Plan, book and live your holiday: your way, as a package or with a guide.
HolidayWow
Sign in
Canary Islands

Direct flight about 3 h 54

Canary Islands from London Gatwick

Published 4 October 2026 · HolidayWow editors · Written with AI, numbers checked against our data ·

From London Gatwick, a nonstop flight gets you in the Canary Islands in about 3 h 54. You land at Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), 23 miles from the destination, after 1,789 miles of flight. You can also fly nonstop to TFS (about 3 h 56).

In the Canary Islands, the best time for a trip is May to November, with daytime highs up to 24 °C and the sea up to 24 °C.

7 days in Canary Islands in August, Beach and hiking, from London Gatwick on your own

Plan a trip
iPhoto: Lviatour · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Flight time from London Gatwick
about 3 h 54
Flight distance LGW to LPA
1,789 miles
Nonstop from LGW to 2 airports
Direct flight
Best time to go
May to November

Flight times estimated from the distance, nonstop routes according to OpenTravelData.

Choose the island that suits your holiday

The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago with several distinct destinations, so the right choice depends on the kind of holiday you want. Tenerife and Lanzarote suit travellers who appreciate a strong mix of beaches, villages, landscapes and days out. Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria are also versatile choices for swimming, walking and exploring different parts of an island.

Tenerife
TenerifeiPhoto: dronepicr · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Fuerteventura
FuerteventuraiPhoto: Wollex · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Your holiday pace matters as much as the destination. A relaxed itinerary gives you time for a morning by the coast, an afternoon exploring and an evening somewhere with a view. A packed itinerary works well if you enjoy several stops and want to cover more of the island during your stay.

The planner helps by turning a description into a map first plan. Mention the island, the length of your trip and the kind of experience you want, then edit the route as your plans take shape. This keeps the flight decision connected to the rest of the holiday rather than treating it as a separate booking.

Understand the journey from London Gatwick

London Gatwick is your departure point, and the Canary Islands sit to the south of mainland Spain. Treat it as a planning reference while you compare flight options, decide your island and work out the transfer to your first accommodation.

London
LondoniPhoto: Diliff · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Spain
Spain

Allow the airport journey to form part of the overall plan. Leave home with enough time for your normal airport routine, keep your travel documents together and check the latest airline information before departure. The route becomes easier to manage when the airport, flight and onward transfer are considered as one continuous journey.

HolidayWow can begin with your home and carry the airport, flight and transfer into the trip. That door to door structure makes it easier to see how the start of the journey connects with the rest of the island holiday, especially when you are travelling with children, a group or a larger amount of luggage.

Match your island plans to the season

The Canary Islands suit a holiday at different times of year because their temperatures remain mild across the seasons. Spring brings pleasant days for sightseeing, while summer offers the warmest air and sea conditions. Autumn and winter can still work well for walkers, food trips and stays focused on the character of the islands.

For beach days, compare the monthly climate information with your preferred pace. Warmer sea conditions are especially welcome for swimming, while sunshine and rainfall patterns can help you decide when to spend more time outdoors. Keep flexible days in the plan so a change in weather can be absorbed without rebuilding the whole trip.

A reliable climate comparison is more useful than a fixed promise about sunshine. The planner places monthly climate data with the trip, giving you a clearer basis for choosing activities. You can then add beaches, walks, villages or scenic drives according to the conditions and the time you want to spend on each one.

From London Gatwick to Canary Islands

From London Gatwick, Canary Islands is {{dist.home:LGW}} away as the crow flies. From London Heathrow it is {{dist.home:LHR}}. From Manchester it is {{dist.home:MAN}}. For a trip out of London Gatwick, aim for April, May, June and July.

London Stansted lies {{dist.home:STN}} away. From Edinburgh it is {{dist.home:EDI}}. Door to door, the plan lines up the ride to the airport, the flight with live fares and the transfer on arrival.

Airports at the destination

From London Gatwick you fly nonstop to 2 airports nearby. Closest to the destination is Gran Canaria Airport, at 23 miles.

  • LPAGran Canaria Airport23 miles to the destination, about 3 h 54 from LGW, 1,789 miles of flightDirect
  • TFSTenerife Sur Airport50 miles to the destination, about 3 h 56 from LGW, 1,810 miles of flightDirect
  • TFNTenerife Norte-Ciudad de La Laguna Airport49 miles to the destination, about 3 h 52 from LGW, 1,776 miles of flight

Best time to travel in the Canary Islands

In the Canary Islands, the best time for a trip is May to November, with daytime highs up to 24 °C and the sea up to 24 °C. The sea reaches 24 °C in September.

Climate by month
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec
Day °C191919202122232424242220
Night °C171717181920212222222018
Sea °C201919192021222324232221
Sun h/day78910111111109877
Rain days453211012455
Climate: NASA POWER 2006 to 2025, sea: NOAA OISST 1991 to 2020. Day and night are average highs and lows, sun in hours per day.

Canary Islands through the year

August is the hottest month at 24 °C, while January drops to 19 °C. Rain is rarest in July (0 days) and most frequent in February (5 days). The sunniest month is May with 11 hours a day.

The sea is warm enough for proper swimming in August, September and October, peaking at 24 °C in September. For walking and sightseeing in pleasant warmth, aim for April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December.

  • January: 19 °C, sea 20 °C, 4 rain days, 7 h of sun
  • February: 19 °C, sea 19 °C, 5 rain days, 8 h of sun
  • March: 19 °C, sea 19 °C, 3 rain days, 9 h of sun
  • April: 20 °C, sea 19 °C, 2 rain days, 10 h of sun
  • May: 21 °C, sea 20 °C, 1 rain day, 11 h of sun
  • June: 22 °C, sea 21 °C, 1 rain day, 11 h of sun
  • July: 23 °C, sea 22 °C, 0 rain days, 11 h of sun
  • August: 24 °C, sea 23 °C, 1 rain day, 10 h of sun
  • September: 24 °C, sea 24 °C, 2 rain days, 9 h of sun
  • October: 24 °C, sea 23 °C, 4 rain days, 8 h of sun
  • November: 22 °C, sea 22 °C, 5 rain days, 7 h of sun
  • December: 20 °C, sea 21 °C, 5 rain days, 7 h of sun

How to shape a April day in Canary Islands

Mornings suit an unhurried walk through the old streets or along the water. The warmest hours, at 20 °C, are perfect for being outside. Evenings drop to 18 °C, so plan dinner outside and keep a layer handy.

Packing for Canary Islands in August

With 24 °C by day and 22 °C at night and 1 rain days in August, pack for changeable mild weather. Your plan builds this list for you and updates it when you change the dates.

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • A warm layer for the evenings
  • Swimwear and a beach towel
  • A travel adapter for your chargers

Prices for Canary Islands

Every price for Canary Islands on this page comes live from a partner, in your currency. Open a card to see today's rate for your dates.

Weather in the Canary Islands month by month

Nonstop flights in the Canary Islands from other airports

Besides London Gatwick, nonstop flights in the Canary Islands leave from 8 other airports; the closest to London Gatwick is London Heathrow, with a flight time of about 3 h 54.

Flight times estimated from the distance, nonstop routes according to OpenTravelData.

Build a day by day island route

A good island itinerary balances active days with time to return to your accommodation. Start with the area nearest your stay, then add a scenic destination, a local food experience or a coastal walk. This gives you a clear rhythm and makes it easier to travel with children or anyone who prefers a gentler pace.

For a relaxed week, you can use the first part of the holiday to settle into the island. Follow this with a full day for a beach or pool, a day for a walk or viewpoint, and another for a nearby town or family attraction. Keep one day flexible for a repeat of a favourite place or a change in the weather.

The HolidayWow planner draws each day as a route, with stops placed on the map and travel time shown between them. You can choose a relaxed, balanced or packed pace, then drag a stop to another day or make an individual day lighter. The plan checker reorders the route after each change.

Keep flights, stays and activities in one plan

Once the destination is chosen, gather the main elements of the trip in one place. The plan can include your flight, accommodation, transport, activities and document checklist. This makes it easier to share the itinerary with family or friends and gives everyone a clear view of the same holiday.

HolidayWow shows live prices for stays, tours and transport through partner links in English and pounds. Use the live price information when you compare choices, and check the provider details before making a booking. The plan is designed to keep practical booking information close to the route you have created.

You can also add a budget in pounds, split costs among a group and use price watch for selected stays and tours. Sharing gives each person the right level of access, while comments and voting help the group make decisions together. The document vault keeps passports, tickets and confirmations associated with the right trip.

Canary Islands from London Gatwick: frequently asked questions

Which Canary Island is best for a holiday from London Gatwick?

The best island depends on your priorities. Tenerife and Gran Canaria offer a varied mix of coast, towns and activities, while Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are strong choices for a beach-led holiday. Use the planner to compare the route, daily pace and attractions that matter to your group.

Can I plan a Canary Islands holiday before booking a flight?

Yes. Start with the island, the month and the kind of holiday you want. HolidayWow can create a map first itinerary before dates and flights are confirmed. Later, add the flight, live prices, accommodation and transport to turn the early idea into a complete plan.

How should I choose a relaxed Canary Islands itinerary?

Choose a relaxed pace and keep the number of stops low for each day. Group nearby beaches, villages and walking routes together, then leave time to return to your accommodation. The planner can make a day lighter whenever you want a slower rhythm or an extra rest period.

Does HolidayWow show live flight and holiday prices?

HolidayWow displays live partner prices for stays, tours, transport and available flight options, with booking links in English and pounds. Prices can change, so review the current details and provider conditions before you book. The plan keeps these live options alongside the rest of your holiday.

Can I share a Canary Islands plan with my family?

Yes. You can share one link for the trip and set roles for viewing and editing. Group members can comment, vote and keep the plan in view while decisions are being made. The packing list, document vault and trip film also stay connected to the shared itinerary.

More nonstop destinations from London Gatwick

Everything about a holiday in the Canary IslandsIn the Canary Islands in AugustAll nonstop destinations from London Gatwick

Plan your trip in the Canary Islands from London Gatwick

Describe your trip in one sentence. When, who with and what matters to you.

Five minutes of holiday every Sunday.

Where it's warm right now, real fare finds from your airport, bank holiday breaks for your nation and a ready-made trip to take over.

Free, every Sunday. We'll email you straight away to confirm. Unsubscribe at any time with one click. We look at which links you click so the newsletter suits you better. More in the Privacy Notice.