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PolskiLanzarote in December is mild and mostly sunny, with daytime highs of about 22°C, nights around 15°C and a sea temperature close to 20°C. It is the island’s wettest month, but that still means only about 29 mm of rain spread over roughly four days. For anyone escaping a northern European winter, it is excellent weather for walking, terraces and Christmas in the sun.
Lanzarote in December at a glance
| Measure | December average |
|---|---|
| Daytime high | About 22°C |
| Night-time low | About 15°C |
| Sea temperature | About 20°C |
| Rainfall | 29 mm |
| Days with rain (1 mm or more) | 4 |
| Sunshine | About 6 hours a day |
| Daylight | About 10.5 hours |
Figures are AEMET long-term averages (1981-2010) for Lanzarote Airport, close to Arrecife and Puerto del Carmen.
What December weather feels like
Most December days are bright and pleasant, with a light to moderate breeze. Sitting in the sun at lunchtime feels warm, and many people still wear shorts. The difference from November is mostly in the evenings: with sunset around 18:05 and temperatures dropping to the mid-teens, you will want long trousers and a jumper after dark.
December is when Atlantic low-pressure systems are most likely to reach the Canaries. When one arrives, expect a grey, windy day with showers, occasionally a heavy downpour that floods roads for a few hours, and large waves on the north and west coasts. These spells rarely last more than two or three days.
Sunshine averages around six hours a day, the lowest of the year, simply because the days are shortest. Sunrise is around 7:35.
Is the sea warm enough to swim in December?
At about 20°C, the sea is fresh but swimmable, and plenty of long-stayers swim every day. Calm, sheltered beaches are best: Playa Dorada and Playa Flamingo in Playa Blanca, Playa Grande in Puerto del Carmen, and the Papagayo coves on a calm day. If you prefer warmer water, look for an apartment complex with a heated pool, which is worth asking about before you book.
Where to stay in Lanzarote in December
- Playa Blanca: the most sheltered option, with the warmest feel on breezy days.
- Puerto del Carmen: lively over Christmas, with restaurants open all season and good buses.
- Costa Teguise: quieter and more residential, slightly windier.
- Arrecife: best for a local Christmas atmosphere, markets and lights.
Avoid inland villages and the north (Haría, Teguise, Famara) as a base in December: they are cooler, wetter and cloudier.
What to pack for December
- T-shirts and shorts for sunny days, plus swimwear.
- A warm jumper or fleece and long trousers for evenings.
- A windproof, showerproof jacket for the occasional rainy day.
- Slippers and a cardigan for indoors: apartments are built for heat, not cold.
- Sun cream and sunglasses.
Christmas and New Year in Lanzarote
Christmas lights go up in Arrecife and the resorts from late November, and towns hold markets, concerts and nativity scenes. The big family celebration in Spain is Christmas Eve (Nochebuena), and on New Year’s Eve people eat twelve grapes at midnight. On the evening of 5 January, towns across the island hold Three Kings parades. Read more in Christmas and New Year in the Canary Islands.
Prices for flights and short rentals rise sharply from about 20 December to 6 January. If you are staying for months, try to book your accommodation for the whole winter early, so you are not paying holiday rates over Christmas.
December compared with other months
December is about 2°C cooler than November and about 1°C warmer than January. It is the wettest and darkest month, but the difference is small. For a comparison of all islands, see the warmest Canary Island in winter.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lanzarote warm at Christmas?
Yes, by European standards. Around 22°C in the afternoon is typical, though evenings are cool.
Is December a rainy month in Lanzarote?
It is the wettest month, but rain is still rare. Expect three or four rainy days and many more sunny ones.
Is Lanzarote or Tenerife warmer in December?
The south of Tenerife is usually a little warmer and less windy than Lanzarote. See Tenerife weather in December.
Will I need heating in December?
Most people manage with a jumper and an extra blanket. A small electric heater is useful on the coolest evenings.