Carnival rules supreme in Gran Canaria in February and there's more to the party than the famous events in Las Palmas and Maspalomas.

With everything from drag queen galas and wailing widows to tapas stands the Las Palmas carnival is an epic fiesta. It's got be Europe's biggest outdoor party and stretches out over three weeks, four if you count the times it takes to clear up the sequins.

Gran Canaria in February is the land that winter forgot. The average daily high temperature is 21ºC but it can be as warm as 27ºC on the beaches. The average minimum is 15ºC but this is always late at night. Gran Canaria gets an average of three days rain every February.  

February is a great month to visit Gran Canaria because it’s one of the only places in Europe where the sunshine is virtually guaranteed (the other places are the other Canary Islands). The weather can be variable in Gran Canaria in February but if you come for a week you'll get sunny days. 

February is prime walking season in Gran Canaria because the mountains start to turn green and the first flowers come out. You need layers and a wind cheater just in case the clouds roll in: It gets cold in the mountains, even in Gran Canaria. You may even see a dusting of snow right at the top!

For sunbathing the beaches are warm in February and the sun shines almost every day. It’s hot enough for lying on the sand between 10.00 and 16.00. The average water temperature is 19ºC: Warm enough for a dip when the sun is out. Sheltered beaches like Mogán, Amadores and Puerto Rico tend to have warmer water, even in winter. 

February in Gran Canaria tends to be like all the other months in Gran Canaria: Hot and sunny. Just bring a jumper for the odd cool day and for the evenings. Enjoy the sunshine!