Tenerife Travel Guide · Winter Holidays
Tenerife in December: Christmas, Weather, Beaches and Where to Stay
There’s something special about December in Tenerife. Christmas lights begin to brighten the streets, restaurants get ready for the festive season and, while much of Europe is wrapping up against the winter cold, here you can still enjoy a walk by the sea, lunch on a sunny terrace or an afternoon at the beach.
Spending Christmas in Tenerife is a lovely way to enjoy the festive season a little differently. You can experience local Christmas traditions, explore charming towns, share delicious meals and discover some of the island’s most beautiful landscapes along the way.
And if the idea of swapping your winter coat for something lighter sounds appealing, Tenerife in December has plenty to offer.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the December weather, the beaches you can enjoy in winter, how Christmas is celebrated on the island and where to stay for a memorable holiday.
01 · Winter sunshine
What’s the weather like in Tenerife in December?
One of the best things about visiting Tenerife in December is the weather. Temperatures in the south of the island remain pleasantly mild, making it easy to spend much of the day outdoors, especially if you’re arriving from somewhere where winter is already in full swing.
To give you an idea, historical weather records from Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) show that average daytime highs at Tenerife South Airport are around 23°C (73°F) in December. On warmer days, temperatures can reach 25°C (77°F) or even higher. That’s the kind of weather that makes breakfast on a terrace, a coastal walk, a few hours at the beach or lunch in the sunshine particularly inviting.
Mornings are often pleasant, and a light jacket is usually a good idea for evenings out. Of course, the weather can vary from day to day, with occasional cloudy skies or showers, but southern Tenerife continues to enjoy the mild winter climate that attracts visitors looking for a break from colder temperatures.
Tenerife is also famous for its microclimates. While you might be enjoying a warm afternoon by the coast, temperatures around Mount Teide can be much lower, with snow even possible at higher altitudes. It’s one of the reasons exploring the island is so fascinating.
Staying in the south gives you a convenient base for enjoying the beaches and planning trips to other parts of Tenerife.
Climate reference: AEMET historical climate averages, Tenerife South Airport .
02 · Beaches in winter
Can you enjoy the beach in Tenerife in December?
Absolutely! For many visitors, one of the most exciting things about a Christmas holiday in Tenerife is being able to spend time by the sea while temperatures back home are considerably colder. With daytime highs averaging around 23°C (73°F) and occasionally reaching 25°C (77°F) or more, sunny afternoons at the beach are still very much part of a December holiday in southern Tenerife.
The Atlantic is cooler at this time of year, with sea temperatures generally around 20–21°C (68–70°F). Some visitors happily go for a refreshing swim, while others prefer to stretch out on the sand, read a book, take a walk along the shore or simply enjoy the view.
The beaches of southern Tenerife are particularly appealing at this time of year. Sea conditions can vary, but there are plenty of beautiful coastal spots to discover.
Playa de El Médano
There’s something about El Médano beach that makes you want to stay a little longer. Right beside the town’s seafront promenade, it’s surrounded by cafés, restaurants and small shops, making it easy to combine a few hours on the beach with a walk or lunch overlooking the ocean.
You’ll often see people strolling along the sand, enjoying the terraces or watching the windsurfers and kitesurfers who are such a familiar part of El Médano’s coastal scenery.
Even in December, the town keeps its relaxed seaside atmosphere. And if you’re staying near the centre, the beach is just a short walk away.
La Tejita Beach
Just a few minutes from El Médano, La Tejita is one of the most beautiful natural beaches in southern Tenerife.
Its long stretch of sand, views of Montaña Roja and wide-open Atlantic scenery make it a wonderful place for anyone who enjoys nature and being outdoors.
It’s ideal for a long walk, taking in the landscape or spending a peaceful afternoon by the sea. As with any open beach, it’s worth checking the conditions before going into the water.
Other beaches worth exploring
If you fancy discovering more of southern Tenerife, you could head to Las Vistas beach in Los Cristianos or Playa del Duque in Costa Adeje.
Both have their own atmosphere, with seafront promenades, restaurants and useful facilities nearby. You could easily spend a morning at the beach, enjoy lunch in the area and return to your accommodation later in the day.
03 · Christmas traditions
Christmas in Tenerife: lights, traditions and festive atmosphere
There’s something rather lovely about Christmas in Tenerife. You might be enjoying a coffee in the sunshine while Christmas carols play nearby, or come across a beautifully decorated square as you wander through a town.
Across the island, towns and cities get ready for the festive season with Christmas lights, nativity scenes, cultural activities and celebrations rooted in Canarian traditions.
Throughout December, you’ll often find Christmas markets, concerts and family-friendly events. Each municipality organises its own programme, so it’s worth checking what’s happening in the places you’d like to visit.
Enjoying the Christmas lights
One of the nicest things to do at this time of year is visit some of Tenerife’s towns and cities when they’re dressed up for Christmas.
San Cristóbal de La Laguna is particularly charming in the evening. Its historic centre, with pedestrian streets, traditional buildings, independent shops and cafés, creates a wonderful setting for a stroll beneath the Christmas lights.
You could also spend an afternoon in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where shopping streets and festive activities bring different parts of the city to life.
And if you’re planning to explore the north, towns such as La Orotava offer a lovely opportunity to combine sightseeing with local Christmas traditions.
The best part is being able to enjoy it all at your own pace: wandering through the streets, browsing a few shops, stopping for a drink and finishing the evening with dinner somewhere that catches your eye.
How is Christmas celebrated in Tenerife?
In Tenerife, as in the rest of Spain, Christmas Eve is a particularly special occasion. On 24 December, many families gather around the table to share a festive meal and celebrate together.
Christmas Day, on 25 December, is also traditionally spent with family. But if you’re visiting on holiday, you can make the day your own. A special lunch, a walk beside the sea or a relaxed morning in your holiday apartment can all be part of a different kind of Christmas.
Food is an important part of the celebrations too. One traditional Canarian Christmas treat is truchas de batata — sweet pastries filled with sweet potato, often prepared and enjoyed in family homes during the festive season.
If you’re planning to eat out on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, we recommend booking ahead. Some restaurants offer special festive menus, while others change their opening hours.
And remember, the festive season in Spain continues into January. If your holiday extends into the new year, you may get to experience another much-loved tradition: the arrival of the Three Kings, celebrated with colourful parades on 5 January.
Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Tenerife
Imagine seeing out the year after spending the day at the beach.
New Year’s Eve in Tenerife offers the chance to celebrate in a different setting while enjoying familiar Spanish traditions, including eating twelve grapes at midnight, one with each chime of the clock, to welcome the new year.
Many towns organise celebrations and live music, although the details vary each year. You could also book a special dinner at a restaurant or enjoy a quieter evening at your accommodation.
If you’re travelling with family or friends, having your own holiday apartment can make it especially easy to celebrate exactly as you like.
04 · Discover the island
Things to do in Tenerife in December
December is also a wonderful time to discover Tenerife beyond its beaches. The mild coastal temperatures make walking and outdoor activities enjoyable, while the island’s different regions offer an impressive variety of scenery and experiences.
You can mix relaxing days by the sea with excursions and visits to traditional towns and villages.
Explore Teide National Park
A visit to Mount Teide is one of those experiences well worth including in your Tenerife holiday.
As you make your way up towards the national park, the landscape changes dramatically. Volcanic rock formations, extraordinary colours and sweeping views create a striking contrast with the coastline.
Temperatures at higher altitudes can be much colder in December, so bring warm clothing and check access conditions before setting off. On a clear day, it’s an excursion you’ll remember long after your holiday.
Discover Tenerife’s most charming towns and villages
Tenerife is full of charming towns and villages, and you’ll find them across the island, not just in the north. December is a lovely time to explore them.
In the south, you could visit Vilaflor, a mountain village surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, or wander through Arico’s historic centre, with its peaceful streets and traditional architecture. If you’d like to venture further afield, Garachico, La Orotava and San Cristóbal de La Laguna are also well worth adding to your plans.
Each has its own character, with inviting streets, small squares, cafés and restaurants where you can discover local food. You could spend a day visiting a couple of nearby places or choose just one and take your time exploring.
Enjoy local food by the sea
In Tenerife, a good meal can easily become one of the highlights of your day.
If you’re staying in El Médano, you can head to Los Abrigos, a small fishing village known for its harbour and fish and seafood restaurants.
A stroll past the fishing boats followed by a leisurely lunch is a lovely way to spend a few hours during your holiday.
And if you enjoy discovering new places to eat, you can combine your excursions with visits to different coastal villages around the island.
05 · Your Christmas holiday base
Why El Médano is a great base for your Christmas holiday
When planning a holiday in Tenerife, choosing where to stay can make all the difference. And if you’re looking for somewhere by the sea, with beaches, restaurants and a genuine local atmosphere, El Médano is well worth considering.
This coastal town in southern Tenerife has a character all of its own. Its seafront promenade, cafés, beaches and the international atmosphere created by its watersports scene mean there’s always something enjoyable happening around you.
One of the biggest advantages is how much of the town you can explore on foot. Depending on where you stay, you’ll find the beach, supermarkets, restaurants and small shops within easy walking distance — particularly convenient if you’re visiting for a week or longer.
You’re also close to places such as La Tejita, Montaña Roja and Los Abrigos, perfect for short outings during your holiday.
El Médano is only a short distance from Tenerife South Airport, making arrival and departure straightforward. And if you hire a car to explore the island, you can easily plan trips to Mount Teide, discover other parts of the south or spend a day exploring the north.
A different kind of Christmas morning
Imagine waking up on Christmas Day in your holiday apartment, making a leisurely breakfast and heading outside for a walk by the sea.
Perhaps you’ll stop for a coffee on a sunny terrace, spend some time at the beach or head back to your accommodation to prepare a special Christmas lunch.
Later, you might fancy another stroll through town, dinner at a local restaurant or simply spending time with the people you’re sharing your holiday with.
Every family and every traveller has their own way of enjoying Christmas. In El Médano, you’ll find a lovely setting to celebrate at your own pace, with the beach and the Atlantic Ocean close by.
06 · Where to stay
Where to stay in Tenerife in December
If you’re planning a Christmas holiday, it’s worth choosing somewhere that suits the way you like to travel. Having the beach nearby, being able to walk to restaurants or simply having a comfortable place to unwind can make your stay even more enjoyable.
El Médano, La Tejita and Los Abrigos each offer a different experience by the sea. If you’d like to find out more before booking, take a look at our guide to where to stay in El Médano , which explores the different areas and helps you decide which might suit your holiday best.
Find your Christmas holiday accommodation with Medano4you
At Medano4you, we offer a selection of holiday homes in El Médano and the surrounding area, with options to suit different types of travellers.
Whether you’re planning a Christmas getaway for two, a family holiday or a New Year’s break with friends, having a comfortable, well-located place to stay gives you the freedom to enjoy your time away just as you like.
Your own kitchen, a welcoming space to spend time together and the flexibility to set your own schedule can make the festive season feel even more special.
Our local team knows the area and can help you find accommodation that suits your dates, needs and preferences.
Thinking about spending Christmas or New Year in Tenerife?
Discover our holiday homes in El Médano and the surrounding area and find a place that feels right for your winter escape.
Explore holiday homes and availability07 · Before you travel
What to pack for Tenerife in December
If you’re spending your holiday in southern Tenerife, packing is fairly straightforward.
Light clothing is ideal for sunny afternoons, and it’s worth bringing your swimwear, comfortable walking shoes and a jumper or light jacket for cooler evenings.
Don’t forget sunscreen, even in winter, particularly if you’re planning to spend plenty of time outdoors.
If you’d like to visit Mount Teide or explore the mountain areas, pack some warmer clothes and a waterproof layer too. That way, you’ll be ready for both days on the coast and adventures further inland.
08 · Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about Tenerife in December
Is the weather good in Tenerife in December?
Yes, particularly in the south of the island. Average daytime highs are around 23°C (73°F), and temperatures can reach 25°C (77°F) or more on warmer days. December is a lovely time for coastal walks, sunny terraces and relaxing by the sea, although the weather can vary from day to day.
Can you go to the beach in Tenerife at Christmas?
Absolutely! The beaches in southern Tenerife are lovely places to spend time throughout December. The air can be pleasantly warm in the sunshine, while sea temperatures are generally around 20–21°C (68–70°F). Many visitors enjoy swimming, sunbathing or walking along the shore.
Is Tenerife a good place to spend Christmas?
Tenerife is a wonderful choice if you’d like to combine Christmas celebrations with mild weather, beaches, nature and sightseeing. You can enjoy local festive traditions while exploring different parts of the island.
How is Christmas celebrated in Tenerife?
Families traditionally get together on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to share meals and celebrate. Towns and cities also organise festive activities, decorations, nativity displays and Christmas concerts, depending on each year’s programme.
Is Tenerife busy in December?
December is a popular time to visit Tenerife, especially over Christmas and New Year. If you’re planning to travel during the festive period, it’s a good idea to book your accommodation and any special restaurant meals in advance.
Where should I stay in Tenerife for Christmas?
It depends on the kind of holiday you’re looking for. El Médano is a lovely choice if you want a coastal town with beaches, restaurants and everyday amenities. Nearby La Tejita and Los Abrigos also offer holiday accommodation close to the sea, each with its own atmosphere.
Your winter holiday in Tenerife
Enjoy a different kind of Christmas in Tenerife
Christmas in Tenerife has a charm all of its own. Festive lights and local traditions sit alongside oceanfront walks, outdoor dining and the chance to enjoy the beach even in the middle of winter.
You can spend your days relaxing, exploring the island, discovering charming towns or simply enjoying time together somewhere different.
And if you choose El Médano as your holiday base, you’ll have the sea, restaurants and some of southern Tenerife’s loveliest coastal spots close by, as well as a convenient starting point for discovering the rest of the island.
Fancy spending Christmas or New Year in Tenerife?
With Medano4you, you can find holiday accommodation in El Médano and the surrounding area and enjoy the festive season your own way.