Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Weather in December

Mild winter days

December feels like a gentle winter, not a cold-weather escape. Afternoons reach around 20°C, while evenings stay mild at about 18°C. There's some cloud, and rain falls on a handful of days, so showers can interrupt a beach afternoon.

You can stroll Las Canteras, explore Vegueta's old streets, or visit Casa de Colón without summer heat. Beach time still works, but don't count on every day being clear and sunny. For a family with children, Las Canteras is an easy place to break up sightseeing with time by the sand.

Christmas by the sea

Las Palmas gets festive with Christmas lights and nativity scenes. A local favourite is the Belén de Arena, a sand-sculpture nativity set up on Las Canteras beach. It's worth seeing while you're walking the seafront. On New Year's Eve, locals gather for celebrations and fireworks; expect more noise and activity around the city that night.

Crowds and practicalities

December is busier around Christmas and New Year than in quieter parts of the year, and accommodation can cost more then. Earlier in the month is usually a calmer choice. The weather is still comfortable for a city break, though December has shorter days than summer.

For an easy change of pace, follow the promenade from La Puntilla along Las Canteras toward the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium. It's a lovely way to see the bay without needing a car, and you can stop for papas arrugadas—wrinkled potatoes served with a peppery sauce—near the beach. Check the sand nativity's location before setting out, as its exact spot can vary along the shore.