Tenerife Weather in December: Temperatures & Tips

Tenerife’s December weather splits the island cleanly in two: the south stays warm, sunny and largely dry, while the north turns cooler and cloudier under the trade winds. This guide breaks down temperatures, sunshine, rainfall, sea conditions, UV exposure, local weather differences and practical December travel considerations, using climate records and official tourism information to give a realistic picture of what December delivers.

Tenerife Weather in December: Key Facts at a Glance

December in Tenerife brings daytime highs of 21–23°C in the south and 17–20°C in the north, with about 6.3 hours of sunshine along the southern coast. Sea temperature holds at 20–21°C, humidity averages 65–70%, and the weather remains mild and manageable rather than guaranteed beach weather every day.

Average Temperatures in December

Costa Adeje and the southern coast typically reach daytime temperatures in the low 20s in December. According to AEMET, the long-term December average maximum is 22.8°C and the average minimum is 16.5°C. Santa Cruz de Tenerife has a December average maximum of 22.1°C and minimum of 16.6°C. Temperatures can be considerably lower at higher elevations, particularly around Teide.

Night-time temperatures on the coast can therefore feel considerably cooler than the afternoon — a swing that catches out visitors expecting July-style warmth after dark.

Sunshine Hours and Daylight

The south averages about 6.3 hours of sunshine per day in December, compared with about 5.4 hours in Santa Cruz. Daylight itself runs from around 07:40 sunrise to 18:30 sunset at the start of December in Santa Cruz, shortening to roughly 10 hours 20 minutes around the winter solstice.

Rainfall and Humidity

December is one of the wetter months of the year in Tenerife, although rainfall varies substantially by location. The December average is around 30 mm at Tenerife and 43 mm at Santa Cruz, with average relative humidity of about 66% at both stations.

Sea Temperature in December

Sea temperature averages 20–21°C. It is cooler than the summer sea but remains suitable for swimming for many visitors, particularly in sheltered southern bays.

Historical climate averages here are cross-referenced with AEMET, Spain’s national meteorological agency, for Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Anyone planning to visit during a specific week should check the latest AEMET forecast closer to their travel dates.

Hour-by-Hour Temperature Patterns in December

Tenerife’s December day follows a clear daily pattern: coastal mornings are relatively mild, temperatures rise towards the afternoon, and conditions become cooler again after sunset. The exact temperature varies considerably with location, elevation, cloud and wind.

Morning Temperatures (06:00–10:00)

Coastal temperatures usually sit at  14–16°C in the morning, which is cool enough to warrant a light fleece or jacket before the day warms up, particularly when the wind is noticeable or skies are cloudy.

Midday and Afternoon Peak (10:00–16:00)

Temperatures climb steadily through the morning, reaching 20–24°C by midday in southern coastal resorts on typical December days. The 11:00–15:00 window is generally the warmest and most reliable stretch for beach time, sunbathing and outdoor lunches.

Evening Cool-Down (16:00–22:00)

After sunset, temperatures become noticeably cooler, and a light jacket or fleece is useful for outdoor dining and evening walks. Coastal overnight conditions are generally mild, while higher and inland areas can be considerably colder.

UV Index and Sun Safety in December

The UV index in Tenerife in December is generally moderate around midday, although the exact value varies with location, cloud cover and altitude. UV rises significantly at altitude, making sun protection at Mount Teide a genuine consideration rather than an afterthought.

What Is the UV Index in December?

A moderate UV reading of 4–6 at midday can still cause sunburn during prolonged exposure. Many UK visitors underestimate this because the air temperature feels mild rather than hot, leading to longer unprotected exposure than intended.

At Mount Teide (3,718 m), thinner atmosphere pushes UV levels noticeably higher than at sea level, so sun protection is particularly important before any excursion there, regardless of how cool the air feels. Reflected UV from pale surfaces and water can add further exposure on southern beaches.

Recommended Sun Protection for December

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (at least SPF30) and reapply it during prolonged outdoor exposure. UV400-rated sunglasses are worth packing, and midday shade breaks are sensible during extended periods outdoors, particularly for children and fair-skinned visitors.

Rainfall in December: What to Expect

December rainfall is variable. AEMET’s long-term averages show around 30 mm at Tenerife South and 43 mm at Santa Cruz, but individual December weather can be considerably wetter or drier than the average.

The south is generally drier than the north because Tenerife’s mountains intercept moisture carried by the trade winds. This does not mean the south is guaranteed to remain dry throughout a December visit.

What to Do on a Rainy Day in Tenerife

If rain disrupts outdoor plans, indoor attractions such as Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz, Siam Park in Costa Adeje, Tenerife Espacio de las Artes (TEA) in Santa Cruz, and shopping centres such as Centro Comercial Safari and Gran Sur all make solid wet-weather options. Siam Park is open year-round and operates winter hours from 10:00 to 17:00, although visitors should check the official website for any changes before travelling. A compact waterproof jacket is useful for changeable weather, particularly if you plan to explore different parts of the island. 

Wind Conditions and the Trade Wind Effect in December

Tenerife’s north-easterly trade winds blow year-round, weaker in December than in summer, but still strong enough to shape where the sun actually reaches. Mount Teide blocks cloud from crossing to the south and west, which is the main reason Costa Adeje stays sunnier and drier than Santa Cruz just a short drive away.

How the Trade Winds Shape December Weather

Tenerife’s north-easterly trade winds blow year-round, bringing moisture and cloud to the northern and north-eastern slopes. Mount Teide and the island’s mountainous terrain help create the strong contrast between the wetter north and the drier south.

Mount Teide’s Role as a Weather Shield

At 3,718 m, Teide and the surrounding high terrain help shield the south from much of the cloud associated with the trade winds. This contributes to the drier and sunnier conditions experienced along much of Tenerife’s southern coast.

Windiest and Most Sheltered Spots

Wind conditions vary substantially around Tenerife and can change from one coastal area to another. Sheltered southern bays can feel calmer than exposed sections of coastline, while higher and more exposed areas can be much windier. Anaga Rural Park in the north-east can be misty and cool this month, particularly at higher elevations.

Anyone booking a boat trip or whale-watching excursion should check daily wind forecasts, since sea conditions can become choppy when winds are stronger. The Teide cable car is also subject to weather conditions, including wind and temperature, so visitors should check the official operating information on the day of their excursion.

Sea Temperature and Swimming in December

Sea temperature around Tenerife is generally around 20–21°C in December. This is cooler than the summer sea but considerably milder than UK coastal water in winter, and many visitors swim at this time of year.

Best Beaches for December Swimming

Playa del Duque, Playa de Troya and the sheltered coastline around Los Cristianos are among the southern beaches where visitors can swim when sea and weather conditions are favourable. Snorkelling is also possible in December, although visibility and marine conditions vary by day and location.

Wetsuit or No Wetsuit?

A wetsuit can make longer swims more comfortable for visitors who feel the cold, while a short swim may be comfortable without one. Children and cold-sensitive visitors may also prefer a heated hotel pool; whether a pool is heated varies by accommodation, so check with the hotel before booking.

Best Areas to Stay for December Weather

The south — Costa Adeje, Las Américas and Los Cristianos — is generally the drier part of Tenerife in December, with more sunshine than the north. The north offers more local character at the cost of a greater likelihood of cloud and rain.

South Tenerife: Costa Adeje, Las Américas, Los Cristianos

Costa Adeje is the most upmarket southern option, Los Cristianos has a more relaxed, local feel, and Las Américas suits visitors wanting more nightlife. All three benefit from the generally drier southern coastal climate. For anyone ready to book, the Tenerife hotels guide covers the full range of southern resort accommodation by budget and location.

North Tenerife: Puerto de la Cruz and Santa Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz offers a more authentic Canarian experience but accepts more cloud and cooler temperatures as the trade-off. Santa Cruz, the island capital, offers a city environment as well as beaches, but it is not a conventional package-holiday beach resort. It works best as a city-break add-on to a southern stay. Both are typically reached via Tenerife North Airport, which sits closer to these towns than the southern hub.

Inland and Altitude: Teide National Park in December

Mount Teide and its national park can be dramatically colder than the coast in December because of the 3,718 m elevation. Winter conditions can include ice and snow at high altitude, so visitors should check conditions before travelling into the national park and dress accordingly. Combining a Teide excursion with a southern base gives visitors both the warmth and the contrast in a single trip.

Crowd Levels and Prices in December

December is part of Tenerife’s winter high season, and demand generally increases around Christmas and New Year. Christmas week is typically busier and more expensive than earlier December, particularly in southern resorts, although exact prices and availability vary by year.

Flight and Hotel Price Trends

Flights and accommodation can become more expensive around Christmas and New Year, but prices vary significantly according to departure airport, booking date, accommodation type and demand. Compare prices for your exact dates and book ahead if travelling during the Christmas period. Most southern-bound flights land at Tenerife South Airport – the more convenient option for Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Las Américas. The wider airports overview covers routing for both ends of the island.

Tenerife in December vs UK Winter: Is It Worth Going?

Tenerife’s south averages around 23°C for the daily maximum in December, with around 6.3 hours of sunshine per day. By comparison, the UK’s December climate average is around 7°C for the daily maximum and about 43 hours of sunshine across the month — roughly 1.4 hours per day. At around 4 hours 15 minutes’ flight time, it remains one of the closest reliable winter-sun escapes for British travellers.

Temperature Comparison: Tenerife vs UK in December

Honest Caveats: What December in Tenerife Is Not

December is not a guaranteed beach holiday in the way summer is — cloud, brief showers and cooler evenings are real factors, and the sea sits around 20–21°C. It is, however, warm enough for outdoor lunches, a sea dip, and comfortable island exploring. The south generally offers the best chance of settled, sunny conditions, but no part of Tenerife can guarantee sunshine throughout a December stay.

Christmas in Tenerife

Tenerife celebrates Christmas through a programme of local traditions and events that extends from December into January, including Christmas markets, lights, concerts, religious celebrations and Three Kings festivities. Understanding these events helps visitors plan around genuinely festive dates rather than just temperature charts.

Canarian Christmas: What Makes It Different

Festivities span the Immaculate Conception on 8 December through to the Three Kings parade on 5–6 January, with Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and Three Kings’ Day all forming important parts of the festive period.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife hosts one of the island’s best Christmas light displays and markets around Plaza de España, while Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje run tourist-facing markets with craft stalls and seasonal food. Details on the full events calendar are published by Tenerife Tourism (Webtenerife).

Spanish Christmas traditions continue through New Year’s Eve and into January. Eating 12 grapes at midnight on 31 December is a widely observed Spanish tradition, while Three Kings celebrations culminate with parades on 5 January and the feast day on 6 January.

What to Pack for Tenerife in December

December packing needs to cover both a mild coastal midday and a genuinely cool morning, evening and mountain visit. Layers, a compact waterproof, and sun protection cover most of what the month demands.

Clothing Essentials

• Lightweight daytime clothing — T-shirts, shorts, summer dresses
• A mid-layer (light fleece or cardigan) for mornings and evenings
• A compact waterproof jacket rather than a full rain mac — showers are brief but can be heavy
• Comfortable walking shoes for Teide, Anaga or Masca excursions

Beach and Outdoor Kit

• Swimwear and a light beach towel — hotel pools are heated and usable even on cooler days
• SPF 30–50 sunscreen — UV is moderate but real, and the mild air often masks the risk
• UV400 sunglasses
• A warm layer (fleece or down jacket) and sturdy shoes for Teide, where temperatures can approach freezing

Health and Safety Items

• Travel insurance covering medical costs in Spain — the GHIC card is valid for UK citizens but isn’t a substitute for insurance
• Type F two-pin European plug adaptor

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tenerife warm enough in December to sunbathe?

Yes, in the south, particularly around the middle of the day when temperatures are often in the low 20s. Mornings and evenings are considerably cooler, and occasional cloud is possible, so it isn’t the guaranteed all-day sun of peak summer.

Is the sea warm enough to swim in December?

At around 20–21°C, the sea is cool rather than warm, but it is generally suitable for swimming for people comfortable with cooler water. It remains, however, warmer than UK coastal water in December, and sheltered southern beaches can provide more comfortable conditions when the weather is settled.

How many hours of sunshine does Tenerife get in December?

AEMET records about 6.3 hours of sunshine per day at Tenerife in December and about 5.4 hours per day at Santa Cruz. Actual sunshine varies from day to day and between locations.

Does it rain a lot in Tenerife in December?

The south is relatively dry compared with the north, although December is one of the wetter months of the year. AEMET’s long-term December average is around 30 mm at Tenerife Sur and 43 mm in Santa Cruz, so rainfall varies noticeably around the island.

How busy is Tenerife in December?

Early December is generally quieter than the Christmas and New Year period. Demand rises during the school-holiday period, particularly in southern resorts, but crowd levels vary between destinations and attractions.

Is it worth visiting Tenerife in December?

Yes, for UK winter escapers seeking mild weather and a good chance of sunshine, particularly in the south. Christmas week brings higher demand and often higher prices, so early December can be a quieter alternative.

Which part of Tenerife is best for weather in December?

The south generally offers the driest and sunniest conditions — particularly Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Las Américas — because of Tenerife’s trade-wind and mountain-driven north-south climate contrast.