Locations Tenerife Climate Tenerife Weather in December

Tenerife Weather in December

Tenerife’s climate is pleasantly warm all year round. The island is geographically close to the African continent and is situated at the same latitude as the Sahara Desert. Due to the northeasterly trade winds and the Canary Current, temperatures in Tenerife do not get quite as hot as on the North African mainland.

Microclimates in Tenerife

Due to its varied landscapes and topography, with mountains and coastal areas, Tenerife is characterised by diverse microclimates. This means that the weather, including temperatures, rainfall and wind can differ, depending on which part of the island you are visiting.

The information on this page gives you an average across the island. If you are visiting the northern parts of Tenerife and higher elevations, you may experience slightly cooler temperatures and more rainfall, while the southern coastal areas might be a little warmer and sunnier.

Temperatures in December

In December, the temperatures in Tenerife are usually mild and pleasant – a great location for a winter escape!

Air Temperature

Daytime

Temperatures range from around 18°C (64°F) to 23°C (73°F) during the day.

Nighttime

Nighttime temperatures in December are generally somewhere between 14°C (57°F) to 18°C (64°F).

Sea Temperature

In December, the sea temperature in Tenerife typically ranges from around 20°C (68°F) to 23°C (73°F), having retained a little bit of residual warmth from the summer months. However, sea temperatures can vary slightly depending on your specific location, the local ocean currents and weather patterns.

Sunshine

Daylight hours

In December, Tenerife still benefits from around 10 to 11 hours of daylight per day. The shortest day of the year, also known as the winter solstice, typically occurs around the 21st of December. Compared to Northern Europe, the island receives noticeably more hours of daylight during the winter months. This is because Tenerife is located closer to the equator, resulting in shorter variations in daylight hours throughout the year compared to regions further from the equator.

Number of sunny days

Tenerife typically has a mix of sunny and cloudy days in December, with days of sunshine ranging anywhere from 15 to 22. However, this can vary depending on the specific weather patterns for that year. Compared to summer and early autumn, you may encounter more cloud cover and occasional rainfall. Nevertheless, sunny days are still common during December, which is why the island is a great destination for anyone seeking some winter sunshine.

UV-Index

The UV-index is a measure of the strength of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun that reaches the Earth’s surface. It’s an important indicator of the potential for harm from unprotected sun exposure.

In December, the UV index in Tenerife typically ranges between 3 and 5, indicating a moderate level of UV radiation exposure. This can vary depending on factors such as cloud cover, time of day, and altitude. Even during the winter months, it is advisable to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, to reduce the risk of sunburn and skin damage.

Rainfall in December

In December, Tenerife typically experiences an average of 5 to 6 rainy days, or 31mm of rainfall. However, it’s essential to note that this can vary from year to year depending on weather patterns and atmospheric conditions.

Wind

Tenerife experiences varying wind speeds during the month of December, depending on the specific location and prevailing weather patterns. Generally, December tends to be slightly less windy compared to the summer months. Wind speeds can range from calm to moderate, but extreme winds are relatively rare during this time of the year.

What to Wear in Tenerife in December

With the weather generally being mild and pleasant in December, you may want to bring the following for your stay in Tenerife:

Light layers: Bring clothing that you can easily layer to adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day.
A light jacket or jumpers: While daytime temperatures are usually mild, evenings and nights may be cooler, especially in higher elevations or near the coast.
Long trousers and jeans: These are suitable for most situations and offer protection against cooler temperatures.
T-shirts, shorts and summer dresses: When the sun is out during the day, it can get fairly warm, even in December, so don’t forget to bring a few items from your summer wardrobe.
Comfortable walking shoes: Tenerife offers diverse terrain for exploration, so bring comfortable shoes for walking and hiking.
Swimwear: While the sea temperature might be cooler than in summer months, many still enjoy swimming, especially in hotel pools or sheltered coves.
Sun protection: Even in December, the sun in Tenerife can be strong, so don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection.
Rain gear: While rainfall is typically low in December, occasional showers can occur, especially in the northern parts of the island. It’s a good idea to pack a lightweight waterproof jacket or umbrella just in case.

Check the forecast

Before you set off on holiday, don’t forget to check the forecast for your travel dates to get the up-to-date information on temperatures and weather patterns during your stay in Tenerife.