Gran Canaria Airport Weather in January
Stepping off the plane at Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) in January, you will notice the change immediately. The air is warm — around 21°C — and if you arrive in the morning, the sun is already well up. After the grey cold of January in northern Europe, it can feel disorienting in the best possible way. January is one of the busiest months for arrivals because the contrast with home conditions is at its most dramatic. The airport sits on the east coast of Gran Canaria near Ingenio, at an elevation of 24 metres above sea level. The climate here is measured by the island's official meteorological station, which means the airport readings are the reference data for the whole island. What you experience at LPA arrivals in January is a reliable indicator of what you'll find across the coast — mild, mostly dry, and genuinely warm by any northern European standard.
Avg High
21°C
Avg Low
15°C
Rain Days
3 days
UV Index
4
Humidity
67%
Sea Temp
19°C
Sun Hours
6 hrs/day
Rain (mm)
25 mm
Climate Detail
January averages 21°C during the day and 15°C at night. Rain falls on around 3 days across the month — typically brief Atlantic showers that clear within hours. The UV index is 4 in January — low, which means you can sit outside at the airport café or wait for your transfer without immediate concern about sunburn. Six hours of daily sunshine is the January average, though overcast mornings followed by sunny afternoons are common. The airport's east coast position means it can experience slightly different conditions from the resorts. The south coast (Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras) is typically 1–2°C warmer and noticeably drier than the airport area. Las Palmas city, 25km north, experiences similar conditions. The interior mountains can have rain or cloud when the coast is clear.
What to Do in January
A light layer or cardigan
The air bridge and terminal are air-conditioned; 15°C evenings require more than a t-shirt once you leave the building.
Sunglasses
January sun at LPA arrivals is low-angled but bright, particularly in the afternoon — more intense than you expect for January.
No heavy coat needed
You will not require a heavy winter coat at any point during a January visit to the coast. Leave it at home or pack it deep in checked luggage.
Sunscreen in hand luggage
UV index 4 is enough to burn fair skin on a full beach day. Having sunscreen accessible from arrival saves you scrambling on day one.
Transfer times from LPA
From LPA to Maspalomas: ~35 minutes by taxi or bus (GC-1 motorway south). To Las Palmas city: ~20 minutes north. To Puerto Rico: ~45 minutes. To Puerto de Mogán: ~50 minutes. The GC-1 motorway is fast and reliable in January — no weather delays expected.
What to Pack
- ✓Light daytime clothes — the warmth hits immediately on exit from the terminal
- ✓A light jacket or cardigan for evenings and air-conditioned spaces
- ✓A waterproof layer — January can bring Atlantic showers
- ✓Sunscreen SPF 30 in hand luggage — UV 4 is enough to burn on a long beach day
- ✓Sunglasses — the January sun is brighter than expected
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather like in Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) in January?+
January at Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) averages 21°C on arrival — mild and mostly sunny. Expect 6 hours of sunshine, around 25mm of rain across 3 days, and 15°C nights. UV index 4. The official WMO climate station for the island.
Does it rain at Gran Canaria Airport in January?+
January averages 25mm of rain across 3 days at Gran Canaria Airport. Rain typically arrives in brief Atlantic fronts and clears. The airport is on the east coast at low elevation — flight operations are rarely disrupted by winter rain. Pack a light waterproof for January arrivals.
What is the weather like when you land at Gran Canaria Airport in January?+
Typically warm and mostly sunny — around 21°C during the day, dropping to 15°C at night. January is one of the more reliable months at LPA, with only around 3 rainy days on average. Arriving passengers from northern Europe will immediately notice the warmth and light.
How different is the airport weather from the south coast resorts in January?+
The south coast resorts (Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras) are typically 1–2°C warmer and receive less rain than the airport area in January. The airport sits on the east coast, slightly more exposed to Atlantic fronts than the sheltered south coast.
What should I have ready in my carry-on for arriving in Gran Canaria in January?+
Light layers rather than a heavy coat. The terminal and air bridge are air-conditioned, so something warmer than a t-shirt is useful for the arrival process. Once outside, a light jacket for evenings is all you need. January UV is low (4) but sunglasses and sunscreen are worth having accessible.
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