Gran Canaria in December for a Warm Island Holiday

December suits travellers who want the warmth of the island during Australia's cooler months. The typical daytime reading is 20 °C, while nights sit around 18 °C, making outdoor dinners and evening walks comfortable with a light jacket. The sea is around 21 °C, so beach plans can work throughout the month.

iPhoto: MiljenkoSuljic · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Sunshine averages 7 hours a day, and the island's December weather supports a varied holiday. You can alternate beach time with walks, drives through the hills, visits to local towns and time spent at a café or restaurant. The weather pattern also means it is sensible to keep indoor or flexible plans nearby for changing conditions.

For a family or mixed-age group, December gives everyone a clear structure without a demanding schedule. Mornings can be reserved for outdoor activities, afternoons for swimming or a slower break, and evenings for dinner. This rhythm suits Australian visitors travelling for relaxation as well as sightseeing.

Start with a coastal day to settle into the island. Use the morning for the beach, a promenade walk or a swim, then take a relaxed lunch nearby. In the afternoon, visit a local town or viewpoint and leave the evening free for a slow dinner. This gives you a useful introduction without turning the first day into a full island crossing.

• Grill El AsadorRestaurant→
• Maná 264Imbiss→
• Martel HouseRestaurant→
• Tasty Poke BarRestaurant→

Use the second day for the landscape. A drive can connect a scenic route, a mountain outlook and a small town for a coffee or a meal. Keep the route balanced, with stops spread across the day and time to enjoy each place. A packed car also gives you flexibility if the weather changes or a beach day becomes more appealing.

For the final day, return to your base or choose a nearby beach. Visit a market, café or local attraction in the morning, then leave time for a swim and a final dinner. Three days work well when you want a clear island introduction. A relaxed pace gives you space to repeat a favourite place rather than rushing between every stop.

With 22 °C in November and 19 °C in January, December sits on the way down. Rain days run 5 in November, 5 in December and 4 in January. December trades a little warmth for a slower pace than November.

iPhoto: dronepicr · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

The official calendars show Summer holidays (Queensland), Summer holidays (Tasmania), Summer holidays (Victoria) in this month. The weeks clear of school breaks are 1 December to 7 December. 8 December to 14 December, 15 December to 21 December, 22 December to 28 December and 29 December to 31 December overlap with school holidays, so stays fill faster then.

iPhoto: Rvr · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Plan for changeable mild weather: 20 °C in the day, 18 °C after dark, 5 days of rain. The packing list in your plan adjusts itself to the month and the days you pick.

iPhoto: dronepicr · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

A seven day stay gives you room to combine several beaches with inland scenery. Use the first two days to explore your chosen base, including a beach morning, a local town and an evening out. Add one day for a scenic drive, keeping the route readable on the map and stopping at a few places that interest you.

iPhoto: Bengt Nyman from Vaxholm, Sweden · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

The middle of the holiday can include a longer excursion. Visit a viewpoint, walk through a village or reserve time for a coastal path. With December sunshine averaging 7 hours daily, outdoor plans fit comfortably into the day when you start early. Keep swimwear and a light layer accessible, since the island can feel different in shade or wind.

Use the final days for slower experiences. Return to a favourite beach, try local food in a different area and leave an evening unscheduled for a relaxed finish. The planner supports relaxed, balanced and packed travel, so you can set a steady rhythm for the week or make individual days lighter after busy excursions.