Canary Islands weather in December
In December, daytime highs across the 7 Canary Islands range from 21.5 to 22.7°C and the sea from 19.8 to 21.6°C. The warmest island is Lanzarote (22.7°C), the sunniest is Lanzarote and the driest is Fuerteventura, with 3.2 rainy days on average.
Every Canary Island in December, compared
| # | Island | Average high | Sea temperature | Sunshine hours | Rainy days | Sunny now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lanzarote | 22.7° | 19.8° | 208 | 3.2 | 89% |
| 2 | Gran Canaria | 22.2° | 20.5° | 179 | 4.5 | 47% |
| 3 | El Hierro | 22.2° | 21.6° | 139 | 4.6 | 0% |
| 4 | Tenerife | 22.1° | 20.8° | 168 | 5.4 | 38% |
| 5 | Fuerteventura | 22.0° | 19.8° | 186 | 3.2 | 100% |
| 6 | La Palma | 21.8° | 21.4° | 138 | 7.9 | 50% |
| 7 | La Gomera | 21.5° | 21.4° | — | 3.8 | 0% |
Can you swim in the Canary Islands in December?
Yes, for most people: the sea is 19.8–21.6°C in December — refreshing rather than warm. It is warmest around El Hierro.
Good to know in December
Christmas and New Year are peak season: resorts are busiest and prices highest from about 20 December to 6 January. For the most reliable sunshine, pick the south coasts of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, or Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.
Canary Islands weather month by month
Frequently asked questions
Which Canary Island is warmest in December?
Lanzarote, with average daytime highs of 22.7°C in December, followed by Gran Canaria at 22.2°C. South coasts are usually warmer and sunnier than north coasts.
Does it rain much in the Canary Islands in December?
Not much: 3.2 to 7.9 rainy days on average in December, depending on the island. Fuerteventura is the driest.
Which Canary Island is sunniest in December?
Lanzarote, with about 208 hours of sunshine in December — the most among the islands with official sunshine records.
Which Canary Island has the warmest sea in December?
El Hierro, where the sea averages about 21.6°C in December.
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Data source: AEMET © Agencia Estatal de Meteorología · Climate averages from AEMET normals (1981–2010 / 1991–2020). Last reviewed 2026-06-12.