Gran Canaria Airport Weather in May
May arrivals at Gran Canaria Airport land into the beginning of summer. With 24°C, 9 hours of daily sunshine, and essentially zero rainfall, the island in May delivers what most visitors imagine year-round: consistent sun and warmth. The UV index reaches 8 — very high — which means that from the moment you step outside at LPA, UV exposure is significant. May is notable as the first month with reliably zero rain. If you check the weather forecast before flying and see 0mm rain across all 31 days, that is not an error — it is the normal May climate at Gran Canaria Airport. From May through August, rain at LPA is exceptional rather than occasional.
Avg High
24°C
Avg Low
18°C
Rain Days
0 days
UV Index
8
Humidity
67%
Sea Temp
20°C
Sun Hours
9 hrs/day
Rain (mm)
0 mm
Climate Detail
Nine hours of daily sunshine and UV index 8 means that May arrivals should treat sun exposure as a serious consideration from their first afternoon. The east coast near the airport can be slightly windier than south coast resorts, but the GC-1 transfer delivers you to sheltered south coast conditions in 35 minutes. Sea temperature reaches 20°C in May — the first month where comfortable extended swimming is realistic for most visitors. The coastal beaches near the airport (east coast) tend to be windier than south coast beaches — another reason the GC-1 transfer to Maspalomas is the standard choice.
What to Do in May
Sunscreen SPF 50+ in hand luggage
Apply before your first afternoon outdoors — UV 8 is serious and the first day is when most visitors burn.
Sunglasses rated UV400
Nine hours of May sun at this latitude requires quality UV protection for your eyes, not just your skin.
Light summer clothing
24°C from day one — pack for summer from your first outfit.
Swimwear for the first day
Sea is 20°C and the beach is ready — no need to wait until day two.
No rain contingency needed
May is the first month of the dry season. You genuinely do not need a waterproof jacket for a May visit to Gran Canaria.
What to Pack
- ✓Full summer clothing — 24°C from arrival
- ✓Sunscreen SPF 50+ — UV very high, apply before first outdoor exposure
- ✓Sunglasses UV400
- ✓Swimwear accessible — sea at 20°C is inviting
- ✓A light windproof layer for coastal walks — May trade winds are active
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather like in Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) in May?+
May at Gran Canaria Airport — 24°C on arrival, 9 hours of sunshine, just 4mm of rain, and UV index 10 (very high). Full pre-summer conditions from day one.
How warm is it at Gran Canaria Airport in May?+
May arrivals at LPA find 24°C immediately off the plane — warm pre-summer conditions. UV index 10 (Very High) means the sun is intense from the first morning. Carry sunscreen in your hand luggage for immediate use. The east coast temperature at the airport is representative of south coast resort conditions.
Does it really not rain at Gran Canaria Airport in May?+
On average, no — May records essentially zero rainfall at LPA. It is the beginning of the dry season that runs through to September. A shower in May would be genuinely unusual. You can plan outdoor activities for every day without a rain contingency.
What UV level should I expect arriving in Gran Canaria in May?+
UV index 8 — classified as 'very high'. This means fair skin can burn in under 20 minutes of unprotected midday exposure. Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen before your first afternoon outdoors, even if you are not going to the beach. UV at 8 affects you on transfer, at the hotel check-in, and during any outdoor activity.
What is the sea temperature in Gran Canaria in May?+
20°C — warm enough for comfortable extended swimming. The south coast beaches near Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés are the most sheltered and warmest for swimming. East coast beaches near the airport are generally windier.
Other Months
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