December is a good month for Tenerife if you want mild rather than hot weather: around 22.5 °C (72 °F) in the afternoon and 16.8 °C (62 °F) at night in Santa Cruz, sun in the south and a festive atmosphere. It is, however, the wettest month in Santa Cruz (37 mm (1.5 in), about 5 rainy days), the sea is cool and the Christmas holidays push prices up.
This page covers the weather in Tenerife in December, the differences between north and south, what you can do and how to book. For the other months, see our page on the best time to visit Tenerife.
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Tenerife in December: key facts
- Verdict: ⚠️ mild and often sunny in the south, but the wettest month in Santa Cruz
- Santa Cruz: 22.6 °C (73 °F) in the afternoon, 16.8 °C (62 °F) at night, 37 mm (1.5 in), about 5 rainy days
- Driest area: the south of the island (Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos)
- Teide: cold, snow possible, roads and cable car sometimes closed
- Crowds: quiet in early December, very heavy at Christmas and New Year
- Time difference: in December, Tenerife (UTC+0) is on the same time as London (GMT) and 5 hours ahead of New York (EST)
Weather in Tenerife in December
| Month | Max | Min | Rain | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | 24.5 °C (76 °F) | 18.6 °C (65 °F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 5 |
| December | 22.6 °C (73 °F) | 16.8 °C (62 °F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 5 |
| January | 21.5 °C (71 °F) | 15.5 °C (60 °F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 4 |
These normals are for Santa Cruz, on the north-east coast. December is the wettest month of the year there, but with only five rainy days on average: most days stay dry. The south, where most hotels are, is even drier. Afternoon temperatures are similar in the north and south; what changes is the cloud the trade winds bring to the northern slopes. At altitude it is much colder.
North, south or Teide: where to go
- South (Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas): the driest and sunniest; the Tenerife South airport station receives only about 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain a year, against 209 mm (8.2 in) in Santa Cruz. The safest choice for winter sun.
- North-west (Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava, Garachico): cloudier and greener, with historic towns and gardens. More character, fewer guarantees of sun.
- Santa Cruz and La Laguna: the capital and the heritage-listed town of La Laguna, which, at altitude, is clearly cooler and damper.
- Teide National Park: often above the sea of clouds, but cold in winter; snow can close roads and wind can stop the cable car.
Can you swim in Tenerife in December?
It is possible for many swimmers, but the Atlantic is cool in winter. The sheltered beaches of the south and heated hotel pools are the most pleasant at this time of year. If swimming is your priority, July to October suits better.
Things to do in Tenerife in December
- Hiking: temperatures are comfortable on the coast and at mid-altitude (Anaga, Teno). Trails can be slippery after rain; check whether permits are required on some routes.
- Teide: the ascent remains possible in good weather, but bring warm clothes; the final stretch to the summit may need an authorisation, so check the park’s official information before you go, and the cable car can close in wind.
- Stargazing: the Teide sky is renowned; winter nights are long but cold at altitude.
- Towns and Christmas markets: La Laguna, Puerto de la Cruz and Santa Cruz come alive for the festive season.
- Boat trips: from Los Gigantes or Puerto Colón, depending on sea conditions.
A week in Tenerife in December
- Days 1 to 3: base in the south (Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos), beach and walks, a boat trip from Los Gigantes if the sea allows.
- Day 4: Teide National Park on a clear day, after checking whether roads and the cable car are open; warm clothes essential.
- Day 5: the north-west, with La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz and Garachico.
- Day 6: La Laguna and a hike in the Anaga massif, if the weather is dry.
- Day 7: Masca and Teno, or a rest day before the holidays.
Renting a car makes it much easier to get between the south, Teide and the north. Keep one day flexible: if the north is under cloud, swap the programme and stay in the sun in the south.
What to avoid in December
- Staying in the north if you mainly want sun
- Going up Teide without warm clothes or checking whether the roads are open
- Booking late for Christmas and New Year
Events in December
December is shaped by the end-of-year festivities: lights, nativity scenes and markets in the towns, and a well-attended New Year’s Eve. Dates and programmes are set by each municipality: check with the town halls or the tourist office before booking.
Crowds and prices
Until mid-December, visitor numbers stay moderate. From the Christmas holidays, Tenerife is one of the most in-demand winter sun destinations for Europeans, and flight and hotel prices rise sharply. For this period, book 3 to 6 months ahead, especially in the south.
What to pack
- Light clothing for the day and a sweater or jacket for the evening
- A light waterproof for the north and La Laguna
- A down jacket, hat and gloves for Teide
- Hiking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen: the sun is strong, especially at altitude
Before you go
For passport and entry rules, see our entry requirements for Tenerife. Time difference: Tenerife keeps Western European Time (UTC+0) in winter and UTC+1 in summer, so it is on the same time as London all year, and 5 hours ahead of New York in December (UTC−5, EST). Health: UK travellers need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to get medically necessary state healthcare in Spain, and it is not an alternative to travel insurance (UK FCDO, GOV.UK, updated 12 August 2026); the U.S. State Department encourages U.S. citizens to buy medical evacuation insurance (travel.state.gov, last updated August 11, 2025).
If December does not suit you
Neighbouring months: Tenerife in November is a little warmer (24.5 °C (76 °F)) and cheaper outside peak holiday periods; January is cooler but drier; Tenerife in February brings the Santa Cruz carnival.
Other destinations in December: compare with Gran Canaria and our advice on the best time to visit the Canary Islands, or look for more heat with Cape Verde in December and Dubai. All our ideas: where to go in December.
To plan your trip, see our Tenerife travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Tenerife in December?
Mild: around 22.5 °C (72 °F) in the afternoon and 16.8 °C (62 °F) at night in Santa Cruz, according to the AEMET 1991-2020 WMO normals. It is the wettest month in Santa Cruz (37 mm (1.5 in), about 5 rainy days), but the south stays drier.
Can you swim in Tenerife in December?
Yes for many swimmers, but the Atlantic is cool. The sheltered beaches of the south and heated pools are the most pleasant options.
Where should you stay in Tenerife in December?
In the south (Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas), the driest and sunniest area. The north is greener but cloudier more often.
Does it snow on Teide in December?
It can in winter. Snow can temporarily close some roads and the cable car; check before you go up.
Is Tenerife expensive at Christmas?
Yes, the Christmas and New Year holidays are among the busiest periods. Book 3 to 6 months ahead, or travel in early December.
Which Canary Island should you choose in December?
All the islands stay mild. Tenerife and Gran Canaria offer the most variety (beaches, mountains, towns); on both, the south is the sunniest.
Our sources
- World Meteorological Organization: 1991-2020 normals for the stations of the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) at Santa Cruz de Tenerife (WMO 60020) and Tenerife South airport (WMO 60025), archive published by NOAA
- Health and insurance information: UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Spain (GOV.UK, updated 12 August 2026), and U.S. Department of State, Spain country information (travel.state.gov, last updated August 11, 2025), both read on 26 October 2026
- Time rules: GOV.UK, When do the clocks change; NIST, Daylight Saving Time; EU Directive 2000/84/EC on summer-time arrangements
- Data already published on our page on the best time to visit Tenerife
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.