Fuerteventura at Christmas: a complete guide to weather, markets and things to do

Spending Christmas in Fuerteventura means swapping the cold for an island of vast beaches, dunes, peaceful villages and a festive calendar that feels more intimate than those of big cities. If you're thinking of travelling to Fuerteventura at Christmas, this guide answers the most common questions about the climate, Christmas markets and the best things to do during the festive season on the island.

1. What's the weather like in Fuerteventura at Christmas?

The weather in Fuerteventura at Christmas is mild, sunny and fairly settled. It's one of the driest Canary Islands: in December it rains very little, usually on just one or a few days and in the form of short showers, and there are plenty of hours of sunshine each day. What is common is the wind, which makes it feel cooler, especially on the coast, as well as occasional spells of calima, a warm wind carrying airborne dust from the Sahara that can raise temperatures slightly for a day or two.

The sea stays at around 20 °C, a temperature at which many people are happy to swim, although others find it cool; if you're planning to spend a lot of time in the water, a light wetsuit may be a good idea.

2. What are the temperatures in Fuerteventura at Christmas?

Temperatures in Fuerteventura at Christmas average around 19–22 °C during the day, with cooler nights of between 15 and 17 °C. On the warmest days they can reach 23 °C, and some nights may be a little cooler, so it's a good idea to bring a light jacket or windbreaker for sunset.

3. What Christmas markets are there in Fuerteventura?

Fuerteventura's Christmas markets are smaller and more local than those on other islands, but they're full of charm, and most take place from the second week of December onwards:

• Caleta de Fuste: the Christmas Market on the pedestrianised Calle Alcalde Santiago García Urquía, one of the most visited on the island. In recent editions it has opened for a week in mid-December, with stalls selling crafts, gifts and local products.
• Pájara and La Lajita: the municipality's Christmas programme, which ran from 5 December to 5 January in the 2025/2026 edition, includes markets, concerts, a synthetic ice rink, a nativity scene and a Christmas train.
• Puerto del Rosario: the island's capital celebrates Christmas with Christmas markets, children's workshops, live music, a living nativity scene and a Three Kings parade, usually between late December and 5 January.
• Tetir: the Tetir craft market in Puerto del Rosario is held every two months, including December (usually on the second Sunday), and is a good place to buy handmade gifts.
• Weekly markets: those in Corralejo, Caleta de Fuste, Costa Calma and Morro Jable continue throughout Christmas and often include stalls selling gifts and decorations.

Dates and opening hours change every year, so check the programme for the municipality you're planning to visit before organising your trip.

4. What is there to do in Fuerteventura at Christmas?

With December's weather, Fuerteventura lets you combine beaches and nature with a touch of Christmas atmosphere. Here are a few ideas:

• Walk through the dunes and along the beaches of Corralejo, with their white sands and turquoise waters, much quieter than in summer.
• Visit Isla de Lobos, a boat trip from Corralejo, or explore beaches in the south such as Sotavento or Cofete.
• Try surfing, windsurfing or kitesurfing, with schools that remain open in winter and bigger waves in the northern areas.
• Explore the villages: Betancuria, the former capital, or El Cotillo, a fishing village that's ideal for eating fresh fish by the sea.
• Attend a living nativity scene, such as those organised in places like Villaverde (La Oliva) or Puerto del Rosario.
• Watch the Three Kings parade on 5 January, with processions in Puerto del Rosario and other places on the island, including those in Pájara.
• Enjoy family activities: a synthetic ice rink, a Christmas train and children's workshops, depending on the municipality.
• Take a trip to Lanzarote on the fast Corralejo - Playa Blanca ferry, a very popular day trip for combining the two islands.

5. How to get to Fuerteventura by ferry from Spain

Christmas is a busy time in the Canary Islands, so if you want to travel by ferry to Fuerteventura (a very practical way to take your own car, bulky luggage or Christmas presents), it's best to book in advance. From mainland Spain, you can reach the island from Cádiz:

• Cádiz - Puerto del Rosario ferry: a long crossing, with only a few sailings a week.

If you're already in the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura has a very fast and frequent connection to Lanzarote via the Corralejo - Playa Blanca ferry, with a crossing of just 25–35 minutes, ideal for combining both islands in a single trip.

At Kikoto Ferries, you can compare schedules and prices from all ferry companies serving the port of Puerto del Rosario and book your return ticket in just a few minutes.

Fuerteventura at Christmas combines a mild climate, almost empty beaches and a friendly, peaceful festive atmosphere. If you're looking for a different kind of Christmas, with sunshine, sea and plenty of calm, it's one of the best options in the Canary Islands.