If you’re wondering whether Tenerife is worth visiting in winter, here’s everything you need to know before visiting Tenerife in December!
Tenerife is one of the most popular destinations in Europe during winter, thanks to its incredible weather, just like the rest of the Canary Islands. We spent a week in Tenerife last December, celebrating Christmas and New Year’s there, so this is all based on first-hand experience. If you want to know what your trip to Tenerife in December would be like, this guide covers the key things you should know before visiting!
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WHY VISIT TENERIFE IN DECEMBER?
There are so many reasons to visit Tenerife in general, but winter makes it even more special. I haven’t been blown away by a destination like this in a long time, and I couldn’t recommend Tenerife enough. While much of Europe is cold and grey in December, Tenerife is the perfect sunny escape. The island has spring-like weather all year, and there’s really no other place in Europe with such nice conditions throughout winter. Average daytime temperatures stay around 20–24°C, which is ideal for enjoying the sun, hiking, or exploring towns without the summer crowds.
Tenerife in December is very relaxed. There are fewer tourists than in the summer months, so you’ll find better hotel deals and have more chances to enjoy the island’s natural beauty in (somewhat) peace. It’s also fun to celebrate Christmas here, with festive lights, markets, and New Year’s Eve celebrations while in beachwear!
WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE IN TENERIFE IN DECEMBER?
Tenerife has great weather all year round, and that includes winter. In December, daytime temperatures usually range between 20°C and 24°C, with plenty of sunshine and evenings around 15–18°C. It’s warm enough to relax on the beach, swim in heated pools, or enjoy outdoor activities without the intense summer heat. Rainfall is minimal and mostly happens in the northern part of the island, while the south is sunnier and drier, therefore more popular in winter.
WHAT ARE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS IN TENERIFE?
Tenerife is really magical in December. It’s sunny, but also filled with festive cheer. The island mixes Spanish and Canarian Christmas customs, so it’s something you probably haven’t experienced before. Here are three celebrations you can see in winter:
Christmas in Tenerife
Christmas in Tenerife is really magical time. Instead of snow, you’ll see palm trees wrapped in fairy lights and nativity scenes set up in town squares, shopping centers, and even caves. In Santa Cruz and La Laguna, you can enjoy beautiful Christmas lights and lively street markets. Almost everything is open on Christmas, so you can use that day to sightsee if you’d like!
New Year’s in Tenerife
Tenerife really knows how to welcome the New Year in style. Locals and visitors all gather for open-air parties, live music, and fireworks by the beach. Many hotels and restaurants also host special dinners with dancing that go well into the early hours. If you’re staying in the south, you’ll have plenty of options to celebrate the start of the new year.
Three Kings Day in Tenerife
If you’re visiting in early January, you’ll get to experience one of the most important celebrations in Spain. The Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Parade) brings colorful floats, music, and performers parading through the streets, especially in Santa Cruz and La Orotava. Children look forward to gifts from the Kings, much like Santa Claus in other countries.
WHAT BEACHES CAN YOU ENJOY IN TENERIFE IN DECEMBER
One of the best things about visiting Tenerife in December is that the beaches are still a main attraction on the island. With daytime temperatures often above 20°C, you can sunbathe comfortably, dip your toes in the Atlantic, or go for a swim if you’re brave enough to handle the chilly water. We weren’t! You can also enjoy long coastal walks without the summer crowds. And if you don’t feel like swimming in the ocean, many resorts and hotels have heated pools you can relax in.
Playa de las Teresitas (Santa Cruz)
This is one of the most popular beaches on the island. Since it’s located in the north, the water can be a bit colder, and when we visited, very few people were swimming in the ocean. Still, plenty of people were sunbathing on the golden sand and enjoying the day. The beach is only a few minutes from the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, so it’s definitely worth a visit.
Playa de las Américas & Los Cristianos
These are the two most popular beaches in the south. They stay lively all year, since this part of the island is warmer than the north, making it much easier to swim in the ocean even in winter. The beaches are very active, with water sports, beachfront bars, and plenty of sunshine.
El Médano
El Médano is famous for its windsurfing and kitesurfing scene. While it’s not the best beach for swimming in winter, it’s ideal if you’re looking for an active beach day. We loved visiting, even though we didn’t try the water activities ourselves.
CAN YOU EXPLORE MOUNT TEIDE IN DECEMBER?
Mount Teide is Spain’s highest peak and Tenerife’s iconic volcano, and it’s a must-visit at any time of year. But in December, it feels extra special. While the coastline stays sunny and warm, Teide’s summit is often covered in snow. It’s one of those rare places where you can play in the snow and relax on the beach all in the same day.
The Teide cable car usually runs in winter if the weather allows it. If you want to see the top of Mount Teide, in just 8 minutes you’ll ascend to 3,555 meters. Be prepared that the temperatures at the top can drop close to freezing, so bring really warm layers. The final stretch from the cable car to the summit can sometimes be closed in winter for safety reasons, but most of the time it’s open. Many other hiking routes around Teide National Park remain accessible in December, because not all of them are covered in snow or ice, but always check conditions before hiking. Here’s my detailed Mount Teide guide with all the information you need!
WHERE TO STAY IN TENERIFE IN DECEMBER?
Choosing the right base in Tenerife in winter really depends on what kind of holiday you’re looking for. Do you want sunshine, culture, or peace and quiet? December is a bit cooler in the north and warmer in the south, so where you stay can make a big difference to your experience.
South Tenerife – Best for Winter Sun
If you want to stay in the sunniest part of the island with the nicest weather, choose Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, or Los Cristianos. These areas are the warmest and driest on the island. Resorts here are lively year-round, with easy access to beaches, nightlife, and family-friendly attractions. If guaranteed sunshine is your priority, the south is your best bet. Just keep in mind that it’s also the most crowded part of Tenerife, since most visitors come here for the sunshine.
North Tenerife – Best for Culture and Scenery
The north, with towns like Puerto de la Cruz and La Laguna, is greener and more authentic, so you get a real glimpse of traditional Canarian life. It’s a bit cooler and cloudier than the south, but it’s perfect for exploring charming old towns, botanical gardens, and dramatic coastlines. We stayed in Puerto de la Cruz and had no complaints. The weather was still lovely, around 18–20°C, and it was close to almost everything we wanted to visit.
TIPS FOR VISITING TENERIFE IN DECEMBER (OR WINTER IN GENERAL)
Pack for Different Climates
Although Tenerife is a small island, it’s very diverse, so you’ll need to pack for different options. Light clothes and swimwear are perfect for the southern coast, but if you’re heading to Mount Teide or exploring higher altitudes, you’ll need a warm jacket and extra layers. Temperatures in the mountains can drop close to freezing. Still, it’s a unique experience to be on top of a snowy mountain and then head to the beach on the same day!
Stay in the South for the Sun
The north is absolutely beautiful, but it’s also wetter and cooler than the south. If you’re visiting Tenerife mainly for the sunshine, your best option is to stay in the south where you’ll find the most sun. It’s the perfect spot for beach days, water activities, and sunbathing!
Rent a Car
There’s nothing like exploring Tenerife by car. Public transport is good, but a rental car makes it much easier to explore different climates, hidden villages, and natural sights at your own pace. Places like Mount Teide or Anaga Rural Park are much easier to reach if you drive yourself instead of spending hours on the bus or paying for a tour. A car also lets you visit beaches that aren’t easily accessible by public transport. Rental cars aren’t too expensive either. We rented ours at the airport and only spent 50 euros on gas for the whole week!
Book Early if You’re Visiting During Holidays
People love being somewhere warm during the Christmas holidays, so hotels, restaurants, and tours fill up quickly around Christmas and New Year. If that’s your plan too, book everything in advance to make sure you’ve got it all covered. Also, visit popular attractions early in the morning, or you might get stuck with the crowds during the day.
Bring Sun Protection
While the sun in winter isn’t as strong as in summer, Tenerife has similar weather all year round. That means even in December, the UV index can be high. Pack sun protection (sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen) just like you would for summer.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN TENERIFE IN DECEMBER
Tenerife offers a mix of sunshine, beach days, and festive fun in December, so it’s a really exciting and unique trip. For a detailed look at what we did over 7 days, check out our 7-day itinerary. But if you just want the winter highlights, here’s a short list of the key things to do!
Visit Mount Teide National Park
Mount Teide is magical any time of year, but especially in December. Just the drive up is incredible, with the snowy mountain tops creating an amazing view. While we were there, we even saw local kids sledging down the mountainsides in the national park, which was a fun surprise. You can also ride the cable car or hike the volcanic trails to enjoy the snowy landscapes up close.
Experience Christmas Festivities
Although you won’t find your typical European Christmas Market, Tenerife still has a few festive markets worth checking out. The biggest one is in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with various vendors and plenty of Christmas lights. We also came across charming markets in La Orotava and La Laguna. You can also explore nativity scenes (belenes) and try seasonal food and wine at these festive markets.
Relax on the Beaches
One of the main reasons people come to Tenerife is the beaches. With daytime temperatures around 20–24°C, even in December you can still sunbathe or, if you’re brave, swim at popular beaches like Playa de las Teresitas. For us, it was too cold to swim, but just being on the beach in December while still in Europe was an amazing experience.
Attend the Famous Christmas Concert
On December 25th, the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra holds a spectacular outdoor concert at Santa Cruz’s port, which is a truly unique experience you shouldn’t miss. Tickets cost only a few euros, but you’ll need to book in advance.
