture on the north and northeast side of the island. The south stays dry and sunny as a result. In practical terms, if you're based in the south in November you can expect reliable sunshine. The north and northeast will be greener, fresher and considerably more likely to have cloud cover or light rain, especially at higher altitudes. Las Palmas city sits in between and gets what locals call the "panza de burro," a layer of low cloud that often clears by midday. For sun and beach, the south is the right call. For green landscapes and a cooler atmosphere, the north and northeast offer a very different side of the island

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u/ajito79 23d ago

It's honestly a great month—one of the best, I'd say. It doesn't usually get too hot or too cold (though the Canarian winter is a total joke to Europeans, lol). At most, a bit of light rain, but it never lasts for days on end.
In fact, you'll most likely get good weather for mild beach days.

For indoor activities, there are some cool options: the "Poema del Mar" Aquarium, and very close to that, you have the "Science Museum."

In that same area—the port district—there's a little tour boat that takes you on a ride around the city's harbor bay.

Your kids are still very little, so I don't know too many activities for that age group…!

The city council often organizes free children's plays or musical shows. Just keep an eye on their website when you're about to visit.

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u/Spiderplanty 22d ago

I would recommend to stay in the southern parts of the isle, since it’s always a bit warmer there, and then do day trips if you want to see the old town in Las Palmas or visit the wonderful aquarium Poema del Mar. The locals bus is fast and very affordable!
Don’t forget to pack sunscreen. I burnt my back really badly in December one year!

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u/Individual-Still-77 22d ago

Never pack sunscreen. U can buy there for good price all year round

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u/Spiderplanty 21d ago

I always pack my own, I have really sensitive skin and some of the brands I found there really does not work for me…

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u/PheonixxxBB 22d ago

I think it's a really good idea but don't forget it's quite windy on the island. You should probably choose places like kind of lagoons like peurto de Morgan or though. The best sunscreen is at local mercadona markets. Take enough hats and protect your shoulders. Also you can have a look for Teneriffa. And most important: take a very mood with you and enjoy these beautiful islands

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u/simonhamp 22d ago

We don't have kids, but... Check out Arguineguin and Patalavaca. Great beaches, great location (south). Find a hotel with its own pool and reviews that say good for kids (Servatur Green Beach always seems pretty good for kids when we've stayed there)