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If you are dreaming of escaping the cold this Christmas, the Canary Islands offer one of the most reliable winter sun destinations from the UK. With warm temperatures, clear skies and a relaxed island atmosphere, December is a fantastic time to visit. Whether you are planning an early December getaway or spending Christmas and New Year somewhere warm, the Canaries are hard to beat.
The islands see a mix of peaceful early winter weeks and a lively festive period filled with events, fireworks and visitors from across Europe. Below we break down everything you need to know about visiting the Canary Islands in December, including the weather, where to stay, what to do, and how to make the most of your trip.
Contents
How to Use This Guide
Use the contents table above to jump straight to the section you are most interested in. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about visiting the Canary Islands in December, including the weather, festive events, crowds, prices and where to stay.
Whether you are planning an early December escape for some winter sun or looking to spend Christmas and New Year on the islands, this guide will help you plan the perfect trip.
Why Visit the Canary Islands in December
December is one of the most popular months of the year to visit the Canaries. It is the ideal time to swap the freezing and often grey UK weather for the warmth and sunshine of the Canary Islands. Early in the month you can enjoy quieter beaches and good deals, while the Christmas and New Year period brings a vibrant festive buzz and inevitably higher prices.
Guaranteed winter sun | Daytime temperatures remain warm, perfect for beach days and outdoor adventures.
Festive atmosphere | Islands host Christmas lights, markets, concerts and spectacular fireworks to ring in the New Year.
Short flight times | Direct flights from most UK airports take just 4 to 5 hours.
Reliable weather | With sunshine and warm temperatures across all islands, it is one of the few short haul destinations where you can comfortably spend Christmas outdoors and in the sun.
Visiting the Canary Islands in December is one of the best ways to escape the UK winter. With warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine and a unique festive atmosphere, it is easy to see why the islands are so popular. Whether you visit in early December for a peaceful break or over Christmas for a lively celebration, you can expect reliable winter sun just a short flight from the UK.
The Canary Islands Weather in December
The Canary Islands enjoy mild, sunny weather in December, making it one of the best times to visit for reliable winter sun and warmth. While temperatures are slightly cooler than in November, they are still far more pleasant than the potentially freezing conditions in the UK winter.
Daytime | Warm enough for swimming, sunbathing and exploring.
Evenings | A light jumper is often all that is needed.
Rainfall | Generally low, though the north of Tenerife and Gran Canaria can see short showers.
Sea temperature | Pleasant for swimming, especially in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
Crowds and Prices
December can be divided into two distinct periods:
Early December (1–18 Dec) | Quieter beaches, lower prices and good flight availability. This is an excellent time to visit if you want warm weather without the Christmas crowds.
Festive period (19 Dec–early Jan) | The week of Christmas and New Year is one of the busiest and most expensive times of the year. Hotels, flights and car hire prices rise sharply, and the most popular resorts book out well in advance.
Best Canary Islands to Visit in December
All of the Canary Islands are fantastic choices in December, but each offers a slightly different atmosphere and experience. Take a look at our individual island summaries below to help you decide which island is best for your winter sun escape.
Tenerife
Tenerife is the largest and most diverse of the islands. The south coast enjoys excellent weather in December, with warm sunny days and calm seas.
Resorts like Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos are popular for their beaches, restaurants and festive events. Teide National Park is beautiful at this time of year, with clear skies perfect for stargazing.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote is one of the driest islands, making it a safe bet for sunshine. Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen have a relaxed feel in early December, while Christmas brings a lively festive atmosphere. The island’s volcanic landscapes are spectacular to explore in the cooler December temperatures.
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria offers a mix of beaches, dramatic mountains, subtropical rainforests and charming towns. The south coast is warm and sunny, particularly around Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés.
In December, the island hosts Christmas concerts, markets and a lively New Year’s Eve celebration on the beach.
Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura is known for its stunning beaches and is a top choice for those seeking a quieter December escape. Conditions for water sports are excellent at this time of year, especially surfing and windsurfing.
Festive Events & Activities
One of the best reasons to visit the Canary Islands in December is the festive atmosphere. Each island celebrates Christmas and New Year with a mix of Spanish traditions and holiday cheer.
Christmas lights and markets | Towns and resorts light up with decorations, nativity scenes and Christmas markets.
New Year’s Eve fireworks | Beachfront firework displays are held across the islands, especially in Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
Outdoor concerts and events | Many resorts host live music and performances in the lead-up to Christmas.
Hiking & nature | Cooler temperatures make December a great time for exploring volcanic landscapes, especially in Lanzarote and Tenerife.
Whale and dolphin watching | December is a good month for spotting marine life on boat excursions.
Where to Stay on the Canary Islands in December
The Canary Islands are blessed with an abundance of hotels, guesthouses and private villas. There is something for everyone and we’ve linked below a few of our favourites for the best islands to visit during the month of December.
Tenerife | Stay in Costa Adeje for a mix of luxury hotels and family-friendly options, or Los Cristianos for a more party vibe.
Lanzarote | Playa Blanca is excellent for couples and families, while Puerto del Carmen has plenty of restaurants and nightlife.
Gran Canaria | Maspalomas is ideal for beach lovers, and Las Palmas offers a more local feel.
Fuerteventura | Corralejo is perfect for beaches and surf, with a laid-back atmosphere.
Booking early is essential for the Christmas and New Year period, especially for larger hotels and villas.
Flights and Getting to the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are just a 4–5 hour flight from the UK, with hundreds of daily departures from major airports. During December, airlines increase their flight schedules to meet demand.
Best prices | Early December.
Peak prices | Around 18–31 December.
Top departure airports | London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow.
Airlines | EasyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, British Airways and TUI all operate frequent flights.
Car hire availability can become limited around Christmas, so it is worth booking early if you plan to explore beyond your resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit the Canary Islands?
Yes. December offers warm weather, sunshine and a festive atmosphere. It is ideal for both early winter sun escapes and Christmas holidays.
Which Canary Island is warmest in December?
Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are typically the warmest and driest, followed closely by the south coast of Tenerife.
Can you swim in the sea in December?
Yes. Sea temperatures are around 21 °C and comfortable for swimming, especially on sheltered beaches.
Do you need to book early for Christmas?
Yes. The Christmas and New Year period is extremely popular. Flights and hotels sell out weeks in advance.
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