The Canary Islands sit just off the coast of Africa — which is why they stay warm when the rest of Europe goes grey in December.
By Pushpendu and Pamela · Last updated: April 2026
Warmest Canary Island in December 2026: Lanzarote vs Tenerife vs Gran Canaria
Quick Answer
Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are the warmest and driest Canary Islands in December, averaging 21–22°C highs with only 3–4 rainy days per month. Tenerife South and Gran Canaria South are virtually identical in temperature. The biggest difference isn't which island — it's which part of the island: the south coasts are consistently sunny and warm, while the north coasts of Tenerife and Gran Canaria can be noticeably cooler and cloudier in December.
Every December, thousands of Europeans escape the cold by flying to the Canary Islands — and every year the same question comes up: which island is actually the warmest? The short answer is that the differences are smaller than you might think, but they do matter depending on what you're looking for.
I've spent multiple Decembers across the Canary Islands — working remotely from Tenerife, road-tripping Lanzarote's volcanic coast, and comparing Gran Canaria's Maspalomas dunes with Fuerteventura's beaches. This guide cuts through the confusion with real temperature data, honest comparisons, and a clear recommendation for every type of traveller.
December Temperature Comparison: All 7 Islands
All the Canary Islands are warm in December — that's the first thing to understand. The differences between islands are measured in 1–2°C, not 10°C. What matters more is which part of each island you stay on. The south coasts face Africa and are sheltered from the Atlantic trade winds; the north coasts face the ocean and are cooler and wetter.
| Island | Dec Avg High | Dec Avg Low | Sunshine (hrs/day) | Rain Days | Sea Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuerteventura Warmest | 22°C / 72°F | 17°C / 63°F | 8 | 3 | 21°C |
| Lanzarote | 21°C / 70°F | 16°C / 61°F | 7 | 4 | 21°C |
| Tenerife South | 22°C / 72°F | 17°C / 63°F | 7 | 4 | 20°C |
| Gran Canaria South | 21°C / 70°F | 16°C / 61°F | 6 | 5 | 20°C |
| Tenerife North | 18°C / 64°F | 13°C / 55°F | 4 | 9 | 20°C |
| Gran Canaria North | 19°C / 66°F | 14°C / 57°F | 5 | 8 | 20°C |
| La Palma / La Gomera | 19°C / 66°F | 14°C / 57°F | 5 | 8 | 20°C |
Fuerteventura in December — Warmest and Driest
Fuerteventura is the flattest of the main Canary Islands — and that flatness is the reason it's the warmest and sunniest in December. Without mountains to trap clouds or create cool northern microclimates, the entire island benefits from consistent sunshine. With only 3 rainy days per month and 8 hours of sun per day on average, it's the closest the Canary Islands get to guaranteed winter sun.
The island is also closest to Africa (just 97km from the Sahara coast), which keeps night temperatures milder than the other islands. According to Spain's official tourism board, Fuerteventura has more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year — the most of any island in the archipelago.
Best areas in Fuerteventura for December
- Corralejo (north) — the best base for independent travellers. A proper town with restaurants, bars, and supermarkets, plus the stunning Corralejo Natural Park dunes. Great for couples and those who want nightlife.
- Caleta de Fuste (east) — sheltered horseshoe bay with calm, shallow water. Best for families with young children or first-time beach holiday visitors.
- Morro Jable and Jandia (south) — the most resort-focused area with the longest beach on the island (Playa de Sotavento). Quieter and more upmarket than Corralejo.
- El Cotillo (northwest) — a quiet, rustic fishing village with beautiful lagoon beaches. More remote but extraordinarily beautiful and uncrowded even in December.
December highlights in Fuerteventura
- The island's famous beaches are at their best — Cofete, Sotavento, and the Corralejo dunes are all stunning in December light
- Windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions are excellent in December — Fuerteventura hosts world-class spots at Flag Beach and Playa Barca
- Fewer peak-summer crowds mean better restaurant availability and quieter beaches
- Hotel prices are lower than August, though Christmas week (20 Dec–5 Jan) commands a premium
Lanzarote in December — Volcanic and Warm
Lanzarote is arguably the most visually dramatic of the Canary Islands. The black volcanic landscapes of Timanfaya National Park, the César Manrique cave art installations, and the wine terraces of La Geria set it apart from the more conventional resort islands. In December, temperatures match Fuerteventura closely — and the island's unique landscapes look particularly striking under clear winter skies.
Like Fuerteventura, Lanzarote is relatively flat and low, which keeps the weather consistent across the island without the north/south split that affects Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
Best areas in Lanzarote for December
- Puerto del Carmen — the main resort town, with a long promenade, excellent restaurants, and a lively but not overwhelming atmosphere. Best overall base.
- Playa Blanca (south) — more upmarket and quieter than Puerto del Carmen. Good for couples who want a relaxed, peaceful stay.
- Costa Teguise — family-friendly resort on the east coast with calm, sheltered beaches.
- Arrieta and the north — the most authentic, least touristy part of the island. Small fishing villages and volcanic coastline.
December highlights in Lanzarote
- Timanfaya National Park — the volcanic fire mountains are open year-round. December means cooler hiking temperatures and smaller coach tour groups.
- Jameos del Agua and Jameos de la Atlantida — César Manrique's cave art installations built into a lava tube. Extraordinary and unique to Lanzarote.
- La Geria wine region — Lanzarote's vineyards grow in volcanic craters. December is after harvest but the bodegas are open and the malvasia white wine is exceptional.
- Papagayo beaches — sheltered south-coast coves that stay warm and calm even when the Atlantic is choppy elsewhere.
Tenerife in December — The Most Popular Choice
Tenerife is the most visited of the Canary Islands, and for good reason — it offers the most variety. The south coast has excellent beach resorts with reliable December sunshine matching Fuerteventura. The north is greener, cooler, and more authentically Spanish. Mount Teide — Spain's highest peak at 3,718m — sits in the middle of the island and is spectacularly snow-capped against blue skies in December.
Critical note: If you book accommodation in northern Tenerife (Santa Cruz, Puerto de la Cruz) expecting guaranteed sunshine, you may be disappointed. The north can have cloud and rain for days at a time in December. Always stay in the south for winter sun.
Best areas in Tenerife South for December
- Los Cristianos — the most established resort, with a proper town feel, good beaches, and frequent whale and dolphin watching boats. Best for couples and families.
- Playa de las Américas — bigger, busier, and more nightlife-focused. Great for those who want entertainment alongside the beach.
- Costa Adeje — upmarket hotel strip with excellent restaurants and Costa Adeje beach. Quieter and more refined than Las Américas.
- El Médano — a windswept town on the south-east coast, popular with windsurfers and those looking for a less resort-heavy experience.
December highlights in Tenerife
- Mount Teide — take the cable car to 3,550m for extraordinary views over the cloud layer. Book the cable car well in advance as it fills up.
- Whale and dolphin watching — Tenerife's waters have resident pods of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins year-round. December is excellent for sightings.
- Masca Gorge — one of the most dramatic hikes in the Canary Islands, with December temperatures making it very comfortable.
- Anaga Rural Park — ancient laurel forest in the northeast with incredible biodiversity. Misty and dramatic in December.
Gran Canaria in December — Best Resort Variety
Gran Canaria earns its nickname "the miniature continent" — it packs extraordinary landscape diversity into a small space. The south has sweeping sand dunes and traditional beach resorts. The north has Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, a genuine Spanish city with excellent food, architecture, and a city beach that rivals anything in mainland Spain. December temperatures in the south match Tenerife closely, though Gran Canaria averages one fewer hour of sunshine per day. The Gran Canaria tourism board reports average December sea temperatures of 20°C — warm enough for comfortable swimming throughout the month.
Best areas in Gran Canaria for December
- Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés — the iconic Maspalomas sand dunes are one of the most impressive landscapes in the Canary Islands. December is a great time to visit — warm but not the overwhelming peak summer crowds.
- Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria — a more sheltered, family-friendly resort west of Maspalomas. One of the sunniest spots on the island due to its south-facing bay.
- Puerto de Mogán — the "Little Venice" of Gran Canaria. A beautiful harbour town with flowers cascading from the bridges. Quieter and more upmarket than the main resorts.
- Las Palmas de Gran Canaria — worth a day trip even if you're staying in the south. Vegueta old town, the Christopher Columbus house museum, and the Playa de Las Canteras urban beach.
December highlights in Gran Canaria
- Maspalomas Dunes — 4km² of shifting sand where the Sahara meets the Atlantic. Walk to the lighthouse at sunset in December for extraordinary light.
- Roque Nublo — the volcanic rock pillar in the island's central highlands. December hikes here are cool and clear, with views across the entire island.
- Puerto de Mogán Friday market — a lively weekly market in the most picturesque town on the island.
- Las Palmas Christmas lights — the city puts on impressive Christmas illuminations along Triana shopping street and around the cathedral.
Gran Canaria vs Tenerife in December: The Direct Comparison
This is the most-searched comparison — and the honest answer is that they're very similar. Here's how they actually differ:
| Factor | Gran Canaria | Tenerife | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature (south) | 21°C avg high | 22°C avg high | Tenerife (just) |
| Sunshine hours (south) | 6 hrs/day | 7 hrs/day | Tenerife |
| Rainy days (south) | 5/month | 4/month | Tenerife |
| Best beach | Maspalomas Dunes | Playa del Duque | Draw |
| Things to do beyond beach | Good (Roque Nublo, Las Palmas) | Excellent (Teide, whale watching, Anaga) | Tenerife |
| Nightlife | Good (Playa del Inglés) | Better (Las Américas) | Tenerife |
| City experience | Excellent (Las Palmas) | Average (Santa Cruz) | Gran Canaria |
| Price level | Slightly cheaper | Slightly more expensive | Gran Canaria |
| Landscape drama | Dunes + central mountains | Teide volcano + Anaga forest | Tenerife |
Which Canary Island Should You Choose in December?
Use this guide based on what matters most to you:
- Choose Fuerteventura if: you want the best beaches with the most guaranteed sunshine and fewest rainy days. Perfect for beach-focused couples and families.
- Choose Lanzarote if: you want warmth combined with dramatic landscape and culture. The volcanic parks and César Manrique art installations make it the most unique choice.
- Choose Tenerife if: you want the widest range of activities — whale watching, Mount Teide, Masca Gorge, diverse dining. Best for those who'd go stir-crazy on a pure beach holiday.
- Choose Gran Canaria if: you want a balance of resort and city. Stay in the south for the sun, day-trip to Las Palmas for culture and great food. Good value.
- Choose La Gomera or La Palma if: you want off-the-beaten-path, fewer tourists, and extraordinary hiking. Not beach destinations — but exceptional for nature lovers.
December Travel Tips for the Canary Islands
- Always stay on the south coast. This applies to every island with a north/south split — Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and La Palma. The north is greener but cloudier and cooler in winter. The south is where the December sun is.
- Book Christmas week well in advance. The 20 December to 5 January period is the busiest and most expensive time of year. Hotels and flights sell out months ahead. Travel 6–19 December or after 6 January for the same weather at significantly lower prices.
- Rent a car for at least 2 days. All the islands are best explored by car, and rental rates are very affordable in December outside Christmas week. The volcanic interiors of Lanzarote and Gran Canaria's mountains are impossible to experience properly on foot or by bus.
- Pack a light jacket for evenings. Days are warm (20–22°C) but after 7pm the temperature drops. A light layer is enough — you won't need a winter coat.
- Sea temperatures are swimmable. 20–21°C is comfortable for most people. South-coast, sheltered bays are warmer than exposed Atlantic-facing beaches.
- Book Teide cable car early. If you're in Tenerife and want to ride the Teide cable car, book online at least a week ahead — slots fill up, especially around Christmas.
- Compare flights from regional airports. Ryanair and easyJet fly to all four main islands from multiple UK airports. Sometimes flying from Manchester or Birmingham beats London prices significantly. Use Expedia's flexible date search to find the cheapest December windows. Search Canary Islands flights on Expedia →
- Planning a winter escape further afield? See our best places to travel in winter guide for more warm-weather ideas from the UK, including Malta, Morocco, and Portugal.
- Travelling as a couple? Our Malta couples guide pairs well with a Canary Islands trip — many UK airlines offer multi-destination fares.
Our Honest December Recommendation
For the warmest, sunniest December: Fuerteventura. It has the most sunshine hours (8/day), fewest rainy days (3), and the best beaches. If you want guaranteed winter sun with minimum risk of a cloudy week, this is the answer.
For the best all-round December holiday: Tenerife South. It matches Fuerteventura on temperature, adds whale watching, Mount Teide, and far more variety for non-beach days. Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje are our favourite bases.
Best value: Gran Canaria South. Slightly cheaper than Tenerife, with excellent beaches and Las Palmas as a day-trip option. One fewer hour of sunshine per day on average, but still a very solid winter sun destination.
Ready to Book Your December Canary Islands Trip?
Compare flights and hotels across all four islands in one search.
Compare December Deals on Expedia →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the warmest Canary Island in December?
Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are the warmest and driest Canary Islands in December — averaging 21–22°C with only 3–4 rainy days per month and 7–8 hours of sunshine per day. Tenerife South matches these temperatures exactly, but has slightly more cloud risk. All four are significantly warmer than the north coasts of Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
Which is warmer in December — Gran Canaria or Tenerife?
Tenerife South (22°C average high, 7 sunshine hours) has a marginal weather advantage over Gran Canaria South (21°C, 6 sunshine hours) in December. In practice the difference is small — one degree and one extra hour of sun. Both are warm enough for beach days and outdoor activities. Tenerife is a better choice if you want more to do beyond the beach.
Is December a good time to visit the Canary Islands?
Yes — December is excellent, especially if you avoid the Christmas week (20 Dec–5 Jan) price spike. You get near-identical weather to August at significantly lower prices and with fewer crowds. Mid-December is particularly good value.
Can you swim in the Canary Islands in December?
Yes. Sea temperatures across the Canary Islands in December are 20–21°C — comfortable for swimming, especially in sheltered south-coast bays. Fuerteventura's east-coast beaches (Caleta de Fuste, Corralejo lagoon) are particularly calm and warm.
What is the temperature in Gran Canaria in December?
Gran Canaria South averages 21°C highs and 16°C lows in December, with around 6 hours of sunshine per day and 5 rainy days per month. The north of the island is cooler, averaging 19°C highs with more cloud cover.
Is Tenerife or Gran Canaria better in December?
Tenerife South wins on weather (22°C vs 21°C, 7 vs 6 sunshine hours) and variety of activities. Gran Canaria wins on price and has a better city (Las Palmas) for a cultural day. For a pure beach holiday, either is excellent — Tenerife is the better all-round choice if budget isn't the deciding factor.
