December is an unusual month for sun-seekers. Back in the UK, the days are short, the skies are grey, and the idea of sitting outside in a t-shirt feels almost fictional. Lanzarote in December is not quite the scorching beach holiday you would book for August, but it offers something quietly compelling: reliable sunshine, mild temperatures, a genuinely festive atmosphere in the resorts and villages, and a dramatic volcanic landscape that looks its absolute best under low winter light.
The honest answer to whether December is a good time to visit is: yes, with some adjustments to your expectations. If you are looking for a full breakdown of how December compares to every other month, the Best Time to Visit Lanzarote guide covers the full calendar in detail. But if December is your window, this guide will tell you exactly what to expect.
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Table of Contents
December Weather in Lanzarote
Lanzarote earns its nickname “Island of Eternal Spring” most convincingly in December, when the rest of Europe has descended into cold and darkness. Average daytime temperatures sit around 20–21°C, occasionally nudging higher during calm, sunny spells. Evenings cool to around 14–15°C, sometimes dropping slightly lower in the north of the island or after a windy day.
Rainfall is slightly more possible in December than during summer, but “slightly more possible” is doing a lot of heavy lifting in that sentence. You might see two or three days of light rain across the entire month. Annual rainfall across the island sits below 150mm, so the chances of a prolonged wet spell are genuinely low. Pack a light layer for evenings and a packable waterproof just in case, but do not build your holiday around avoiding rain.
Daylight hours are shorter than summer — around ten hours in early December, dropping to just over nine hours around the solstice on 21st December. That is still significantly more than the UK at the same time of year, where you might get seven hours on a good day. You will have plenty of usable daylight for sightseeing and outdoor activity.
Wind in December is generally moderate. The strong, persistent trade winds that define July and August have eased considerably. You may get occasional gusty days, particularly in the north, but December is far calmer than high summer. Sometimes a calima — a warm, dusty wind blowing across from the Sahara — sweeps through for a day or two, briefly pushing temperatures up and dusting everything with fine sand. It is more novelty than nuisance.
Quick December Weather Summary
| Condition | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Daytime Temperature | 20–21°C |
| Evening Temperature | 14–15°C |
| Sunshine Hours | 6–7 per day |
| Rainfall | Low (2–3 days possible) |
| Wind | Moderate, calmer than summer |
| Sea Temperature | Around 20°C |
Sea Temperature and Swimming in December
The Atlantic around Lanzarote sits at approximately 20°C in December. That is on the cool side of comfortable for most swimmers. Plenty of people do take a dip — particularly on warmer, calmer days in early December — but it is brisk enough that many visitors prefer to stick to heated resort pools.
If you are a confident open-water swimmer or someone who generally runs warm, you will manage fine without a wetsuit. If you feel the cold easily, a short wetsuit or rash vest will make the experience considerably more enjoyable. Snorkelling is still viable on calm days, with reasonable visibility around the Papagayo coves and at Playa Chica in Puerto del Carmen.
Do not write off the beach entirely. Even when swimming feels uninviting, December afternoons can be warm enough to sit on the sand, read a book, and genuinely enjoy the sun — just without committing to full submersion.
What to Do in Lanzarote in December
December is arguably the best month to explore the island’s volcanic interior and cultural landmarks without the heat and crowds that make summer sightseeing more demanding. The full range of things to do on the island is covered in the Lanzarote Travel Guide, but here are the highlights that work particularly well in December.
Timanfaya National Park
The volcanic terrain at Timanfaya is dramatic in any month, but December light transforms it. Low-angle winter sunshine casts long shadows across the red and black lava fields, bringing out textures and colours that midday summer sun simply flattens. The guided bus tour through the lava fields and the geothermal demonstrations at Islote de Hilario are as impressive as ever. Go early — the car park fills quickly even in December.
Outside the park boundary, the Caldera Blanca circular hike is a real highlight in cooler weather. Two to three hours of walking through volcanic terrain to the rim of a large crater is genuinely exhilarating, and December temperatures make the effort comfortable rather than gruelling.
César Manrique Landmarks
All of César Manrique’s major creations are open year-round. Jameos del Agua, the Fundación César Manrique, the Jardín de Cactus, and Mirador del Río all operate normally in December. Queue times are shorter than in summer, which means you can take your time at each site without feeling hurried. Mirador del Río’s clifftop views across to La Graciosa are particularly atmospheric on clear winter mornings.
Village Exploring
December is an excellent month for unhurried exploration of Lanzarote’s whitewashed villages. Teguise, Yaiza, and Haría are all worth a half-day visit. The Sunday market in Teguise is still running throughout December, bringing local crafts, food stalls, and a lively atmosphere to one of the island’s most attractive towns. Go early to beat the crowds and park easily.
La Graciosa
The small island off Lanzarote’s northern tip is accessible by ferry from Órzola year-round. December visits are possible, but check conditions before you go — occasional rough seas can affect the crossing and the ferry timetable. On a calm, clear December day, La Graciosa is as beautiful as it gets: no paved roads, clear water, and very few other visitors.
Beaches
Papagayo beaches remain worth visiting in December on calm days. The access road is bumpy, but the sheltered south-facing coves hold warmth better than exposed northern beaches. Playa Grande in Puerto del Carmen is well-serviced and convenient year-round. Famara Beach is dramatic for a walk even when swimming is not on the agenda.
Christmas in Lanzarote
One of the genuinely pleasant surprises of a December visit is how warmly the island embraces Christmas. This is not a half-hearted effort aimed purely at tourists. Canarian culture has a deep connection with Christmas traditions, and the festive period in Lanzarote has its own character.
Arrecife, the island’s capital, puts up decorations and holds events around the harbourside Charco de San Ginés area. It is worth an evening visit in December simply to see the lights reflected on the water. The town has a more authentic, local feel than the main resorts at this time of year.
Resort areas like Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca are well-decorated and host Christmas-themed entertainment, carol singing, and themed menus in restaurants. It is cheerful without being overwhelming.
In Canarian tradition, Los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day on 6th January) is as significant as Christmas Day. If your trip stretches into early January, you may catch the processions that take place across the island on the evening of 5th January — a genuinely colourful event worth seeking out.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are family occasions in Spain, so some local restaurants close or operate reduced hours. Resort hotels and tourist-facing restaurants remain fully open. Book ahead for Christmas and New Year dining if you have your heart set on a particular place. For information on official events, the Visit Canary Islands website publishes a calendar of island activities and cultural events.
Where to Stay in December
All three main resort areas are open and operational in December, though the atmosphere shifts depending on where you base yourself.
Puerto del Carmen remains the liveliest option. Its central strip has a good spread of open restaurants and bars throughout December, and the festive decorations add warmth to the evening atmosphere. It suits visitors who want convenience and a degree of social energy without committing to summer-level crowds.
Playa Blanca is quieter in December but still well-served. Some restaurants and shops reduce their hours outside peak holiday weeks, so check before you go. The proximity to Papagayo beaches remains a genuine asset in calmer December weather.
Costa Teguise is quieter still but well-positioned for day trips north and for anyone interested in watersports that operate year-round.
For something different, December is a good time to consider a rural casa in the island’s interior or a smaller village. Prices are lower, the island feels more local, and the cooler temperatures make it genuinely comfortable to explore at a slower pace.
Crowds and Prices in December
December splits into two distinct periods in terms of demand. Early to mid-December is one of the quieter times of year on the island. Flights and accommodation are generally cheaper than summer peaks, queues at attractions are minimal, and resorts have a calm, unhurried feel. If budget and tranquillity are priorities, the first two weeks of December are genuinely excellent value.
Christmas and New Year are a different story. From roughly 22nd December through to 3rd January, prices spike sharply. Flights from UK airports fill up well in advance, hotel rates rise significantly, and the resorts feel noticeably busier with families and groups. Book early if you are targeting this window — last-minute availability is limited and expensive.
Packing List for December
Getting your packing right for December in Lanzarote is a balance between sun holiday optimism and practical reality. The days can genuinely feel warm enough for shorts and a t-shirt, but evenings cool off noticeably and occasionally windy days can feel chillier than the thermometer suggests.
Clothing
- Light t-shirts and shorts for warm daytime spells
- Lightweight trousers or jeans for evenings and cooler days
- A mid-layer fleece or jumper — genuinely necessary for evenings out
- A light waterproof jacket — packable and compact is fine
- Comfortable walking shoes for volcanic terrain and village exploring
- Sandals for beach days and resort walking
- Smart-casual outfit for Christmas or New Year dining if planned
Beach and Swimming
- Swimwear — the beach is still worth visiting even on cooler days
- A short wetsuit or rash vest if you feel the cold in the sea
- Snorkel and mask — visibility is good on calm December days
- Beach towel — most hotels provide them, but worth checking in advance
Sun Protection
- Factor 30+ sunscreen — winter sun at this latitude is deceptively strong, particularly between 11am and 3pm
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- A sun hat or cap for hiking and beach days
Practical Essentials
- Portable power bank for full days out
- A small daypack for excursions and hikes
- Reusable water bottle — staying hydrated in dry volcanic air is important
- Plug adaptors (Spain uses Type C/F two-pin sockets)
- Travel insurance documents — ensure your policy covers all planned activities including hiking
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lanzarote warm in December?
Yes, by European winter standards, Lanzarote is comfortably warm in December. Daytime temperatures average around 20–21°C, which is warm enough for t-shirts during the middle of the day. Evenings cool to around 14–15°C, so a light layer is needed after sunset. It is not a beach-baking holiday in the way July or August would be, but it is a genuine escape from winter cold.
Is Lanzarote busy in December?
It depends on the specific dates. Early and mid-December are among the quieter periods of the year — attractions are uncrowded, restaurants have space, and the island has a relaxed feel. The Christmas and New Year period from roughly 22nd December to 3rd January is significantly busier, with higher prices and more visitors. If you want peace and quiet, target the first two weeks of the month.
Can you swim in Lanzarote in December?
The sea temperature in December sits at around 20°C, which is cool but manageable for confident swimmers. Many visitors do swim, particularly on warmer, calmer days in sheltered coves like the Papagayo beaches. If you feel the cold easily, a short wetsuit or rash vest will make the experience more enjoyable. Resort pools are often heated and remain a comfortable alternative throughout December.
What is Christmas like in Lanzarote?
Christmas in Lanzarote has genuine warmth and local character. Arrecife and the main resorts are decorated, and there is a festive atmosphere in restaurants, hotels, and town squares. Canarian culture places great importance on Christmas, and the Three Kings celebrations on 5th to 6th January are particularly colourful if your trip extends into early January. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are family-focused in local culture, so some independent restaurants may close — tourist-facing venues and resort hotels remain open, but booking ahead is strongly advised.
Is December a cheap month to visit Lanzarote?
Early to mid-December offers some of the better value of the year. Flights and accommodation are noticeably cheaper than summer, and you will find good deals if you book a few weeks ahead. The picture changes completely for the Christmas and New Year period, when prices rise sharply and availability tightens. Book well in advance if travelling over the festive peak. January, immediately after the holiday period, drops back to competitive low-season pricing.
What should I pack for Lanzarote in December?
Think layers rather than purely a summer wardrobe. T-shirts and shorts work for warm daytime spells, but a fleece or jumper and a light waterproof jacket are genuinely useful for evenings and cooler days. Comfortable walking shoes are worth packing if you plan to explore volcanic terrain or hike. Sunscreen is still necessary — winter sun at this latitude catches people out. A swimsuit is worth bringing even if you are unsure about swimming, as warm afternoons on the beach are entirely possible.
Are restaurants and attractions open in December?
The vast majority of attractions, including Timanfaya National Park, Jameos del Agua, the Jardín de Cactus, and Mirador del Río, operate their normal hours throughout December. The Teguise Sunday market runs year-round. In the resorts, most restaurants and bars remain open, though a small number of independent places may close for a few days around Christmas itself. Always worth a quick check if you have a specific restaurant in mind for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Final Thoughts
Lanzarote in December is one of those travel choices that tends to exceed expectations. The combination of reliable mild weather, a genuinely festive atmosphere in the resorts and villages, uncrowded attractions in early December, and some of the most extraordinary volcanic scenery in Europe makes it a compelling winter destination.
It is not the right choice if you need guaranteed 28°C beach days and a full social scene every night. But if you want winter sunshine, the freedom to explore without queuing, and a holiday that feels genuinely different from a standard summer break, December delivers more than most people anticipate.
Time your visit carefully — early December for value and quiet, or late December for festive energy at a higher price — and you are unlikely to be disappointed.
