FAQ about Tenerife in DecemberYes, 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.
Is the sea warm enough in December to swim in Gran Canaria? Sea temperature average around 20°C in December. This is usually warm enough to take a dip in the sea in Gran Canaria in December. With the average air temperature of 19°C it could feel warmer in the water.
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.
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.
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.
Both archipelagos have their own atmosphere and culture. Quite similar are the climate and the beautiful beaches. Cape Verde is approximately 700 kilometers more to the south than the Canary Islands and is closer to the equator. Partly because of this, the temperature is slightly higher in Cape Verde.
Temperature in Tenerife in DecemberWinters are wetter on the island, particularly in the north of the island which is most exposed to the northeast trade winds, but rainfall amounts remain minimal at 31 mm and an average of 21 dry days each month.
Tenerife weather DecemberIf you want a dose of sun close to Christmas, Tenerife holidays promise nice warm weather if you're going there in December. This is because the island's so close to Africa and the Sahara Desert, with the Canary Islands nicknamed the 'Islands of Eternal Spring'.
Costa Adeje weather DecemberSitting off North Africa, the islands have a subtropical climate which brings warm weather to the resort all year round. December is the start of winter in Costa Adeje, but temperatures are still warm without being overly hot.
From November through December, January February and March it can be cool and wet so pack a lightweight raincoat and travel umbrella. And the winter months can be cold in the evenings, so take a jacket or sweater to put round you.
The UV index will be moderate at this time of year, so not something to worry about for the average person. However, if you're going to be outside for long periods it's worth wearing a broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen and UV-blocking sunglasses.
With an average high of 72°F (22°C), Gran Canaria is the hottest part of Spain in December. This island features a striking mix of black and white sand beaches, popular for both swimming and surfing. In fact, winter marks the high season for surfing.
One of the top reasons for visiting the island is the year round warm weather. In January the weather in Tenerife is pretty good with an average temperature of 17°C and rarely falling below 14°C so it's decent t-shirt and beach weather.
Christmas and New Year's Eve are also busy in Tenerife, as holidaymakers enjoy the seasonal festivities. Therefore, unfortunately, those looking to make the most of the nightlife and parties Tenerife has to offer are likely to spend more than those in search of a quieter sojourn.
Temperatures in Tenerife are around 20°C in winter with lows of 14°C at night. Tenerife weather warms up again from March until May. You can expect a daily average of 22°C with eight hours of warm sunshine each day.
In this way, we can say that if the weather is a determining factor when deciding the destination of your vacation, making a trip to the Canary Islands in December will be a great success. The islands where the climate is most favorable at any time of the year are Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote.