Puerto Rico Gran Canaria Weather: December Climate & 10-Day
There’s a reason holidaymakers keep coming back to the southwest corner of Gran Canaria: the weather. Puerto Rico and its nearby neighbour Maspalomas both enjoy some of the mildest winter sunshine in Europe, but the microclimate differences between them matter more than the marketing suggests.
Current temperature: 19–20°C ·
Feels like: 19°C ·
Wind: 14–24 km/h NE ·
Humidity: 59% ·
Rainfall: 0 mm ·
December average high: 22°C
Quick snapshot
- Puerto Rico December average high of about 19°C, with 21°C sea temperature (weather2travel climate data)
- AEMET’s Gran Canaria Airport normals show a 22.2°C mean maximum for December (AEMET official climate records)
- Maspalomas December average high of 21°C (weather2travel Maspalomas data)
- 30-day forecast accuracy is low; treat long-range predictions as a trend only (Easeweather forecast analysis)
- AEMET records 31 mm December rainfall at Gran Canaria Airport, while weather2travel reports 51 mm for Puerto Rico — figures vary by dataset (AEMET) (weather2travel)
- Rainfall totals for Maspalomas vary between 17 mm (Whereandwhen) and 33 mm (weather2travel) (Whereandwhen) (weather2travel)
- Temperatures in Maspalomas decline from roughly 22.3°C at the start of December to about 19.6°C by month’s end (Easeweather December trend)
- Early December is warmer than the post-Christmas week for both resorts (same source)
- Book early December if you want the mildest temperatures; late December still offers sunny, comfortable holiday weather (based on trend data)
- Compare multiple forecast sources before your trip rather than trusting a single app (forecast accuracy note)
The data illuminates the small but consistent weather gap between the two resorts.
| Metric | Puerto Rico | Maspalomas | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| December avg high | 19°C | 21°C | weather2travel |
| December avg low | 13°C | 14°C | weather2travel Maspalomas |
| Sea temperature | 21°C | 21°C | weather2travel Puerto Rico |
| December rainfall | ~51 mm | ~33 mm | weather2travel Puerto Rico |
| Sunshine hours/day | 6 | 6 | weather2travel Maspalomas |
How hot is it in Gran Canaria, Puerto Rico today?
Right now, Puerto Rico is sitting at a comfortable 19–20°C with light northeast winds at 14–24 km/h and humidity around 59%. That’s typical for a December afternoon in this part of the island — warm enough for a t-shirt on the beach, cool enough that you’ll want a light jacket after sunset.
What is the current temperature?
The thermometer reads what it reads, but the real story is the trade winds — they keep Puerto Rico’s air dry and the UV index moderate, which is why the resort feels warmer than the raw number suggests.
- Current temperature: 19–20°C
- Feels like: 19–20°C
- Wind: 14–24 km/h from the northeast
- Humidity: 59%
What is the 10-day forecast?
The short-term outlook for Puerto Rico shows a mix of sun and clouds, with daytime highs reaching 24–26°C and overnight lows staying around 22–24°C. Rainfall is negligible across the period — you’re looking at dry, pleasant conditions for beach days and evening strolls along the promenade.
For comparison, Maspalomas’s 10-day forecast from AccuWeather (forecast service) shows a December 10 outlook of approximately 72°F high and 59°F low — that’s about 22°C and 15°C, very similar conditions. The two resorts share the same regional weather patterns, so your packing list won’t change much between them.
What is the 28-day outlook?
Long-range forecasts for Puerto Rico are less reliable. The Easeweather December projection suggests temperatures in the area decline from roughly 22.3°C at the start of the month to about 19.6°C by the end of December — a gentle downward slide rather than a dramatic drop. Treat any 28-day figure as a trend indicator, not a guarantee.
The pattern: early December rewards you with the warmest afternoons of the month, while the final week of December trades a degree or two of heat for the festive atmosphere. Either way, you’re well above the 18°C lows that mainland Spain shivers through.
The implication: early December is the smart booking window for warmer afternoons.
Is Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria hot in December?
“Hot” is relative. December in Puerto Rico isn’t the scorching 30°C of July — it’s a mild 22°C average high that feels glorious compared to a UK winter, but won’t have you sweating. The question is whether that’s warm enough for your holiday plans.
What are average December temperatures?
The most reliable reference comes from AEMET (Spain’s national meteorological agency), which records Gran Canaria Airport climate normals for December as a mean maximum of 22.2°C, a mean minimum of 16.2°C, and 31 mm of rainfall across 4.5 rainy days.
For Puerto Rico specifically, weather2travel climate data lists a December average high of about 19°C, an overnight low near 13°C, six daily sunshine hours, and a 21°C sea temperature. You’ll want a sweater for the evenings, but the days are reliably pleasant.
Is December a good time to visit?
Yes, with caveats. December delivers the kind of weather that makes holidaymakers post photos of sunny beaches back home while their friends scrape ice off windshields. The trade-off is that you get fewer sunshine hours — around six per day — and the occasional overcast morning.
The catch: “hot” means different things to different travellers. If you’re after guaranteed beach-baking heat, book for June or September instead. If you’re looking for a mild escape from northern European gloom, December in Puerto Rico delivers exactly that.
The pattern: early December visitors get the warmest weather; late December sees a gentle slide.
What is Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria like?
What amenities are available?
- Beach resort with a sandy, sheltered cove and calm waters
- Water sports, boat trips, and diving operators along the promenade
- Dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops within walking distance
Is it family-friendly?
Puerto Rico is built for tourism, which means it’s easy to navigate with kids — flat walkways, family-run restaurants, and a beach with gentle waves. The resort is noticeably quieter than Playa del Inglés, making it a solid choice for families who want the convenience of a purpose-built holiday town without the party-hard edge.
Is there any safety concern or travel advisory?
Gran Canaria is not on any official “no travel” list. The UK Foreign Office and other European authorities list the Canary Islands as safe for travel, with the usual advice about pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas. Puerto Rico itself has a low crime rate and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere — the kind of place where you can wander the promenade late into the evening without concern.
What this means: Puerto Rico is a straightforward, family-oriented beach resort with everything you need within a short walk. It doesn’t have the raw charm of a historic town, but for a weather-focussed holiday, that trade-off is worth making.
Is Maspalomas or Puerto Rico better?
What are the differences?
Two resorts, two personalities. Puerto Rico is lively and compact, with a marina, a busy beach, and a lineup of bars that keeps going into the evening. Maspalomas is the more upscale option — think sand dunes, longer stretches of beach, and a slightly more refined resort scene.
On the weather front, the differences are small but measurable. weather2travel’s Puerto Rico data shows December highs around 19°C, while its Maspalomas data lists 21°C — Puerto Rico runs about 2°C cooler on average, and rainfall totals suggest Maspalomas gets roughly 18 mm less rain in December. Both are dry and mild compared to most European winter destinations.
| Factor | Puerto Rico | Maspalomas |
|---|---|---|
| December avg high | 19°C | 21°C |
| December rainfall | ~51 mm | ~33 mm |
| Beach vibe | Lively, compact cove | Expansive dunes |
| Nightlife | Bars and live music | Quieter, upscale bars |
| Family appeal | High — calm waters, easy walkways | High — open spaces, quieter atmosphere |
Which is best for families?
Both work well. Puerto Rico’s sheltered cove means children can paddle safely without strong currents, and the compact layout means everything is a five-minute walk. Maspalomas offers more room to spread out and a beach that feels less crowded, but the dunes mean a bit more walking to reach the water.
Which has better nightlife?
Puerto Rico wins this one. The promenade is lined with bars that stay open late, and the marina area gets a lively buzz after dark. Maspalomas has a more subdued evening scene — nice if you want a quiet drink, less exciting if you’re after an energetic night out.
Which side of Gran Canaria is best?
Where is Puerto Rico located?
Puerto Rico sits on the southwest coast of Gran Canaria, in the municipality of Mogán. This side of the island is famous for being warmer and sunnier than the north — the towering central mountains block the cooler, cloudier Atlantic weather, leaving the southwest corner in a rain shadow that keeps it dry and bright.
What are the best areas for tourists?
- Puerto Rico: Lively resort, calm beach, all amenities within walking distance
- Maspalomas: Sand dunes, upscale resorts, slightly warmer December averages
- Puerto de Mogán: Picturesque harbour town, often called “Little Venice”, quieter than Puerto Rico
- Playa del Inglés: The largest resort, busiest nightlife, but less sheltered from wind
For first-time visitors wanting a mix of amenities and pleasant weather, Puerto Rico or Maspalomas is the safe bet. Both sit in the southwest’s favourable microclimate, and both deliver reliable December sunshine when the north of the island is often wrapped in cloud.
The pattern across Gran Canaria is clear: the south and southwest are the weather winners. If you’re visiting in winter, staying anywhere in the southwest corridor — from Puerto Rico down to Maspalomas — is the difference between a sunny holiday and a grey one.
What travellers actually say about the weather
“We visited in December and had perfect sunny weather every day.”
— TripAdvisor user review of Puerto Rico
“Don’t rely on just one app, compare multiple forecasts for Puerto Rico.”
— Facebook group member
These aren’t isolated experiences — they match the climate data. December in Puerto Rico averages around 19–22°C with six sunshine hours a day, and the Timeanddate climate data for the region confirms roughly an inch of precipitation for the month. The anecdotes line up with the numbers, which is more than you can say for many holiday destinations.
The reality: this is one of Europe’s most dependable winter-sun spots. The microclimate is real, the data supports it, and the reports from travellers consistently confirm that December here is mild, mostly dry, and bright enough to make you forget it’s nearly Christmas.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Puerto Rico Gran Canaria for weather?
For the warmest, driest conditions, aim for June to September, when temperatures regularly reach 28–30°C and rainfall is minimal. If you prefer mild, comfortable weather with fewer crowds, May and October are excellent compromises. December still offers pleasant 22°C highs, but with more cloud cover and occasional rain — ideal for a festive break, less ideal for serious sunbathing.
Does it rain much in Puerto Rico Gran Canaria?
No, but December is one of the wetter months. The weather2travel Puerto Rico data shows about 51 mm of rainfall across the month — typically short showers followed by sun. The rest of the year, rain is scarce, with summer months often seeing zero measurable precipitation.
Is Puerto Rico Gran Canaria windy?
Trade winds from the northeast are the dominant wind pattern, typically blowing at 14–24 km/h. That’s enough to keep things fresh but rarely strong enough to disrupt beach days. The southwest location shelters Puerto Rico from the stronger Atlantic winds that hit the island’s north coast.
What is the water temperature?
The sea around Puerto Rico sits at about 21°C in December, according to weather2travel. That’s swimmable if you’re used to cooler waters, though some visitors prefer a wetsuit or an afternoon swim when the sun has warmed the shallows. In summer, water temperatures climb to a pleasant 23–24°C.
Are there any weather warnings in Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria is not on any official no-travel list, and serious weather warnings are rare. The main winter risk is occasional heavy rain or strong wind alerts from AEMET — but these typically affect the north and mountainous interior, not the southwest resorts. Check AEMET before travelling if you want official updates.
How accurate are long-range forecasts for Puerto Rico Gran Canaria?
Anything beyond 10 days is guesswork. Forecast models for the Canary Islands diverge quickly because of local topographical effects — the mountains create their own weather. Use long-range forecasts as a broad trend indicator, but trust the 3–5 day outlook for real planning.
What is the UV index like?
In December, the UV index in Puerto Rico peaks at moderate levels — typically 4–5 around midday. That means you’ll tan slowly but safely, but you should still wear sunscreen if you’re spending extended time outdoors. In summer, the UV index can reach 10+ even when it’s cloudy, so take precautions year-round.
For holidaymakers weighing up Puerto Rico Gran Canaria Weather: 10-Day Forecast & June Climate, the numbers point one way: early December is the warmer bet. For those comparing islands, the Playa de las Americas Weather: 14-Day Forecast, Wind, and Surf guide shows Tenerife’s rival resort — but Gran Canaria’s southwest edge is harder to beat. If you’re chasing dependable winter sun, the decision is clear: book the southwest side of Gran Canaria, aim for the first half of December, and pack a light jacket for the evenings.
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