Costa Rica Weather in December

Being the start of the country's dry season, December is an interesting month to visit Costa Rica. During this time, the weather is generally warm, sunny and dry, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities like hiking, surfing, and exploring the country's glorious national parks. However, it's important to note that the weather in Costa Rica in December can vary from region to region. Read on to find out more, including the answer to that all-important question: is December a good time to visit Costa Rica?

What is the weather like in Costa Rica in December?

December is the summertime in Costa Rica and the month marks the beginning of the dry season. As this time, the weather is typically warm and dry with occasional rain showers, especially towards the end of the month.

Temperatures vary based on the region, with coastal areas like Jaco, Puerto Viejo and Tamarindo generally warmer than mountainous areas like Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chirripò.

Editor's tip: to make the most of your trip, connect with our local experts.

Is Costa Rica warm in December?

Costa Rica is warm in December, especially in the coastal regions. Generally, the average temperature in the coastal areas is around 86°F (around 30°C), while in the mountains, it's around 64°F to 72°F (18°C to 22°C). Expect high humidity levels to be high, too.

While the amount of sunshine varies by region, in general, you can expect around 8-9 hours of sunshine per day.

Did you know? December is a great time for whale watching in Uvita.

Is December a good time to visit Costa Rica?

December is considered to one of the best times to visit Costa Rica. As it’s the beginning of the dry season, the water is reliably warm and sunny, making it the ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking through Arenal National Park.

Birdwatching in higher elevations like Monteverde and the Cordillera de Talamanca is also good in December. In these areas, you might spot the quetzal among the 900 or so species of bird found here.

December is also an excellent time to go surfing in Costa Rica. Both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts offer great waves — try Naranjo or Boca de Barranca. In addition, the country’s white sand beaches, like those in Manuel Antonio National Park, look resplendent this time of year.

And now for the flipside. This being peak season, many of the best places to stay will be booked solid during the North American winter months. In addition, bargains are few and far between. 

Tempted to visit? Our tailor-made trip to Northern Costa Rica will see you discover why they call Costa Rica the land of Pura Vida — pure life! — from Arenal volcano and the Monteverde cloud forest, to the beaches of Guanacaste.

What better way to plan a trip than to rely on personalized experiences? Our content manager has traveled to Costa Rica and shares with you what to consider when planning your trip.

Average rainfall in Costa Rica in December

December is part of the dry season in Costa Rica, so there's usually very little rainfall during this month. 

In December, the Pacific coast tends to be drier, with little to no rainfall, while the Caribbean coast receives more rain.

On average, the total rainfall in Costa Rica in December is around 2-4 inches (50-100mm).

Decided to book a December break? For further inspiration, discover more of the best places to travel in December.

Festivals and events in Costa Rica in December

Several festivals and events take place in Costa Rica during December. Here we highlight a few of them:

• Fiestas de Zapote: This festival takes place in San Jose and runs from mid-December to early January. It is a large fair with rides, games, and traditional food and drink.
• Festival de la Luz: This festival is a Christmas parade that takes place in San Jose in mid-December. It features brightly lit floats, marching bands, and dancers.
• Tope Nacional: This is a horse parade that takes place in San Jose on December 26th. Thousands of horses and riders participate in the parade, which is a celebration of Costa Rican culture and tradition.
• Fiesta de Santo Tomás: This festival takes place in San Isidro de El General from December 20th to December 22nd. It features traditional dances, music, and food.
• Festival de los Negritos: This festival takes place in Boruca from December 30th to January 2nd. It is a celebration of the indigenous culture of the area, featuring traditional music, dance, and food
• Festival de la Yeguita: This festival takes place in Nicoya on December 28th. It is a celebration of the town's patron saint, featuring a parade and traditional dance performances.
• Christmas Day: on December 25, many families will go to the beach. Two days later, on December 27, the San José Carnival means a huge parade with colorful floats and plenty of music.

For more practical guidance, contact our local experts, who can help you plan your perfect trip itinerary.

Plan your trip with our Costa Rica itineraries

Our Costa Rica itineraries are crafted to help you experience the best of the country, stress-free. Think of them as a starting point — perfect for planning, but flexible enough to adjust to your own pace and interests. After all, travel is about freedom, but a little planning goes a long way.

• Costa Rica itinerary 5 days: Get a taste of Costa Rica with a whirlwind visit to Arenal’s volcano and Monteverde’s cloud forests. Perfect if you’re short on time but craving adventure.
• Costa Rica itinerary 7 days: Spend a week exploring Arenal, Monteverde, and the Pacific coast’s beaches. A balanced mix of lush landscapes, wildlife, and relaxation.
• Costa Rica itinerary 10 days: Dive deeper with stops at Arenal, Monteverde, Tortuguero’s jungle canals, and Manuel Antonio’s beaches. Ideal for a blend of rainforest, wildlife, and coastal vibes.
• Costa Rica itinerary 14 days: Two weeks to soak up Costa Rica’s best: Arenal, Monteverde, Tortuguero, and both coasts, including the wild Osa Peninsula. Perfect for serious nature lovers.

Just starting to plan your trip? Find out how many days are best to spend in Costa Rica depending on your goals.

Visit Costa Rica in other months

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November