Is Tenerife in Spain hot in December?

Temperature in Tenerife in December Tenerife is a popular place for sun seekers in December with average maximum temperatures a pleasant 22.2 ?C (70 ?F) combined with about six hours of sunshine.



Tenerife is often called the "Island of Eternal Spring," and while it isn't "scorching" in December, it remains one of the warmest places in Europe. In 2026, you can expect average daytime temperatures between 18°C and 22°C (64°F–72°F). The southern part of the island, including Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos, is significantly sunnier and drier than the north. While the air is mild and perfect for hiking or outdoor dining, the Atlantic Ocean remains around 20°C, which many find refreshing for a swim. You might experience occasional "Calima" winds from the Sahara, which can temporarily spike temperatures into the mid-20s. For a 2026 winter escape, Tenerife is a high-value destination because it offers reliable sunshine and a "t-shirt weather" atmosphere that is far superior to the freezing temperatures of mainland Europe, though you will still need a light jacket or sweater for the refreshingly cool evenings.

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Temperature in Tenerife in December Tenerife is a popular place for sun seekers in December with average maximum temperatures a pleasant 22.2 °C (70 °F) combined with about six hours of sunshine.

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The rest of the island has its own charm, mainly in its quaint villages, like Masca and Icod, and in Teide National Park, home of Spain's highest mountain. Thanks to its atypical weather, December is one of the best times of the year to visit Tenerife.

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Gran Canaria and Lanzarote are the hottest of the islands in December. There's only a very small chance of rain, and temperatures can reach as high as 26ºC, even over Christmas.

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Can I sunbathe in Tenerife in December? Yes, you should have weather that's warm enough to sunbathe in the winter month of December! In December, temperatures sit between 20-25 degrees C, or 68-77 degrees F.

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Where is the warmest place in Europe for a winter holiday? The hottest place in Europe in December is probably the Canary Islands. For a warm winter holiday in Europe, the Canary Islands in Spain offer a haven of sunshine and warmth.

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The southern side of Tenerife is nearly always warmer and so might be the best spot to visit during the coldest month of the year.

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Lanzarote tends to be the hottest and most arid of the Canaries, as it is closest to the Sahara desert and because it is one of the lowest lying islands.

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It's pretty mild at this time of year, but it's a good idea to bring along a jumper or light jacket for the evenings. The average daily maximum is 24 C and the average daily minimum is 17 C.

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Weather in Tenerife at Christmas Away from the classic snowy winter you'd associate with Europe, Tenerife has some pretty mild temperatures considering the time of year. The minimum winter temperature island-wide is 17°C, with daily highs of 24°C.

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Traditional Christmas in Tenerife However, since Tenerife is a tourist destination all year round, most of the restaurants, bars and places will be open on Christmas day just like any other normal day. Some of the shops will be closed on the 25th of December since this is still a public holiday in all of Spain.

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Areas to Avoid Because of its volcanic background, most beaches in Tenerife are volcanic with black sand which can be hot under the feet. If you're after a traditional sandy beach head to Los Cristianos and leave the southern resorts alone. Playa la Arena is also notorious for pickpockets.

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The south is more sunny, dryer and warmer than the north, which is why most holidaymakers opt for this part of the island. However, rainfall can also occur there, as the microclimate is still very different in the south.

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Average monthly temperatures For the highest temperatures the best time to visit Tenerife is between June and September although the winter and spring months especially around Christmas, half term and Easter often the busiest times of the year due to the increased likelihood of sunshine.

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In March and December in Limassol the average is 19–20 °C (66–68 °F) during the day and 10–11 °C (50–52 °F) at night; other coastal locations in Cyprus are generally 17–19 °C (63–66 °F) during the day and 8–11 °C (46–52 °F) at night.

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December brings rain, cooler temperatures and plenty of festive sparkle to Portugal. Up north in Porto, high temperatures now peak at 57°F (14°C), though they can plummet as low as 45°F (7°C), with 11 days of wet weather to contend with.

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While the weather isn't as hot as mainland Spain in the summer, it's comfortable (which mainland Spain in the summer certainly isn't!). Top tip: When booking, I recommend sticking hotels with heated swimming pools, as non-heated ones can be chilly in winter.

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Yes, the average temperature in December during the daytime is 22.7°C (80.2°F), which is hot enough for sunbathing. Can you sunbathe in Tenerife in December? Yes, it is possible to sunbathe and go swimming in Tenerife in December, especially in the south of the island.

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