Weather Lowdown:
Though it is the middle of winter, the Spanish island city Las Palmas de Gran Canaria maintains its moderate climate with warm temperatures through December, making for an excellent escape from winter for Europeans and anyone hoping to visit the beautiful beaches and historic sites of this Canary Island.
The average daily temperature in December is 19°C , which is one degree warmer than the coldest month, January. The temperature usually reaches lows of 16°C in the evenings and highs of 22°C during the day. December has the least sunshine of any month in Las Palmas, with only about 7 hours of sunshine each day and a 40% chance of a sunny day. The winter sun still provides plenty of warmth and light for visitors to explore the city though, and there is only a 5% chance of a cloudy day much better than weather elsewhere during winter!
December is the rainiest month of the year, but it is still a bit drier than the mainland Spanish cities such as the capital Madrid. December averages 37 mm of rain over 11 days throughout the month and there is a 22% chance of a rainy day while visiting so it's best to keep a backup plan ready for visiting a museum or other indoor location, just in case you catch one of the warm, drizzly days. Tourists can view the forecast up to 25 days ahead of time to make plans for the occasional rainy afternoon.
There is only a 45% chance of a windy day in December, one of the lowest of the year, so it's a perfect time for wind-related activities such as light sailing and parasailing. December is also the beginning of high travel season for the winter as visitors come from all over to enjoy a warm winter vacation. It's an excellent time to appreciate the warmth and buzz of the island.
Where to Stay:
Hi Tide Hostel is a perfect spot for adventure enthusiasts, particular surfers, visiting Las Palmas. With rooms ranging for a private for two people to a 12-person dorm, Hi Tide has something for every budget. Common areas include a living room, a kitchen, a patio and a rooftop terrace for enjoying the view of Playa de las Canteras. The hostel also offers guided hiking tours and surfing classes.
For a more luxurious and peaceful experience, visit La Casa de Vegueta, located in the historic and authentic Vegueta neighborhood. This bed and breakfast was built in 1913 and offers all the charm of an artistic and historical building in Las Palmas. The rooms are arranged around a courtyard and each is designed with unique artwork you may end up wanting to visit again and again to see the decor in each room. Each is equipped with free Wi-Fi and a full bathroom.
Located at the northern end of Las Palmas, Hotel Blanca Paloma offers easy walking access to Playa de las Canteras, cathedrals, museums and beautiful parks. This family-run hotel offers 21 bright rooms with simple decor that match the peaceful beauty of the beach nearby. All rooms have a bathroom, TV and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also offers laundry service, car rentals, and a tour desk to help you plan your days out.
Things to Do:
Great for visiting both indoors and out, the Santa Ana Cathedral is a large, gray cathedral that took 350 years to complete, beginning in the early 15th century. The time it took shows in contrasting styles throughout the cathedral, such as the neoclassical facade and the Atlantic Gothic interior. The cathedral displays a collection of religious art and memorabilia and several painting by Juan de Miranda, one of the most popular 18th century artists from Gran Canaria. Once you're done exploring inside, you can take a lift to the top for a beautiful panoramic view of the city.
If you catch some of the winter rains this month, head indoors to the city's main modern art museum, Central Atlantic Art Museum, is located in a refinished 18th century building and rotates several temporary exhibits. The international and Canarian exhibits are beautifully displayed and at just five euros to enter, it's a great escape from the occasional rain in Las Palmas.
Eating and Drinking Out:
If you're ready to take a break from the Mediterranean, Spanish and Canarian dishes that define most Las Palmas restaurants, head to O Soleil. The restaurant features a French menu paired with delicious French wines. The desserts and delicate pastries are particularly popular.
El Lentiscal en Tafira is one of the most popular restaurants in Las Palmas. With an extensive wine list and food that looks like art, it's easy to see why people love it. This upscale restaurant serves dishes such as Ragu vegetarian mushrooms with poached eggs and fried lettuce it's a dining experience you won't forget.
