Spain, Europe

Canary Islands in December

Early December is reasonable; Christmas and New Year are among the most expensive weeks of the year.

GoodMild, highs near 72F (22C), some rain

Teide, Canary Islands — Canary IslandsPhoto: Thomas Wolf, www.foto-tw.de, CC BY-SA 3.0 de

The straight answer

December is a good month to visit Canary Islands. Early December is reasonable; Christmas and New Year are among the most expensive weeks of the year.

Weather: Mild, highs near 72F (22C), some rain
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What December is like in Canary Islands

December is mild, with highs near 72F (22C) and some rain. Early December is reasonably priced, but Christmas and New Year are among the most expensive weeks of the year. Resorts get busy with Europeans escaping winter. The sea has cooled, but sunny afternoons in the south are still warm enough for the beach. Snow can appear on Teide, and high winds sometimes stop the cable car.

It suits families who want a sunny Christmas and walkers who like mild weather. Book the holidays very early. For better value, travel in early December or wait until May.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Canary Islands this month.

A sunny Christmas

Spend the holidays on a warm beach instead of in the cold.

Early-December deals

The first two weeks of December are cheaper and calmer.

Winter walks in the island interiors

Cool days are great for exploring Teide National Park and Gran Canaria's high center.

What to pack for December

Beachwear
A warm layer for cool nights
A light rain jacket
Sunscreen

Our timing tip

Book Christmas and New Year stays months in advance, since rooms sell out and prices peak.

Book Canary Islands for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Canary Islands
Opens a hotel search for Canary Islands in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Canary Islands
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Canary Islands
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Canary Islands for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Canary Islands

Full guide

Teide National Park and cable car

The cable car climbs to about 11,660 feet (3,555 m). The final path to the summit needs a free permit booked well in advance. Winds can halt the cable car in any season.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote

A landscape of craters and lava from 18th-century eruptions, visited by coach route from the Montanas del Fuego visitor center.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Cesar Manrique's Lanzarote

Jameos del Agua, the Mirador del Rio, and the Cactus Garden show how one artist shaped an entire island's look.

Tickets and tours →

Maspalomas Dunes, Gran Canaria

A protected dune field on the south coast. Walk it at sunrise before the heat and the crowds.

Tickets and tours →

Roque Nublo, Gran Canaria

A volcanic monolith at the island's high center reached by a short, popular hike. Go early; parking fills fast on weekends.

Tickets and tours →

Garajonay National Park, La Gomera

A UNESCO-listed laurel cloud forest, a day trip by ferry from Tenerife.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Avoid the Christmas to New Year fortnight, February half-term, Easter week, and August if price matters; the same weather is available for much less in May, June, and October.
Book the Teide summit permit weeks or months ahead and take the first cable car of the day to beat both queues and afternoon cloud.
Stay outside the big southern resorts: Puerto de la Cruz on Tenerife, Agaete on Gran Canaria, or rural casas on La Gomera and La Palma.
Do Timanfaya and Jameos del Agua at opening, before tour coaches arrive from the resorts.

Know before you go

Nothing closes for a season. Hotels, restaurants, parks, and beaches operate all year.
The Teide cable car stops in high winds or ice, and the summit trail requires a permit. Winter storms occasionally close the park's upper roads.
Calima dust episodes, most common in summer and winter, can bring haze, poor air quality, and flight disruptions for a day or two.
Sundays and public holidays close many shops in towns, though resort areas stay open.

Canary Islands in December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Canary Islands?

December is a good month to visit Canary Islands. Early December is reasonable; Christmas and New Year are among the most expensive weeks of the year.

What is the weather like in Canary Islands in December?

Mild, highs near 72F (22C), some rain.

Is Canary Islands crowded in December?

Canary Islands is busy in December, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.