Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Weather in December
December in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a month of contrasts. It is the wettest month of the year — around 30mm across 4 days — yet the sun still shines for 6 hours daily, temperatures sit at a comfortable 22°C, and the sea remains swimmable at 20.5°C. When the rest of Europe is cold and dark, Las Palmas feels like a different world. Christmas in Las Palmas is a genuinely festive affair. The city decorates extensively, the markets fill the streets, and the mild evenings make outdoor celebration natural. New Year's Eve on the beach is an experience unlike anywhere else in Europe.
Avg High
22°C
Avg Low
17°C
Rain Days
4 days
UV Index
4
Humidity
67%
Sea Temp
20.5°C
Sun Hours
6 hrs/day
Rain (mm)
30 mm
Climate Detail
December is the month with the most rainfall of the year, but context is important. Its 30mm over 4 days means that roughly 27 days are dry — and on those days, the weather is often beautiful. Atlantic fronts pass through bringing brief, sometimes intense showers, after which skies clear rapidly. The UV index drops to its annual low of 4, which is still enough to cause sunburn on extended outdoor days. Sea temperature cools from November's 22°C to 20.5°C — still swimmable, particularly on sunny, calm days. Evenings cool to 17°C, making a jacket necessary after dark.
What to Do in December
Las Canteras beach at Christmas
Swimming on Christmas Day is a real possibility in Las Palmas — the water is around 20°C, the sun often shines, and a small tradition of December beach swimming exists among locals and winter visitors.
New Year's Eve
Las Palmas hosts one of Spain's most atmospheric New Year's celebrations — crowds gather on and around Las Canteras beach, fireworks reflect off the Atlantic, and the warm December night makes the whole event feel magical.
Hiking in the north
December is a beautiful month in the island's interior — misty mornings, dramatic light, and the mountains beginning to show their winter green.
Escape and detox
December in Las Palmas attracts a particular type of visitor — those stepping away from the northern European winter for a week of warm walks, sea air, and quiet beaches. The city caters perfectly to this rhythm.
What to Pack
- ✓Layered clothing — warm enough during the day, cooler in the evening
- ✓A proper rain jacket — December showers can be heavy when they arrive
- ✓A warm layer for evenings — 17°C after dark requires more than a t-shirt
- ✓Sunscreen SPF 30 for beach and outdoor days
- ✓Swimwear — December swimming is possible and a memorable experience
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria — Monthly Climate
Average temperature and rainfall days per month
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather like in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in December?+
December in Las Palmas is mild with the most rain of the year — 22°C highs, 16°C nights, 6 hours of sunshine when clear, and 35mm of rain across 4 days. The sea is 21°C and UV index is 4. Christmas is celebrated along Las Canteras promenade.
Does it rain much in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in December?+
December is the wettest month in Las Palmas, averaging 35mm spread across 4 days. Most December days (around 27) remain dry and sunny with 6 hours of sunshine. When Atlantic fronts arrive the rain can be heavy, but they typically pass quickly. At 22°C with a sea temperature of 21°C, December in Las Palmas is still mild by European winter standards.
What is Christmas like in Las Palmas?+
Christmas in Las Palmas is warm, festive, and outdoors-focused. The city decorates generously, markets appear throughout the centre, and the mild temperatures (22°C during the day) mean that the season is celebrated largely outside — which gives it a completely different feel from a cold-country Christmas.
Can you swim at Las Canteras beach in December?+
Yes — the sea is around 20–21°C, which is swimmable for those comfortable with cooler water. A Christmas Day swim at Las Canteras is a real Las Palmas tradition, and the beach is calm and beautiful in December.
Other Months
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