Lanzarote in December has highs of 22 ºC (72 ºF), lows of 15 ºC (59 ºF) and a little over six hours of sunshine a day. It is the wettest month of the year, although that means about 29 millimeters spread over four days of showers. The days are the shortest of the year, the sea still allows a swim in the south, and the island gets ready for Christmas with nativity scenes, concerts and markets. This guide covers what December brings every year: the weather, the sea, the holidays and the plans that work best.

December weather: mild, with the most rain of the year

According to AEMET’s climate normals for Lanzarote airport (1981–2010), the average high in December is 21.8 ºC (71 ºF) and the average low 15.4 ºC (60 ºF). Rainfall averages 29 millimeters, the highest of the year, over about four days of rain, and relative humidity is around 71%. The month gets about 196 hours of sunshine.

Days have a little over ten hours of daylight and it gets dark early. Evenings and the interior are cool: a jacket or light sweater helps in Haría, Teguise or Tinajo, and a small rain jacket is worth packing.

Sea and beaches: swim in the south, watch the waves in the north

The water is cooler than in the fall, but swimming is still possible on sunny days. The south and southeast are the most sheltered: the Papagayo beaches, Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen are the calmest options.

Winter is the big-wave season on the north and west coasts. Famara and La Santa get the best surf of the year, and the big days draw surfers and bodyboarders from off the island. On those coasts, check the flags, respect the currents and, when the sea is rough, enjoy it from the shore.

Christmas on the island: nativity scenes, concerts and lights

Christmas starts in Lanzarote in late November, when town councils switch on the lights and open their nativity scenes. Several villages build large ones, made by local residents, with models of the island’s churches and traditional houses, like the one in Yaiza.

The Cabildo runs its Christmas Festival every year, with concerts across the island, and the town councils program children’s activities, choirs and Christmas markets. Each month’s cultural agenda has the specific dates, times and prices.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are mostly family affairs, with long dinners and midnight Mass in the parishes. On New Year’s Eve, people eat twelve grapes at midnight, at home, in hotels or in town squares. The holidays run until January 6: on the evening of the 5th, the Three Kings parades go through the island’s towns.

Sports: the International Marathon and Christmas runs

In early December, the Lanzarote International Marathon runs along the east coast with three distances, the marathon, the half and the 10K, all finishing in Costa Teguise. Two days earlier there are kids’ races and a 5K Santa run.

Nature and sightseeing: the best time to walk

December is a good month to explore the island on foot or by bike: the sun is less intense and the low light shows off the volcanoes. Timanfaya and the surrounding natural park are more comfortable to visit than in summer, and the sites by César Manrique around the island have shorter lines outside the public holidays.

On Sundays, the Teguise market is a good outing for crafts and gifts. As for food, winter is the season for stews, the catch of the day and wrinkled potatoes with mojo; what to order is in our guide to Canarian food.

Key dates and booking

December has three national holidays: the 6th, Constitution Day; the 8th, the Immaculate Conception; and the 25th, Christmas Day. When the 6th and 8th fall near a weekend, the long weekend brings visitors from mainland Spain. The second half of the month is high season: flights, hotels and rental cars get more expensive and sell out sooner, so book weeks ahead.

On the 24th and 31st many shops and restaurants close early, and on the 25th and January 1 most services are closed. The Canary Islands are one hour behind mainland Spain.

Five tips for Lanzarote in December

1. Book flights, accommodation and car early if you travel over the early-December long weekend or at Christmas.
2. Pack layers: a T-shirt for midday and a jacket for the evening.
3. Swim in the south and save Famara and La Santa for watching the waves.
4. Check opening hours for the 24th, 25th and 31st before planning meals and visits.
5. Look at the month’s cultural agenda: Christmas concerts and nativity scenes are usually free.

Before and after

If you are comparing months before settling on Lanzarote in December, November is a little warmer and drier, with the Noche de los Finaos at the start of the month. January brings the Three Kings and the lowest temperatures of the year. For the full picture of the island, start with our guide to things to do in Lanzarote.

Published: Nov 28, 2026. Official sources: AEMET, Cabildo de Lanzarote, Lanzarote International Marathon, Ayuntamiento de Yaiza.