Gran Canaria Weather in December 2026: what to expect (8.0/10)

The month in detail

What to expect in December

Even in winter, Gran Canaria enjoys 21.0°F. A real asset for escaping the European cold. Rain is virtually absent (10.0% of days) — ideal for planning without a backup. A good balance between weather and crowds, even if July (9.6/10) remains theoretically better.

December ranks 11 out of 12 months in Gran Canaria. Compared to November: −5°F daytime.

This month's conditions

What it's like in December

UV index

4 · moderate

protect during midday hours

Feels like

comfortable

12°

Sea

22°C

cool, invigorating

Daylight

10.2h of daylight

Air quality

poor

AQI 70

Compare

Is December the right month?

The best month in Gran Canaria is July (9.6/10), 1.6 pt higher than December.

See July →See all 12 months →

Context

Our verdict

Gran Canaria, the miniature continent: Maspalomas dunes in the south, pine forests at altitude, Atlantic to the west. July-August dominate (9.6/10) with 70-82°F and 0-1% rain.

Read Gilles' full review →

Book

Plan your trip

Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.

🏨

Stay

Hotels & rentals · Gran Canaria

Expedia →

🎟️

Activities

Tours, tickets, experiences

See ↓

✈️

Flights

Multi-airline comparator

Kiwi →

🎟️ Activities & tours · Gran Canaria

GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation

See all →

Affiliate link · GetYourGuide

Practical info

What you need to know before you go

Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach trip.

Country · Spain

🗣️LanguageSpanish

💶CurrencyEuro (€)

🚗DrivingRight-hand

🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5

💰Cost of living ⓘModerate · 3/5

🌡️ Climate

🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic

📈Climate trend ⓘ+3.22°F/decade

🔥Hottest monthAugust · 82°F

❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 68°F

🌧️Rainiest month ⓘNovember · 12%

🏖️ Beach trip

📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept

🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée

🛂VisaSchengen · 90 days

Explore

Other destinations in December

If December doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.

Similar climate

Nearby

Other top picks

Gold CoastAustralia8.1

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Location

Where is Gran Canaria ?

Global position + regional geographic context.

🌍 World

🔍 Geographic context

Spain

Temperate oceanic climate with a 9.6 → 7.9 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.

27.92°N · 15.39°W

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Gran Canaria?

August is the best month with 82°F highs, 72°F lows, 9.7h of sunshine and 1.0% rainy days. The months of August & July offer comparable conditions.

How many hours of sunshine does Gran Canaria get in August?

Gran Canaria averages 9.7 sunshine hours per day in August. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 9.5/10.

What is the rainiest month in Gran Canaria?

January is the most unfavourable month with January has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.

What are the temperatures at night in Gran Canaria in August?

In August, overnight lows reach 72°F, while afternoon highs average 82°F.

Is Gran Canaria good in winter?

In winter (December-February), Gran Canaria scores 7.5/10 on average — Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains August with a score of 9.5/10.

When should you avoid Gran Canaria?

January is the most difficult month to visit Gran Canaria, with January has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.

Can you swim in Gran Canaria in December?

In December, the sea averages 71°F in Gran Canaria: cool, invigorating. Swimming is possible but brisk; sensitive swimmers may prefer a wetsuit.

Do you need sun protection in Gran Canaria in December?

The average UV index reaches 4 in December in Gran Canaria (moderate), with about 10.2h of daylight. Protect during midday hours.