Gran Canaria Weather December: Temp & Sun Tip

Anyone who has ever tried to escape a damp, grey December in northern Europe knows the pull of the Canary Islands. Gran Canaria offers a reliable pocket of winter warmth — average highs hover around 22°C and the sun shines for roughly six hours each day.

Average high: 22°C (72°F) ·
Average low: 17°C (63°F) ·
Sunshine per day: 6 hours ·
Sea temperature: 21°C (70°F) ·
Monthly rainfall: 30 mm

Six data points, one pattern: Gran Canaria’s December climate is remarkably stable, with minimal swings between day and night, making it one of the most dependable winter-sun destinations in Europe.

The numbers above paint a clear picture — Gran Canaria in December offers genuinely mild conditions with no extremes.

How hot is Gran Canaria in December?

Average daytime highs and nighttime lows

The island’s subtropical position, just off the coast of Western Sahara, means December temperatures stay firmly in the comfort zone. Daytime highs range from 20°C to 23°C, with an average of 22°C (Thomas Cook). Nighttime lows hover around 17°C (Travelscoop) — cool enough for a light jacket, not cold.

Historical temperature ranges

Because the Canary Current (a branch of the North Atlantic Drift) moderates the climate, extreme temperature records are rare. Even the coolest December days seldom fall below 15°C during daylight.

The implication: for travellers seeking a genuine winter escape, these stable figures remove the guesswork.

Is it hot enough to sunbathe in Gran Canaria in December?

Sunbathing conditions: UV index and sunshine hours

With six hours of daily sunshine and moderate UV levels (index 3-4), sunbathing is feasible — but you’ll want sunscreen. The sun is strong enough to tan light skin with sensible exposure, but it’s not the scorching intensity of July (Thomas Cook).

Sea temperature and swimming comfort

The sea around Gran Canaria averages 21°C in December. That’s comfortably swimmable for most people — a wetsuit is optional but not essential. Popular beaches like Maspalomas and Puerto Rico remain active with bathers throughout the month (Guide to Canary Islands).

The catch: UV is moderate but still requires protection; don’t let the mild air temperature trick you into skipping sunscreen.

Which Canary Island is hottest in December?

Gran Canaria vs Tenerife vs Lanzarote vs Fuerteventura

The Canary Islands share a common climate, but subtle differences exist. Gran Canaria and Tenerife both average high around 22°C in December. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, being more exposed to trade winds, tend to be slightly cooler — typically 20-21°C (TUI).

One data point, one clear contrast: the difference between north and south on a single island can be as large as the difference between islands. Choosing the right resort matters more than choosing the right island.

The pattern: southern Gran Canaria consistently posts the highest winter temperatures across the archipelago due to its unique geography.

Below is a direct comparison across the four main islands for December conditions:

Why is Gran Canaria on the no travel list?

Origin of the “no travel” label

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some governments temporarily restricted non-essential travel to the Canary Islands. That label has stuck in online searches despite being outdated. As of December 2025, Gran Canaria is not on any active no-travel list (UK Foreign Office).

Current travel status (December 2025)

Standard travel advisories apply. The island is open to tourists, and no special restrictions are in place (Gran Canaria Tourism Board).

The implication: travellers should ignore outdated search results and rely on current official travel advice from their government.

What is the weather like in Gran Canaria in December?

Rainfall and humidity patterns

December is one of the driest months in the Canary Islands. Gran Canaria receives only about 30 mm of rain spread over 5-7 days — mostly brief, light showers that pass quickly. Humidity averages 68%, lower than many mainland European winter climates (Travelscoop).

Wind conditions and daylight hours

Winds are generally gentle, occasionally moderate, driven by the trade winds. Daylight lasts about 10 hours, from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with sunsets before dinner.

The trade-off: if you want a wind-sheltered beach, choose a bay on the south coast. If you plan sailing or kitesurfing, the north-easterlies provide decent conditions.

“We spent a week in Maspalomas in early December and had sunny days every day. The sea was cool but refreshing – we swam every afternoon.”

Reddit r/grancanaria community (tier3, but consistent with other sources)

“The Canary Islands are among the warmest places in Europe in December. Sunbathing is definitely possible, especially in the south of Gran Canaria.”

Guide to Canary Islands (tier2 tourism resource)

For the winter sun seeker in the UK or northern Europe, the choice is clear: Gran Canaria delivers reliable mildness, a far cry from the frost and drizzle of home. Pack a jacket for evenings, but leave the heavy coat behind. The pattern across all data confirms this destination offers the warmth most travellers seek in December.

For reference on general measurement conversions relevant to travel planning, see this height conversion guide.

For a detailed look at what to expect, check out this guide on Gran Canaria weather in December from a Swedish perspective.

Frequently asked questions