Gran Canaria Airport Weather in December
December arrivals at Gran Canaria Airport land into warm, mild, sometimes rainy conditions. At 22°C with 6 hours of daily sunshine and the island decorated for Christmas, LPA in December is one of the most genuinely festive arrival experiences in European aviation. The contrast with home conditions — typically 0–5°C in northern Europe — is at its maximum. Even a December shower at Gran Canaria Airport is warm rain. December is the wettest month at the airport — 31mm across 4 days — which means that arriving in rainy conditions is a realistic possibility. Atlantic fronts pass regularly through December. However, these fronts typically bring brief, intense rain followed by clearing skies. If your aircraft approaches through cloud and moderate rain, the sun may well be out by the time you reach your hotel.
Avg High
22°C
Avg Low
16°C
Rain Days
4 days
UV Index
4
Humidity
68%
Sea Temp
20°C
Sun Hours
6 hrs/day
Rain (mm)
31 mm
Climate Detail
UV index is at its December minimum of 4 — the same as January. Extended outdoor time is comfortable without aggressive sun protection, though sunscreen is still advisable on sunny December days. Six hours of sunshine when December delivers its clear days feels warm and genuinely summery compared to northern European December. The east coast airport area can experience more cloud and rain than the south coast in December due to its position relative to Atlantic fronts. The GC-1 south to Maspalomas often passes through cloud zones that clear on the south coast side of the mountains — a frequently noted arrival-day experience.
What to Do in December
A waterproof jacket — in your cabin bag, not checked luggage
December rain is possible and can be heavy when it arrives. Having it accessible at landing means you are prepared regardless of what you find outside.
Warm layers for evening
16°C at night with Atlantic breeze is cool — a proper jacket for evenings is needed, not just a cardigan.
Light daytime clothing
22°C is still genuinely warm for outdoor activity on the island's clear days — summer clothes remain useful.
Swimwear
Sea at 20°C is swimmable on calm, sunny December days — keeping swimwear accessible is worth it.
Christmas and New Year transfer pre-booking
December 22–24 and December 29–31 are among the busiest days of the year at LPA. Pre-book transfers for these dates. New Year's Eve creates exceptional south coast traffic from late afternoon on December 31.
What to Pack
- ✓Layered clothing — 22°C days, 16°C evenings
- ✓A proper waterproof jacket — December rain is real
- ✓Warm shoes — not sandal weather in rain or cool evenings
- ✓Swimwear for calm, sunny December days
- ✓Sunscreen SPF 30 — UV 4 is low but still present on clear days
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather like in Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) in December?+
December at Gran Canaria Airport — 22°C on arrival, 6 hours of sunshine on clear days, 35mm of rain across 4 days, UV index 4, and sea at 21°C. Mild winter arrival conditions.
Does it rain at Gran Canaria Airport in December?+
December is the wettest month at Gran Canaria Airport — 35mm across 4 days. Flight operations can occasionally be affected by heavy Atlantic fronts. Most December days (around 27) are dry and sunny. At 22°C on arrival, December at LPA feels mild compared to European winter. A waterproof layer in hand luggage is advisable for December arrivals.
What is the temperature difference between Gran Canaria and northern Europe in December?+
Typically 20°C — while most of northern Europe experiences temperatures around 0–5°C, Gran Canaria Airport delivers 22°C daytime and 16°C evenings in December. This contrast makes December one of the most compelling months for a winter escape from northern Europe.
How busy is Gran Canaria Airport at Christmas?+
Christmas week (December 22–26) and New Year (December 29–January 2) are among the three or four busiest periods of the year at LPA. Arriving on December 23 or December 30 means the airport is at near-maximum capacity. Pre-book all transfers, and allow extra time for baggage and exit procedures.
Other Months
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