Is Gran Canaria warm enough for a holiday in December? In the south of the island, daytime temperatures often reach around 22°C, which is warm enough for the beach, lunch on a terrace and comfortable sightseeing. Evenings are cooler, and the mountains can be considerably colder.
Christmas in Gran Canaria feels quite different from winter in northern Europe. Instead of planning your days around the cold, you can combine festive events with coastal walks, beach time and excursions into the mountains.
Planning a trip to the Canary Islands in December? Here is what to expect from the weather in Gran Canaria in December, plus five places worth visiting during your stay.
What is the weather in Gran Canaria in December?
Gran Canaria has a mild climate all year round, but the coast, the north and the mountains differ noticeably. This matters most in winter: the south can be warm enough for the beach, while higher areas can feel distinctly cool.
Because of these regional differences, the island is often called a "miniature continent". To see how the climate changes through the year, read our guide to the climate on Gran Canaria.
In December, you can generally expect the following:
The south is generally the warmest and driest part of the island in December. If beach and outdoor time are your priority, Maspalomas and Mogán make the best bases for a winter stay.
Christmas in Gran Canaria: winter without the cold
Christmas in Gran Canaria combines familiar traditions with a very different climate. In the south, it is mild enough for festive meals on a terrace and walks along the coast.
The island also has its own seasonal traditions. In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the sand nativity scene on Las Canteras Beach is one of the island's most distinctive Christmas attractions.
December is not only about Christmas, though. With mild temperatures and relatively little rain in the south, it is a good month for exploring the island, walking along the coast or heading into the mountains.
Here are five places worth adding to your itinerary.
1. Walk through the Maspalomas Dunes
If you are travelling to Gran Canaria in December, Maspalomas is a natural place to start. Beach, dunes and mild winter temperatures make it easy to spend several hours outdoors.
The Maspalomas Dunes are part of a protected nature reserve that runs along the coast beside the beach. You can walk through the dunes, head on towards the sea or simply watch the landscape change as the light moves across the sand.
Camel rides are also available. If you are there in the afternoon, stay on for sunset, when the colours of the dunes and the Atlantic shift as the sun goes down.
2. Explore the historic streets of Vegueta
December is a comfortable time to explore Vegueta, the historic centre of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Temperatures are mild enough for walking, so it is easy to combine the old quarter with museums, shops and restaurants.
Start at Santa Ana Cathedral and continue through the cobbled streets of the neighbourhood. You will find historic buildings, traditional courtyards and small cafés alongside more contemporary restaurants.
If you would rather explore on foot than spend the whole day at the beach, Vegueta shows you a different side of Gran Canaria.
3. Spend a day at Las Canteras Beach
Frequently ranked as one of Europe's best city beaches, Las Canteras stretches for several kilometres along the bay of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Part of the beach is sheltered by La Barra, a natural reef that keeps the water calm close to the shore. That makes Las Canteras good for swimming, while surfers head for the stretches where the waves are stronger.
The location is another advantage. You can spend the morning by the sea and then walk straight into the city for lunch, shopping or an afternoon in Las Palmas.
In December, the beach is also home to the famous nativity scene built entirely from sand.
4. Hike to Roque Nublo
December is one of the more comfortable times of year to hike in Gran Canaria's mountains. It is cooler than on the coast, especially at higher elevations, so longer walks are more pleasant than in the summer months.
One of the island's best-known routes leads to Roque Nublo, the volcanic rock formation at the centre of Gran Canaria. The landscape is a world away from the beaches and dunes of the south, with pine forests, rugged terrain and wide views across the island.
Conditions can change quickly in the mountains and rain is more likely, so check the forecast and pack a warm layer.
5. Spend a relaxed day in Puerto de Mogán
Puerto de Mogán is one of the quieter coastal towns in the south of Gran Canaria and makes an easy day trip in December.
The fishing harbour is surrounded by white houses, small bridges and flower-lined streets, and the sheltered beach lies right beside the marina. You can stroll through the old fishing quarter, have lunch overlooking the harbour or spend some time by the sea.
Like the rest of the south, it often has mild, dry weather. If your idea of a December holiday is taking it slowly rather than packing every day with activities, it is an easy stop to add to your itinerary.
Hotels in Gran Canaria in December
Where you stay matters. The south is generally warmer and drier, and a hotel near the coast keeps outdoor activities within easy reach all winter.
If you are planning a stay with Dunas, these four hotels offer different ways to spend December in Gran Canaria:
- Mirador Maspalomas suits families who plan to spend part of the day at the hotel, with two pool areas, family facilities and activities with Duni, the hotel mascot.
- Maspalomas Resort offers detached bungalows set in gardens around the pool area, giving families more space and privacy. It is also a convenient base for exploring the south of the island.
- Suites & Villas is close to the Maspalomas Dunes and suits guests who want more space and a quieter atmosphere. Massages and body treatments are available for downtime between excursions.
- Don Gregory is right on the seafront in San Agustín. Many rooms look out over the Atlantic, and the Wellness Centre and Spa are made for slower days spent enjoying the hotel and the coast.
Is Gran Canaria worth visiting in December?
For many travellers, December is one of the most comfortable times to explore Gran Canaria. The south has mild temperatures and plenty to do outdoors, while the cooler mountains are good for hiking.
You can mix beach days with historic neighbourhoods, mountain hikes and Christmas traditions, without having to choose between a winter break and a holiday in the sun.
If you want mild weather, time outdoors and a festive season with a difference, Gran Canaria in December is well worth considering.
