Maspalomas Weather in December

December in Maspalomas offers something rare in Europe: a mild, sunny Christmas. With daytime highs of 22°C, 6 hours of sunshine per day, and a sea still at 20°C, the south of Gran Canaria delivers a festive season that is genuinely outdoors-friendly. Christmas lunch on a terrace, New Year's Eve on the beach — it is not a fantasy here. December is the wettest month of the year in Maspalomas, averaging 30mm across 4 days — which still leaves approximately 27 dry days. When Atlantic fronts pass through, they bring short but sometimes intense rain, followed by beautifully clear skies. The weather is never a certainty, but it is consistently more pleasant than anywhere in continental Europe.

Avg High

22°C

Avg Low

17°C

Rain Days

4 days

UV Index

4

Humidity

68%

Sea Temp

20°C

Sun Hours

6 hrs/day

Rain (mm)

30 mm

Climate Detail

Sunshine averages 6 hours per day — the lowest of the year, but still meaningful. The UV index drops to 5, making December the most forgiving month for fair skin. Wind eases to around 30 kph — the calmest month of the year, which makes December beach days genuinely pleasant. Sea temperature cools from November's 22°C to 20°C in December — still swimmable for most visitors, particularly on warm, calm days. The resort pool infrastructure remains operational throughout December.

What to Do in December

Maspalomas Dunes walk

December is one of the best months for the dunes — cool enough for extended walking, calm enough to enjoy without fighting the wind. The light in December is extraordinary.

Relaxed winter sun

The long-stay winter visitor culture is in full swing in December — a relaxed, international atmosphere at cafes and restaurants, with many visitors staying for weeks rather than days.

Las Palmas Christmas

The 45-minute drive to Las Palmas reveals a city in full Christmas mode — markets, lights, the living nativity in Vegueta, and the unique experience of Christmas shopping in a t-shirt.

Nature and bird watching

The Maspalomas lagoon and natural reserve are excellent for bird watching in December — migratory species stop here on Atlantic routes, and the winter light makes observation ideal.

What to Pack

  • Layered clothing — warm days, cooler evenings
  • A proper rain jacket — December showers can be heavy
  • A warm layer for evenings — 17°C after dark is cool in a breeze
  • Sunscreen SPF 30 for beach and outdoor days
  • Swimwear — December swimming is possible and memorable

Maspalomas — Monthly Climate

Average temperature and rainfall days per month

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the weather like in Maspalomas in December?+

December in Maspalomas is mild with the most rain of the year — 21°C highs, 15°C nights, 6 hours of sunshine on clear days, 33mm of rain across 4 days, and sea at 21°C. UV index 4.

Does it rain much in Maspalomas in December?+

December is Maspalomas' wettest month, averaging 33mm spread across 4 rainy days. Most December days (around 27) are dry with 6 hours of sunshine. At 21°C with a 21°C sea, Maspalomas in December remains a very mild European winter destination — the rain, while more frequent than summer, is brief and usually clears quickly.

Is Maspalomas good at Christmas?+

Yes — Maspalomas at Christmas offers something genuinely different from a northern European Christmas. Temperatures around 22°C, outdoor dining, beach walks, and mild evenings make the festive season feel special. The resort decorates fully and hosts Christmas and New Year events.

Can you swim at Maspalomas beach in December?+

Yes — the sea is around 20°C in December, which is swimmable for those comfortable with cooler water. Calm mornings after a clear night can deliver genuinely pleasant swimming conditions. The resort pools remain heated throughout the winter season.

Other Months

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