December is the reason the Canaries earned the nickname "Europe's warm winter escape". While the mainland shivers under frost and darkness, the south-coast resorts stay mild, bright and shirt-sleeve warm — you can genuinely sunbathe on Christmas Day. Add twinkling nativity scenes, festive markets and one of the world's balmiest New Year's Eves, and you have a magical, sun-soaked alternative to the traditional cold Christmas. It's the islands' festive peak, so it books up fast — but the payoff is winter sun at its most joyful.
December at a glance
| Typical December | |
|---|---|
| Daytime high (south coasts) | Around 21–23 °C |
| Overnight low | Around 15–16 °C |
| Sea temperature | Around 20–21 °C (cooling but swimmable) |
| Rainfall | Low on the south; the north sees more winter showers |
| Crowds & prices | Big spike over Christmas and New Year |
The weather: mild, bright winter sun
December is proper winter, but a Canarian one — which means mild, sunny days on the south coasts of Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, often in the low twenties. The greener north is cooler and more prone to showers as the wetter season sets in, so for guaranteed festive sun, stay south or on the low, dry islands. Evenings turn cool, so pack layers for dinner, and remember the mountains can be genuinely cold — Teide often wears a cap of snow, a surreal sight above the warm beaches. See our weather guide for the full picture.
The sea & swimming
The Atlantic is cooling towards its winter low but stays swimmable, especially in sheltered south-facing bays that soak up the sun. The hardy swim happily on Christmas morning; most visitors enjoy the beaches for sunbathing and long walks, with heated pools for the cooler days. Sun-trap beaches like Amadores, Maspalomas and Playa del Duque are the pick for warmth.
What's on: Christmas & New Year
December is festive at heart. Towns light up with decorations, and elaborate belenes (nativity scenes) appear in churches, plazas and shop windows — some enormous and beautifully crafted. Christmas markets and concerts fill the historic centres of Las Palmas, La Laguna and Santa Cruz. The grand finale is New Year's Eve (Nochevieja), when islanders eat twelve grapes on the chimes of midnight and the skies erupt with fireworks over the harbours and resorts — all in shirt-sleeve warmth. Our guide to Christmas and New Year in the Canaries has the traditions and where to celebrate. The festivities then run straight into Three Kings Day in early January.
Christmas and New Year are the busiest, most expensive weeks of the entire year — festive accommodation and flights sell out months ahead. If you want to be here for the holidays, book as early as you possibly can.
Crowds & prices
December is a tale of two halves. The first two to three weeks are relatively calm and reasonably priced — a lovely, quiet time for winter sun. Then, from roughly the week before Christmas, demand and prices surge as sun-starved northern Europeans flock south, peaking over the festive fortnight. Travel early in the month for value and space; travel over the holidays for the atmosphere, and pay for the privilege.
Best islands & things to do
For dependable festive sun, favour the south coasts and the low islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. The big resorts of Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas and Costa Adeje put on the fullest festive programmes. The crisp, clear winter air is superb for hiking, for whale watching off Tenerife, and for outstanding stargazing up on La Palma — a wonderful way to see out the year.
Who December suits
December suits anyone craving warmth and sunshine over the holidays, families wanting a different kind of Christmas, and couples after a festive-yet-balmy New Year. Early December also suits value-seekers who want winter sun before the crowds. It's less ideal for those on a tight budget over the festive weeks, or set on warm-sea swimming. Compare the whole year in our best time to visit guide, read our winter sun guide, or circle back to January to complete the calendar.