What's the weather like in Puerto del Carmen in December
Temperature
December is one of the coldest months of the year in Puerto del Carmen, with temperatures averaging 14C. However, maximum daytime temperatures are likely to be between 21C and 23C and so still quite pleasant for sightseeing and other activities; perhaps more so than the summer months, when Lanzarote can be very hot indeed.
Average Sea Temperature
Temperatures don't quite rise enough for sunbathing and with average sea temperatures of just 20C, and with the unpredictability of showers and mild dust storms, it isn't really beach weather.
Hottest Temperature
The hottest temperature recorded in the area at this time is just over 27C, though this can be attributed, in part, to the dust storms at the time (which raise the temperature considerably); temperatures this high are very unlikely in December.
Overnight Temperature
Overnight temperatures are usually between 15C and 9C, so it is also likely to be quite cold in the evenings.
Rain
Lanzarote generally has very dry and arid conditions, but between December and April visitors can expect some rainfall; this is the "rainy season" on the island. December and January have the highest rainfall averages and visitors should expect around 27mm of rainfall over 6 days in December.
Showers usually only last for an hour or two though, and therefore shouldn't prove too disruptive. This is also a relatively small amount of rainfall; in comparison, the average rainfall expected in Tenerife in December is 75mm.
Cloud Cover
Across the island there is also likely to be significant cloud cover, particularly in the north and over the hilly, mountainous central region. Cloud cover usually clears around midday in the south and along the coast and there are still 196 hours of sunshine on average in the month (around 6 daily sunshine hours).
Despite high rainfall averages, low overnight and sea temperatures, the weather is still quite temperate. And along the coast in the more sheltered, southern part of the island, Puerto del Carmen is likely to see far more sunshine than resorts to the north. At this time UV levels are also low (rated 4 on the UV Index), which allows for greater movement in the hottest part of the day.
Dust Storms
Dust storms have been known to hit Lanzarote at this time, though it's rare and they are likely to be short-lived, mild and infrequent; causing very little inconvenience. The worst of the storms are saved for the spring. However, visitors should be aware that any dust storms will cause disruption at the airports, with planes unable to land or take off until the dust clears, and to all transport systems across the island. Those suffering from asthma or other respiratory complaints should also avoid being outdoors during a storm, as the dust can aggravate these conditions.
Due to the high rainfall averages and low sea temperatures, most visitors wouldn't choose Puerto del Carmen for a beach holiday in December. However, with an average of 6 daily sunshine hours, low UV levels, and still pleasant temperatures, December is an excellent time for sports and other outdoor activities on the south side of the island.
Puerto del Carmen Hotels in December
The Hotel Floresta is a comfortable 3* hotel next to Los Pocillos beach. Facilities include two salt water swimming pools, which are heated in the winter, and two freshwater pools, a tennis court, children's play park, a buffet restaurant and varied sports programme. There's evening entertainment and children have their own pools and games area. There's also a kids club for 4 to 12 year olds and play park.
The four-star Las Costas boasts a superb setting, right on the seafront opposite the golden sands of Los Pocillos beach. It is located in a quiet area, with the shops, restaurants and other town center amenities a short walk away. With direct access to the beach, two swimming pools, one for adults and the other for children (both heated in the winter), jacuzzi, gym, salon, sauna and children´s play area, the facilities are superb.
Bars and Restaurants
The New Londoner is a great place to get some cheap, good quality pub food if you just want to grab a quick bite to eat. The menu is predominantly standard pub fare: fish and chips, steak and ale pie. They have a number of British favourite beers on tap and the bar's for sports games on the TV during the day
If you're vegetarian, or just fed up of the hearty diet of fish and meat in the Canaries, try the Blooming Cactus. The menu is vegan tapas, with a Greek twist, and despite the lack of meat or fish it's very popular with both tourists and locals alike. The food is delicious, and quite reasonably priced.
Things to do in Puerto del Carmen in December
If you're looking to fill a rainy afternoon, or just fancy doing something a little bit different, check out Cesar's Bowling & Bar on the main strip. The bowling is very reasonably priced, and it's worth checking whether or not they have any special offers.
If you prefer to be a little more active, Bueno Bike offers great bike tours of the area and you can rent mountain or road bikes from them if you want to strike out on your own.
Further afield, El Golfo is a situated on the South-West coast of the island and is one of the rare examples of hydro-volcanism-volcanic activity that occurs near the coast. Ruppia Maritima, a form of Algae is produced in a nearby lake making the water an intense green colour. The beach here is made up of black volcanic sand and rock, which is typical for this part of the island and much of the west coast in general. El Golfo also has a pleasant little village set back from the beach.
Mirador Del Rio, a viewpoint situated on 475-metre high escarpment called 'Bateria del Rio', is in the very north of Lanzarote. The location was created in 1974 by Cesar Manrique and area also has a cafe, souvenir shop and platform on its top, integrated into the lava rock.
There are stunning views over the strait towards the small island of 'La Graciosa'.
