Costa Rica Weather in December: Dry Season, Temperatures & Travel Tips

Costa Rica's regional weather differences are on full display in December. The Pacific coast transitions firmly into the dry season, particularly after December 15. Guanacaste in the northwest is the driest region, receiving almost no rain and delivering picture-perfect beach weather. The Central Pacific (Jacó, Manuel Antonio) follows closely behind, with the dry season firmly established by late December.

The Central Valley and highlands experience their clearest and coolest weather of the year in December. Mornings are crisp, skies are blue, and views of surrounding volcanoes are at their sharpest. San José's neighborhoods bustle with Christmas decorations and holiday markets.

The Caribbean coast is the exception—December falls within its wetter season, bringing frequent rain to Puerto Viejo and Limón. Travelers planning Caribbean beach time should consider February through April instead.

December is an excellent month for Costa Rica's Pacific coast. The northwest trade winds (known locally as los nortes) push away the moisture that caused afternoon rains throughout the May–November season. By mid-December, Guanacaste's beaches enjoy almost entirely rain-free days, with bright sunshine from morning through evening.

Ocean conditions in December are generally favorable for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The Pacific waters are warm at 79–82°F (26–28°C), visibility is good (typically 15–30 feet/5–9 meters), and sea conditions are calmer than the rainy season. Playa Conchal, Playa Flamingo, Playa Tamarindo, and the beaches of Guanacaste's Papagayo Peninsula are all at their most inviting.

Surf conditions vary in December. North swells can produce good waves at Guanacaste spots like Witch's Rock (accessible by boat from Tamarindo or Ocotal) and Ollie's Point. The Central Pacific surf at Jacó and Playa Hermosa is also active. UV index is high—apply SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every two hours, especially in the water.

The Central Valley—including San José, Alajuela, Heredia, and Cartago—experiences some of its most pleasant weather in December. Daytime temperatures peak at a comfortable 77–80°F (25–27°C), and the cooling effect of the dry northeast trade winds brings clear, low-humidity days. Nights cool to 60–64°F (15–18°C), making blankets or a light jacket welcome.

The dry air of December means spectacular visibility across the Central Valley. On clear mornings, Irazú Volcano, Poás Volcano, and Barva Volcano are visible from viewpoints in San José. The crater lakes at Poás and Irazú are best seen in December–February during early morning visits before cloud cover builds by midday.

The Central Valley's coffee farms enter harvest season in November–February, and December is an excellent time for coffee plantation tours. The Tarrazú, Naranjo, and Poás-slope regions offer tours where visitors can pick coffee cherries, learn about processing, and taste the finished product.

La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano area see improving weather in December as the dry season begins to reduce afternoon rains. However, La Fortuna never truly dries out—December still receives 6–7 inches (152–178 mm) of rain for the month, compared to just 0.5 inches in Guanacaste. Rain is more likely in the afternoon and evening, with mornings often clearing.

December is actually a good month to visit the Arenal area for hot springs. The combination of cooling dry-season evenings and warm (95–104°F/35–40°C) thermal waters creates a wonderful contrast. The La Fortuna Waterfall maintains impressive flow in December, with water levels higher than in the peak of dry season (February–March).

Monteverde Cloud Forest in December sits in a cool, often misty zone. Temperatures range from 54–70°F (12–21°C), requiring layers. December is part of the transition into the cloud forest's windier season (January–March), when the trade winds push through the forest. The quetzal bird is present year-round in Monteverde, but breeding plumage is most spectacular in March–April.

December on the Caribbean coast is a mixed picture. Cahuita National Park and Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge can receive heavy rainfall—15–20 inches (380–508 mm) in December is common. The seas at Puerto Viejo and Cahuita are often rough, reducing swimming quality and making snorkeling difficult with poor visibility. December is not the recommended time for a Caribbean beach vacation.

That said, Tortuguero National Park remains wonderful in December despite the rain. The park's canal-based exploration by boat means rain doesn't significantly impede wildlife viewing. Caimans, river turtles, manatees, monkeys, and hundreds of bird species are active regardless of weather. Tortuguero town has a charming, laid-back atmosphere in December without the peak-season crowds of July and August.

December is divided into two very different travel experiences. December 1–14 has high season prices and noticeable tourist activity at popular Pacific destinations, but is manageable and well below the absolute peak. This first half of December represents an excellent window for experiencing excellent weather before the holiday rush arrives.

December 15–31 is the single most crowded and expensive period in Costa Rica. Christmas and New Year's bring international tourists, Costa Rican families on school holiday, and demand for everything far exceeding supply at popular destinations. Hotels in Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, Santa Teresa, and Nosara may be completely booked for New Year's week 4–6 months in advance. Rental cars are extremely difficult to find without advance reservations.

December's dry season weather is ideal for the full range of Costa Rica's outdoor activities. Beach time at Pacific coast destinations is the most popular activity, with calm, warm waters and sunny skies. Water sports—kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, snorkeling—are all excellent in December's calm Pacific conditions.

National park hiking is particularly rewarding in December. Manuel Antonio, Corcovado, Rincón de la Vieja, and Santa Rosa all have drier, more navigable trails. The famous Four-Wheel Drive routes to remote beaches like Playa Naranjo or the trails in Santa Rosa National Park are most accessible in the dry season.

Coffee farm tours are at their peak in December, as the harvest season is in full swing. Visiting a coffee plantation in the Central Valley or southern highlands like Tarrazú offers an educational and flavorful experience tied to one of Costa Rica's most important cultural exports.