Sunday, 07 February 2016 09:44

The 5 Reasons Why The Canary Islands Weather Is So Good

Ideal weather in the Canary Islands Ideal weather in the Canary Islands www.photosgrancanaria.com

Here's what gives the Canary Islands their world-famous good weather. 

The Trade Winds

flower fieldThe wind in the Canary Islands blows from north to south almost every day. This brings cool air from the North Atlantic and keeps the Canary Islands climate within the pleasant range. The Winds also blow away any cumulus clouds that form via evaporation away and keep the skies blue. 

The Trade Winds help to keep hot dusty air from North Africa away from the Canaries (most of the time) and also stop humid tropical air from creeping north. 

The Bubble of Sunshine

Canary Islands sunshine bubblesAs the Trade Winds collide with the highlands of the Canary Islands, they are diverted around them. This creates a cloud-free bubble of sunshine over the south of the islands and means that south Gran Canaria and south Tenerife have some of the sunniest weather in the world; Over 300 days of blue sky every year.

Latitude

The Canary Islands latitudeThe Canary Islands are right in the sweet spot for climate: Just south of the mild Mediterranean and just north of the hot tropics.

The Canary Islands are at the same latitude as other places famous for the climate such as Florida, Egypt and Baja California.

It means we have pleasant weather without cold snaps or high humidity; Just warm weather all year round and no Tropical Storms.

 

The Cold Canary Current

tropical beerThe Canary Islands should be much hotter than they are as they are close to the Tropics and to the Sahara Desert. However, the Cold Canary Current keeps the islands surrounded by cool water that flows down from Europe.

Ironically, it's the same water that keeps Britain and Scandinavia warmer than they should be; Warm flows across the Atlantic from the Caribbean, cools down in northern Europe, then flows down the west coast of Europe before reaching the Canaries. 

By the time it reaches us, it's a cool 18ºC to 21ºC; Perfect for taking the edge off the Saharan heat. 

The Sahara Desert

MaspalomasçThe vast deserts of North Africa keep the Canary Islands hot and sunny and also protect them from tropical storms and Atlantic depressions. A dome of hot rising air sits over the Sahara for most of the year and acts like a shield that pushes storms away from the Canary Islands. It's why we've only had one Tropical storm in 100 years. 

It's why we've only had one Tropical storm in 100 years and are warm and sunny while everywhere else is covered in rain clouds.

Published in Other Canary Islands
Published in Other Canary Islands
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  • Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?
    Exchange Money In Gran Canaria Or At Home?

    Visitors to Gran Canaria often ask whether it is better to exchange their local currency for euros at home or in Gran Canaria. 

    The answer is that it is almost always better to buy your euros at home than it is to bring pounds to Gran Canaria and use local banks or currency exchanges. This rule of thumb applies all over the world. A currency is almost always cheaper the further away you are from the place you can spend it (because demand for it is lower). 

    Exchange rates are almost always better at home than in Gran Canaria

    You are very likely to get a better exchange rate using a British currency exchange specialist or local bank. Many of these companies will deliver your euros to your home.

    One of the best rates in the UK is often from the post office, especially if you do it well in advance.

    The only way you'll get a better rate in Gran Canaria than at home is if the exchange rate changes while you are travelling and this is rare. 

    You also have to bear in mind that currency exchanges in Gran Canaria are getting rarer and some local banks don't exchange money for non-clients. 

    To Transfer large amouynts of money to Gran Canaria, or to make regular transfers, always use a reputable currency broker such as Currencies Direct. This will save you money on exchange rates and bank charges and is highky secure. 

    The risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria

    Another important factor to consider is the risk of bringing cash to Gran Canaria: If it is lost or stolen, there is no way of getting it back. 

    It is much safer to bring a debit or credit card and use local bank ATMs to take out money. These days, a good option is a pre-charged debit card. 

    Cards may be slightly more expensive that carrying cash, unless you seek out a bank card with low commissions, but it is much more secure. 

    Bank ATMs like Bankia, Santander and BBVA often charge lower rates than the ATMs in shopping centres and busy tourist areas.

    Alex Says: Always select the Euro option at ATMs in Gran Canaria because the exchange rate is much better than if you opt for the Local Currency option. The same applies when you pay by card in shops and restaurants.

    See our Gran Canaria Tips section for more nuggets of useful local information.

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