Visiting Tenerife in December – 5 Key Insights to Know & Unique Things to Do

December in Tenerife is one of my favorite months. In many places around the island, particularly in the forests, you can smell autumn, the first snow may fall on Teide, and the sea becomes stormy, creating beautiful waves and a breeze that can be sensed even from afar.

Tenerife in December is unlike any place in Europe, even unlike southern Spain, where this month is quite warm. The island has its own weather, its own approach to the holidays, and its own pace of life.

I’m sharing below important things you need to know about Tenerife during the first month of winter. If you’re planning a trip to the island during this time, consider them all to have the best holiday!

Main Things to Know Before Going to Tenerife in December

December is One of the Worst Months to Visit for Budget Travelers

Let’s be real – if you’re planning to visit Tenerife in December, be ready to splurge as this is not going to be a budget-friendly getaway.

First month of winter is (very) high season, and everything from unique accommodations to private guides, and car rentals feels like it’s on a holiday pricing frenzy. You can expect hotel prices to double compared to spring, and Airbnbs? They happily charge you triple.

There is basically no “budget” accommodation left by the time late fall hits (especially if you are coming for a very short holiday). And if something is left, that may be of a low quality. If you are booking at the last minute and want something more affordable, you’ll likely end up further away from the tourist hotspots (which could be a win, honestly, if you prefer a quieter stay).

The only good thing is that food prices in grocery stores don’t follow this trend – food in supermarkets stays the same regardless of the season, and you won’t see much difference in your shopping cart. However, eating out in touristy areas is a different story. Restaurant prices jump to take advantage of the holiday crowd (that’s not the case in local eateries and cafes).

So, if you want to save a little, go for self-catering and cook your own meals, booking early might save you a little, but it’s still going to sting. Choose to stay in one of the cheaper all-inclusive hotels or in smaller lesser touristy towns (a few examples of those in the south are Golf del Sur, El Medano, Costa del Silencio and in the north – Cuesta de Piedra neighborhood in Santa Cruz or Los Realejos near Puerto de la Cruz for instance).

And don’t forget about car rentals. Prices for cars in December start to skyrocket around the month of October, so if you’re planning a road trip, book your car before this month, or you might find yourself paying more for the car than your flights (speaking of the airfare, it is still possible to find low-cost flights to Tenerife at this time of the year).

If you are planning a trip at the last minute and need a car, then check out Localrent as they offer some holiday promotions.

Swimming in December Isn’t as Comfortable as You Might Think

Let me put it this way – if you’re coming from a Scandinavian country where you take ice plunges in the middle of winter with water temps around 10°C (I’ve heard the stories!), then sure, Tenerife’s 21°C waters (which drop to 20°C in the second part of the month, depending on the currents) may feel like a hot tub.

But for most people, it’s not all that comfortable, especially when there’s wind and overcast skies, which you’ll find even on the south coast on many days throughout December.

Another important thing is that in many spots the sea is very stormy, with strong underwater currents, creating dangerous conditions for swimming, so you need to choose wisely where to swim.

But in the end, the real issue isn’t even the water temperature, it’s getting out of the water – wind blowing, the sun hiding behind a hazy cloud, and bam, it feels chilly. Most locals stop swimming as early as November, and by December, don’t even think about getting into the sea.

So, if you are visiting Tenerife in December expecting a full-on beach holiday, think again. Sure, you can spend some time lounging on the sand (I have beach photos throughout this article showing people sunbathing and swimming in December), even on the beaches in northern part of the island, but it won’t be a Carribean-style beach experience you might expect.

December is better suited for exploring the island – taking excursions, going on hikes, enjoying scenic coastal walks, or jumping in a car to go on one of the impressive drives. It’s also a time for cozy stays in all-inclusive hotels, checking Christmas lights around the towns, or taking in the natural beauty.

Weather in Tenerife in December Varies Greatly

When it comes to December weather in Tenerife, there are two most important things you need to understand. First – weather varies depending on where you are.

And second – regardless of where you choose to stay, Tenerife never gets hot in December. It is very warm with comfortable temperatures in many areas, where you can walk around in shorts and a T-shirt, but never hot. You do not need to book accommodation with AC or pack too many clothes that are too summery.

My husband and I (like most locals) rarely wear shorts in winter. In fact when we do, that’s only when we visit Adeje in the south or on some warmer days in Puerto de la Cruz. Most places on the island feel cool for us throughout the winter, though if you are coming from northern regions you will be comfortable wearing lighter outfits.

However, if besides staying by the coast, you’re also planning to travel across the island through Teide, make sure to bring a sweater or even the jacket you wore when flying in from a place with cold winters.

Warm clothes will also be useful in La Laguna, Teno Mountains (always windy from December to February there), in the Anaga National Park (on higher elevations lower temperatures and fog make it cold), and in the mountainous areas between Puerto de la Cruz and El Rosario.

Christmas in Tenerife Is Not a Big Deal

I don’t understand those articles that claim Christmas in Tenerife is always such a big celebration. I fell for them a few years ago before moving to the island, but after spending our first Christmas here, I realized how much the information was exaggerated and untrue.

The reality is – in Tenerife, the Christmas season is quiet and celebrated in a more relaxed and family-oriented way, without much of the commercial or festive hype seen in many parts of Europe and especially in the US and Canada.

There are no big Christmas markets (in that form and vibe that exist in many cities in Europe), no place that features Santa Claus, floats, music, and performances, and not many holiday events that really get you into the Christmas spirit.

Tenerife’s approach feels more laid-back, and frankly, kind of boring by comparison. Island seems to miss out on that magical holiday atmosphere that you might expect in cities on the mainland.

On the contrary, a really big deal here is Dia de Reyes (Three Kings’ Day), celebrated on January 6th. This is a major holiday (much more important than Christmas) when on the night of January 5th a big parade happens with the Kings arriving on decorated vehicles or floats, distributing candy to kids. This is a truly interesting event to travel for (which I am going to cover in my post about Tenerife in January). But Christmas itself is nothing special.

The only thing that transforms Tenerife during the December holidays is the lights, they are so beautiful and impressive, especially in the north, where you can go on a whole mini excursion just to see them.

If you plan to be in Tenerife for Christmas in particular, do not have your expectations high in regards to celebrations and parties. Read my post on Christmas in Tenerife to know more about the season and what to do to make it memorable.

The First Winter Month is a Very Busy Time in Southern Tenerife

The truth is – southern Tenerife in December is incredibly busy (some places in Northern Tenerife are as well). It’s like everyone and their uncle suddenly decided that this little slice of paradise is the perfect holiday getaway.

Maybe because lately Tenerife has been promoted as one of the best places for December sun, which is the reason why it is now the go-to destination for anyone craving a little sunshine during the holiday season.

As a result, most touristy towns in the south (and some in the north like Garachico and Puerto de la Cruz) at times look more like a game of sardines, with tourists crammed into every nook and cranny.

The streets get alive with holiday lights and more tourists than you can shake a stick at. It’s vibrant and chaotic, but also a little overwhelming.

So, if you’re planning a trip, just be ready for a bit of a crowd or stay in one of these quieter areas. And of course, pack your patience and enjoy the festive buzz!

Unique Things to Do in Tenerife in December

And now let me mention a few really cool activities to experience in the beginning of winter. In fact, the number of things to do in December in Tenerife is very similar to the list of activities in other months during the year.

However, this month has certain conditions that make it special for specific experiences. I am sharing them below:

• Go Whale Watching – December is a great time for going on a tour to find whales as some of them are migrating during this month and others are active in the waters around the island.
  
• Visit the Festival of Lights in La Laguna – light displays in La Laguna are simply an incredible piece of art! The magical artistic installations throughout the city in the historic old town are must-see!
  
• Participate in a Wine Tasting Tour – Tenerife has some unique flavor wines that you can taste by visiting local vineyards in the northern region. Sample different varieties and learn about the island’s winemaking traditions.
  
• Attend a Traditional Christmas Eve Dinner – many hotels and restaurants offer Christmas dinner menus that allow guests try traditional holiday food and local wines.
  
• Go on a Surfing or Windsurfing Adventure – December always brings great waves to Tenerife’s surf spots (and waves in some places are huge). If you are a surfer, consider taking a lesson or renting equipment.
  
• Visit the Butterfly Park in Icod de los Vinos – this is a unique butterfly garden filled with exotic butterflies that are more active in December (and other winter month).
  
• Spend Some Time in Teide – in December Teide National Park looks quite different than in the summer season. Come here to spot wildlife, do winter hiking, walk among the frozen lava fields, and return later for stargazing in the area to witness some meteor showers!

More Posts for Wintry Tenerife

• Northern or Southern Tenerife – which one is better in winter and other seasons