Want to go to Lanzarote in December?
Find out if the region is right for you at this time of year, with our comprehensive guide:
- Climate in Lanzarote in December (temperatures, weather…)
- Swimming conditions: water temperature and wind
- Travel conditions: crowds, prices, openings
- What to do in Lanzarote in December, special activities and events
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visit the area anonymously, making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.
Moving to Lanzarote in December: quick answers
Is the weather nice on Lanzarote in December? Is this a good time to visit?
In Lanzarote, or “the island of volcanoes”, the weather is fine all year round. The temperatures are warm. It rarely rains, so we’re able to explore the island in complete serenity. Lanzarote’s year-round winds make it a dream destination for water sports enthusiasts. The climate is also ideal for hiking.
There are plenty of tourists, but December is still a good time to visit Lanzarote if you can afford it.
And if you’re wondering how long to leave, here are our answers in this other article.
CHOOSING A HOTEL IN Lanzarote
Choosing where to stay:
Select by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best adults-only hotels
- Best all-inclusive hotels
- Best hotels for families
Our favorite: Hotel Cala Lanzarote – See prices, photos and availability
Select by city:
Travelling to Lanzarote in December – summary of conditions
Temperatures
The temperatures are warm. The thermometer reads an average of 20°C (68°F). The calima, an occasional episode of warm wind, can add a few degrees.
Water temperatures
In December, sea temperatures are mild, at around 20°C (68°F). If you’re feeling the cold, you’ll need a light wetsuit.
Crowds and prizes
Tourists flock to Lanzarote in December. As a result, prices are very high
Opening conditions
Everything’s open in December: attractions, hotels, restaurants…
Day
The sun rises after 7.30am and sets at 6pm.
Best things to do in Lanzarote in December
As we do all year round, we love exploring the island:
- The magnificent island of La Graciosa
- Timanfaya National Park
- The wild beaches of Papagayo
- Dolphin watching
- Unique places designed by César Manrique
- …
See our article on what to do in Lanzarote.
And lots of activities like these:
HAVE FUN WITH THESE Lanzarote activities
- Dolphin watching
- Buggy / Quad
- Kayak excursion
- But also: Diving at the Museum of the Atlantic, Catamaran outings, Paddle excursions, Parasailing
1. Climate in Lanzarote in December – weather forecast
In the Canary Islands, the climate varies little between seasons. However, it varies from island to island. Lanzarote is the closest island to Africa, and it hardly ever rains. The climate is dry and relatively warm all year round.
December temperatures are warm. On the beach, sea temperatures remain mild thanks to the cold “Canary Current” that runs between Morocco and Lanzarote.
The island is still quite windy. Calima, a warm, sand-laden wind, is more frequent and more intense in winter.
Are you more of a hiking fan? Enjoy the volcanoes without hesitation.
2. Temperatures in Lanzarote in December
Temperatures generally average no more than 30°C (86°F). However, the calima, a particularly hot wind event, can heat up the atmosphere.
Temperatures in Playa Blanca:
- 20°C (68°F) on average
- Number of days with average temperatures above 18°C = 31
Temperatures in Puerto del Carmen:
- 20°C (68°F) on average
- Number of days with average temperatures above 18°C = 31
Temperatures in Arrecife:
- 20°C (68°F) on average
- Number of days with average temperatures above 18°C = 31
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Lanzarote
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- A small car is all you need.
- But you can also choose a larger one if you wish, as the parking spaces are rather large.
- Demand is high, so book early.
3. Rain in Lanzarote in December
Lanzarote is very dry all year round. In December, rainfall is heavier but still rare.
- Rainfall in Playa Blanca: 14 mm
(over 1 day on average) - Rainfall in Puerto del Carmen: 14 mm
(over 1 day on average) - Rainfall in Arrecife: 10 mm
(average of less than 1 day)
It never snows on the island.
4. Sunshine in Lanzarote in December
The Canary Islands are one of the sunniest regions in the world. In December, Lanzarote experiences its shortest days of the year. Despite this, the sun rises after 7.15am and sets at 6pm, with 10 hours of sunshine.
5. Water temperature – swimming in Lanzarote in December
December is a good time to swim in Lanzarote. If you’re chilly, bring a light wetsuit. Discover below the average temperature of the sea.
- Playa Blanca: 20°C (68°F)
- Puerto del Carmen: 20°C (68°F)
- Arrecife: 20°C (68°F)
6. Wind in Lanzarote in December
The wind blows all year round on the Canary Islands. That’s because they’re located in the Atlantic Ocean, with no surrounding obstacles to stop it. Open spaces and seashores are the windiest, but the wind you feel depends above all on your position on the island and the direction in which it blows. Don’t worry: it won’t interfere with tourist activities.
The trade winds guarantee constant waves along the coast. We also enjoy water sports such as surfing and windsurfing. As for the chergui, an African wind, it warms the island in winter.
Several times a year, the latter transforms into a calima, a wind laden with dust and sand from the Sahara. These episodes often last several days and are difficult to predict. In January, they are more frequent and more intense. The temperature then rises, sometimes up to +10°C (50°F). A yellow haze affects visibility. The most serious cases can slow down local life and force those sensitive to dust to protect themselves, but in general, calima doesn’t prevent you from enjoying the island.
WITH OUR GUIDE PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP TO lanzarote
All the information you need for your trip:
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 75 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 140 photos to help you choose
7. Crowds and other conditions
Many European tourists flee the cold continental winter to celebrate the festive season on Lanzarote. They are therefore very numerous in December.
8. December events in Lanzarote
- Christmas celebrations
As in many countries around the world, Lanzarote celebrates the festive season in a variety of ways, including Christmas craft markets.
9. December prices
As everywhere, prices vary depending on what you are looking for. Accommodation ranges from youth hostels to 5-star hotels. It is therefore difficult to give a budget. However, in December, tourists are very numerous. Prices are therefore very high.
Other months
When to go to Lanzarote, other months…
- Lanzarote in January
- Lanzarote in February
- Lanzarote in March
- Lanzarote in April
- Lanzarote in May
- Lanzarote in June
- Lanzarote in July
- Lanzarote in August
- Lanzarote in September
- Lanzarote in October
- Lanzarote in November
Or read our article on when to go to Lanzarote.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Lanzarote
- Best of
Most beautiful landscapes
Best things to do in Lanzarote
Most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful villages
Best boat tours
César Manrique’s attractions
Secret places, off the beaten track
Most beautiful hikes
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Lanzarote
How to get around
How to rent a car in Lanzarote
Driving tips
Where to stay in Lanzarote
Best hotels in Lanzarote
Best excursions
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
