Lanzarote in December offers pleasant, mild winter sun with daytime highs around 20-22°C, sunny spells, and cooler evenings (14-16°C) needing a light jacket, perfect for hiking volcanic landscapes and exploring without summer heat. Expect some brief, sporadic showers but generally comfortable, drier conditions than other Canaries, with pleasant sea temperatures for swimming in warmer spots or heated pools. It's a popular time, especially for Christmas, so book ahead for flights, accommodation, and cars.
Yes. Lanzarote is one of the warmest Canary Islands in winter, with temperatures that feel pleasantly spring-like. Days are warm enough for the beach, while evenings are cool but comfortable. If you're looking for reliable sunshine without extreme heat, December is an excellent month to visit.
Lanzarote is a year round holiday destination so when you visit during the Christmas and New Year periods you can expect to find everything open as normal. This includes the beaches and all attractions and activities.
1. Tenerife – The All-Rounder. Tenerife is often voted the best Canary Island for winter sun, and it's easy to see why. Average highs reach 23°C in December and January, making it ideal for beach days, outdoor dining, and exploring.
Is it worth going to the Canary Islands in December?
Yes, December is an excellent time to visit the Canary Islands for warm, sunny winter weather, festive celebrations, fewer crowds (outside of Christmas/NYE), and pleasant sea temperatures, making it ideal for escaping colder climates with average daytime highs in the low 20s°C (around 70°F). Expect mild days perfect for sunbathing and exploring, but pack layers for cooler evenings and be aware that while rain is minimal, the north of some islands might see slightly more showers.
The Canary Islands offer the best of Spanish winter sun, and Tenerife is the most popular. As well as being a key summer destination, this island receives six hours of sunshine per day between December and February, with temperature averages in these months standing at around 18C (with average highs around 22C).
The winter months are a great time to visit. Not only do you get comfortable temperatures, and it's nice enough to get a good tan, you get to escape the dark cold days of back home for a week or two!
The heart of NAVILAN is its Christmas market, where you will find 22 decorated stalls filled with unique products. From local crafts to toys, souvenirs, and gastronomic delights, this is the perfect place to find that special gift or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere. III Edition of NAVILAN in Arrecife!
The winter weather in Lanzarote is normally perfect for shorts and t-shirts in the day, but can feel a little chilly at night, so don't forget to pack some light warmer clothing for the evenings.
Costa Teguise is more tranquil and we feel is a favourite with families and Playa Blanca on the south coast is much more laid back and a favourite with families and more mature visitors.
If you mean beach and sun, the long beaches of Gran Canaria may be what you are looking for; if, on the contrary, you prefer an island with a beach but also with many other plans to do, Lanzarote may be your ideal destination.
Tenerife is the largest among the Canary Islands. It is ideal for the warm Christmas holidays as it is one of the hottest Canary Islands in December, with the temperature reaching 23ºC to 24ºC during daylight hours.
We don't have a “season” in Lanzarote, so everything stays open all year round. Anything you can do in the summer here, can be done in winter too. Because it's not quite so hot, it's the best time of year to walk on the island, and we have hundreds of kilometres of amazing trails you can enjoy.
With its year-round mild climate and stunning coastline, this Canary Island offers some of the best beaches in Europe for soaking up the sun, even in December. Here's your expert guide to Lanzarote's top spots for winter sunbathing.