Route Pura Vida

Dry season begins

Costa Rica weather in December

Yes, with a warning about dates. The first half of December is a great window, with dry season starting and low-season prices. From about December 20, it's the most expensive, crowded two weeks of the year.

By Aaron Bailey

Daytime highs

53–90°F

12–32°C depending on altitude

Driest

Tamarindo

0.4 in (10 mm) of rain

Wettest

Tortuguero National Park

24.4 in (620 mm) of rain

What December is like

December is when dry season arrives on the Pacific and in the Central Valley. Guanacaste is reliably sunny, the Central Pacific dries out over the course of the month, and the whole country is still green from the rains. Expect breezy days in the Central Valley and Guanacaste as the trade winds pick up.

The Caribbean is in one of its wettest spells, and Arenal and Monteverde still see regular rain and mist. If you're splitting a December trip, put the beach time on the Pacific.

In December, average daytime highs in Costa Rica range from 53°F (12°C) at Irazú Volcano National Park to 90°F (32°C) at Tamarindo. Rainfall ranges from about 0.4 in (10 mm) at Tamarindo to 24.4 in (620 mm) at Tortuguero National Park.

Crowds and prices

Until about December 15, low-season prices and traffic continue. Then Christmas through New Year explodes. Book four to six months ahead if you're traveling December 20 to January 5.

Happening in December

  • The Festival de la Luz parade lights up San José in mid-December.
  • The Tope horse parade is December 26, and the Zapote fiestas run from late December into early January.
  • Northern-hemisphere humpback whales start arriving in Uvita and Marino Ballena.

Towns and airports in December

Long-term monthly averages, driest first.

Destination High Low Rain
Tamarindo 90°F / 32°C 72°F / 22°C 0.4 in / 10 mm
Samara 89°F / 32°C 71°F / 22°C 0.4 in / 10 mm
Guanacaste Airport (LIR) 90°F / 32°C 71°F / 22°C 0.5 in / 13 mm
Santa Teresa 89°F / 32°C 72°F / 22°C 0.6 in / 15 mm
Nosara 90°F / 32°C 71°F / 22°C 0.6 in / 15 mm
San José 74°F / 23°C 59°F / 15°C 1 in / 25 mm
San José Airport (SJO) 76°F / 24°C 60°F / 16°C 1.2 in / 30 mm
Jaco 88°F / 31°C 73°F / 23°C 1.6 in / 41 mm
Manuel Antonio 87°F / 31°C 72°F / 22°C 2.8 in / 71 mm
Uvita 87°F / 31°C 72°F / 22°C 3.5 in / 89 mm
Dominical 84°F / 29°C 71°F / 22°C 4.1 in / 104 mm
Monteverde 69°F / 21°C 59°F / 15°C 4.7 in / 119 mm
La Fortuna 81°F / 27°C 67°F / 19°C 9.8 in / 249 mm
Puerto Viejo 84°F / 29°C 72°F / 22°C 13.4 in / 340 mm

National parks in December

Long-term monthly averages, driest first.

Destination High Low Rain
Rincón de la Vieja National Park 90°F / 32°C 72°F / 22°C 0.4 in / 10 mm
Irazú Volcano National Park 53°F / 12°C 39°F / 4°C 2 in / 51 mm
Manuel Antonio National Park 87°F / 31°C 72°F / 22°C 2.8 in / 71 mm
Poás Volcano National Park 59°F / 15°C 46°F / 8°C 3.5 in / 89 mm
Marino Ballena National Park 87°F / 31°C 72°F / 22°C 3.5 in / 89 mm
Corcovado National Park 86°F / 30°C 71°F / 22°C 4.1 in / 104 mm
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve 69°F / 21°C 59°F / 15°C 4.7 in / 119 mm
Cahuita National Park 82°F / 28°C 73°F / 23°C 7.6 in / 193 mm
Arenal Volcano National Park 81°F / 27°C 67°F / 19°C 9.8 in / 249 mm
Tortuguero National Park 84°F / 29°C 73°F / 23°C 24.4 in / 620 mm

Check your own itinerary

Add each stop on your trip and see the December weather, rainfall, and what to pack for each one.

Open the December weather planner

December in Costa Rica: quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Costa Rica?
Yes, with a warning about dates. The first half of December is a great window, with dry season starting and low-season prices. From about December 20, it's the most expensive, crowded two weeks of the year.
Does it rain in Costa Rica in December?
It depends on where you are. In December, average daytime highs in Costa Rica range from 53°F (12°C) at Irazú Volcano National Park to 90°F (32°C) at Tamarindo. Rainfall ranges from about 0.4 in (10 mm) at Tamarindo to 24.4 in (620 mm) at Tortuguero National Park.
Where is the best weather in Costa Rica in December?
The driest places in December are Tamarindo, Samara, and Rincón de la Vieja National Park, each averaging 0.4 inches of rain or less for the month. The wettest are Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo, and La Fortuna.
How hot is Costa Rica in December?
The hottest spot is Tamarindo, averaging highs of 90°F (32°C). San José in the Central Valley averages 74°F (23°C). The volcano summits and cloud forest are much cooler, with Irazú Volcano National Park averaging 53°F (12°C). Nights are cooler everywhere, especially at altitude.

Planning a December trip?

I'll build your route around December's weather: which coast to favor, where to stay, and how to get between stops.

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