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PolskiTenerife in December is mild and sunny in the south, with daytime highs of about 23°C, nights around 16 to 17°C and a sea temperature close to 21°C. The north is cooler and much wetter: the area around La Laguna gets almost three times as much rain as the south. For a sunny Christmas, base yourself on the south or west coast.
Tenerife in December at a glance
| Measure | South (Tenerife South Airport) | Santa Cruz | La Laguna (Tenerife North Airport, 632 m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daytime high | About 23°C | About 22°C | About 17°C |
| Night-time low | About 16-17°C | About 16-17°C | About 11-12°C |
| Rainfall | 30 mm | 43 mm | 82 mm |
| Days with rain (1 mm or more) | 3-4 | 5 | 9 |
| Sunshine | About 6.5 hours a day | About 5.5 hours a day | About 4.5 hours a day |
Figures are AEMET long-term averages (1981-2010). The sea is about 21°C around the island. Puerto de la Cruz, at sea level on the north coast, is much milder than La Laguna but cloudier and wetter than the south.
What December weather feels like
In Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje and Los Gigantes, most December days are sunny and warm enough for shorts and the beach. Evenings cool down quickly after sunset, which is around 18:10, so you will want long sleeves for dinner outside.
December is the month when Atlantic storms are most likely. When one passes, the north gets heavy rain and the south can get a grey, showery day too. In cold spells, Teide is often covered in snow, which is a spectacular sight from the beach. The roads into Teide National Park can close temporarily after snow or ice, and the cable car closes in strong wind.
Is the sea warm enough to swim in December?
At about 21°C, the sea is pleasant for most northern Europeans. Sheltered beaches such as Playa de las Vistas, Playa del Duque and La Arena are best. North-coast beaches often have large waves in December.
Where to stay in Tenerife in December
- Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje: the warmest, sunniest and most practical for a long stay.
- Los Gigantes and Puerto de Santiago: very sunny and quieter.
- Puerto de la Cruz: charming at Christmas, with a local feel, but cooler and cloudier.
- Santa Cruz: the capital, with great Christmas lights and markets; warmer than the north but cloudier than the south.
Compare them in the best area in Tenerife for a winter stay.
What to pack for December
- T-shirts, shorts and swimwear for the south.
- A warm jumper and long trousers for evenings.
- A waterproof jacket, especially if you will spend time in the north.
- Proper warm clothes, including a hat and gloves, for Teide.
Christmas and New Year in Tenerife
Santa Cruz, La Laguna and Puerto de la Cruz have Christmas lights, nativity scenes and markets. Spain celebrates mainly on Christmas Eve, eats twelve grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve, and holds Three Kings parades on the evening of 5 January. See Christmas and New Year in the Canary Islands.
Flights and short rentals are most expensive from about 20 December to 6 January. Long-stayers save money by booking the whole winter in advance.
December compared with other months
December is about 2°C cooler than November and about 1°C warmer than January. For all islands compared, see the warmest Canary Island in winter.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tenerife warm at Christmas?
The south is: around 22 to 23°C in the afternoon on a typical day. The north is cooler.
Does it snow in Tenerife in December?
Only high up, on Teide and the surrounding mountains. It never snows on the coast.
Is Tenerife or Gran Canaria better in December?
The south coasts of both are very similar. See Gran Canaria weather in December and Tenerife vs Gran Canaria for a winter stay.