Subtropical Island
Gran Canaria is in a subtropical region, sharing the same latitude with countries and cities such as Miami, Mexico, Pakistan, Iran, India, and the Sahara desert. So while it’s normal to expect higher temperatures in this region, there isn’t much variation between the seasons. This makes Gran Canaria a great destination for those who don’t like winters, as they can enjoy a realistically winter-free life.
But even those places with a subtropical climate, the temperatures can get too high and uncomfortable. Fortunately, the Canary Islands and Gran Canaria have a unique effect that turns the climate into pure magic.
Two currents of Wind
Have you ever felt a refreshing breeze coming from the North of Gran Canaria? This incredible wind is actually coming from Azores, a high-pressure area of the atmosphere located on the famous Portuguese Island in the Atlantic Ocean. Further down we have the North from Gran Canaria. This airstream is known as the Vientos Alisios, a powerful wind that travels thousands of kilometers from the equator.
A fascinating thing about the Vientos Alisios is that there are two different wind currents that come from the Azores anticyclone, which then shape the climate in Gran Canaria. The first one reaches the island at sea level, and its contact with the cold Atlantic waters makes it colder, giving the island a much milder temperature. The second one, however, remains hot and touches the mountains at 1,500 metres above sea level.
This natural phenomenon is a miracle of nature, as it refreshes the island and creates the perfect climate for it. Thanks to the Vientos Aliseos, Gran Canaria has beautiful and unique weather, making it the perfect place for a dreamy holiday, or a dream home.
Mountain Peaks
The cold wind at sea level arrives on the North coast of the Island. Over time the winds move uphill through the mountains, and reach the level around 1,500 metres. This is because the warm air is heavier than cold air, the cold air from sea gets obstructed by the mountain hills that hit the villages like Teror, San Mateo or Moya, where it’s significantly colder compared to the rest of the island. As a result of this, those places are truly unique with their green nature and beautiful surroundings.
The Canaries are a chain of seven islands off the Northwest coast of Africa, each with its own unique volcanic origin and topography. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura have been heavily eroded over millions of years, leading to flatter land and fewer large mountains. As a result, their highest peaks don’t exceed 1,000 meters, making them warmer than the other islands.
But what lies beyond 1,500 meters? At this height, only the hotter wind current takes effect, resulting in clear, perfect skies. This is why the south of the islands – Playa del Inglés, Puerto Rico and beyond – is always perfect, while the north stays cool due to the refreshing cold wind coming in from the sea.
Meanwhile, Gran Canaria has its highest peak at 1,949 meters, allowing both wind currents to take effect. This is what gives Gran Canaria its many microclimates, from the fresh breeze on the northern coast to the very hot temperatures in the south. All of this within a 30-minute drive. Truly remarkable.
The different Ecosystems
The result of Gran Canaria’s incredible climate is that you have many different areas to choose from. Whether you’re looking for scorching heat or a temperate breeze, you can find it here. If you’re looking for a hot day, head south – the further you go, the hotter it gets. But if you want a warm, sunny day without the unbearable heat, just go to Las Palmas, where a refreshing sea breeze awaits. And if you want it cool, just move up into the hills of the northern coast.
In a single summer day, you can experience the 22ºC of Las Palmas, the 15ºC of Moya, and the 30ºC of Puerto Rico. But the beautiful weather isn’t the only thing Gran Canaria has to offer – its climate creates stunning, diverse ecosystems, from desert-like landscapes to humid forests, cliff-ecosystems and more. With its relatively small landmass, Gran Canaria truly is a continent in miniature.
Power of Nature
If you thought the Gran Canaria climate was a miracle, wait until you hear this: The anticyclone of the Azores, the high-pressure area from which the miraculous wind currents originate, moves around throughout the year!
In summer, it’s far away, right at the Azores, which means the wind currents have to travel a long way, picking up speed and resulting in stronger winds. This helps to counteract the higher temperatures of the island, creating a mild climate for the summer months.
In winter times the anticyclone moves southwards, getting closer and closer to the Canary Islands. The wind currents now don’t have to travel so far and so their speed and strength are reduced. Like turning on and off the natural air conditioning for Gran Canaria
