Costa Rica in December: Weather, Events, Things to Do & More
Plan a December trip to Costa Rica with coast-by-coast weather, wildlife encounters, Christmas events, top destinations, packing advice, and peak-season cost tips.
December is one of the most popular months to visit Costa Rica. The dry season starts on the Pacific coast just as the Christmas holiday period begins, bringing warm, sunny conditions to Guanacaste, the Central Pacific, and the Central Valley. The Caribbean coast stays wetter throughout the month.
The sections below cover top destinations by travel style, what wildlife to expect, how to pack, and how to plan around peak season prices.
Is Costa Rica Worth Visiting in December?
Is December a good time to visit Costa Rica? For most travelers, the answer is yes. The Pacific coast enters its dry season, and wildlife is active across the country.
The combination of warm weather, accessible national parks, and festive local celebrations makes this one of the most appealing months on the calendar.
Costa Rica in December offers a window of reliably good weather on the Pacific side alongside the energy of the Christmas and New Year season.
The best time to travel to Costa Rica for dry Pacific conditions and peak wildlife activity runs from December through April.
Traveling to Costa Rica in December before the 15th gives a brief period of relatively lower prices and smaller crowds before the peak holiday rush begins.
Read more: Costa Rica has more to it than weather and wildlife. Fun Facts About Costa Rica: Discover the World’s Happiest Country covers the cultural and ecological quirks that make it unlike anywhere else.
Weather in Costa Rica in December
The weather in Costa Rica in December splits cleanly by coast. The Pacific side and Central Valley enter the dry season; the Caribbean coast stays wet and humid throughout the month.
Most visitors heading to beaches or national parks are bound for the Pacific side.
The Costa Rica temperature in December varies considerably by altitude and region. Guanacaste highs reach 31-34°C (88-93°F) at the coast; Monteverde in the highlands averages just 20-22°C (68-72°F), with nights dropping to around 14°C (57°F).
Does it snow in Costa Rica in December? No. The highest elevations, including the summit of Cerro Chirripo at 3,821 metres, occasionally see frost or ice in unusual cold spells, but snowfall is extremely rare, and not something travelers at typical destinations will encounter.
| Region | Typical Daytime Temperature | Typical Nighttime Temperature | Rainfall / Key Conditions | Travel Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guanacaste | 31-34°C (88-93°F) | 20-22°C (68-72°F) | Very little; dry, warm, and windy | Best beach conditions; peak season starts mid-month |
| Central Pacific (Manuel Antonio) | 30-32°C (86-90°F) | 21-23°C (70-73°F) | Low; mostly sunny | Wildlife-rich beaches; book park entry ahead |
| South Pacific (Osa Peninsula) | 30-32°C (86-90°F) | 22-24°C (71-75°F) | Moderate; tapering off during the month | Better toward month’s end |
| Caribbean Coast | 28-29°C (82-85°F) | 20-22°C (68-72°F) | High; frequent rain | Surfing possible; not ideal for snorkelling |
| Arenal / La Fortuna | 27-29°C (80-84°F) | 17-19°C (62-66°F) | High; frequent showers | Pack rain gear; waterfalls run full |
| Monteverde | 20-22°C (68-72°F) | 14-16°C (57-61°F) | Moderate; mist and drizzle | Bring a warm layer for evenings |
| San Jose / Central Valley | 24-25°C (75-77°F) | 14-16°C (57-61°F) | Very little; clear and breezy | Good base; cool, dry evenings |
Source: Regional climate averages from costaricavibes.com and entercostarica.com.
Read more: It is important to understand that every month suits every traveler. Worst Time to Visit Costa Rica Based on Your Travel Style helps you decide which months to avoid depending on your priorities.
Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica in December
The best places to visit in Costa Rica in December concentrate on the Pacific coast and Central Valley, where dry conditions make outdoor activities reliable.
The destinations below serve as a Costa Rica travel guide to the main regions, with the Caribbean coast included for travelers who want a wilder, wetter alternative.
Guanacaste
Guanacaste is the driest region in Costa Rica and a standout choice for beach travelers in December. Tamarindo draws surfers and has a well-developed strip of restaurants and tour operators.
Playa Flamingo suits families with calmer water and a quieter atmosphere.
Playa Grande, within Las Baulas National Marine Park nearby, offers guided leatherback sea turtle night watches from October through February, with entry costing approximately USD 12.
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio National Park combines rainforest trails with Pacific beaches in a compact reserve. The park limits daily visitors, so booking entry online in advance is essential in December. Entry costs approximately USD 16 for foreign adults.
Three-toed sloths are easiest to spot early morning near the beach trailheads; white-faced capuchin monkeys are common throughout the day.
Arenal Volcano
La Fortuna, at the base of Arenal Volcano, is the main hub for hot spring resorts and waterfall hikes in the northern lowlands. Rain keeps the forest dense year-round, but December showers are usually short and pass by afternoon.
A morning hike to La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the most popular single-day activities in the region.
Read more: Coverage varies by carrier and region in Costa Rica. Will My Phone Work in Costa Rica? What to Expect explains what to expect from your home plan and when a local data option makes sense.
Tortuguero
Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast sits within a national park famous for sea turtle nesting. December is outside the main green turtle season (July to October), but the network of jungle canals remains rewarding year-round.
Caimans, river otters, and over 300 bird species are reliably present throughout the month. The park is accessible only by boat or small plane from La Pavona or Cariari.
Monteverde
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve offers canopy tours, hanging bridges, and guided night walks at around 1,440 metres altitude. The cool temperatures make a strong contrast to Pacific beach heat.
Two nights at Monteverde pairs naturally with an Arenal stop on the drive between Guanacaste and San José.
Osa Peninsula
Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula is home to all four Costa Rican monkey species and the largest scarlet macaw population in Central America.
Traveling to Costa Rica in December to visit Corcovado means booking a licensed guide well in advance, as independent entry into the park is not permitted.
Transport connections to Puerto Jimenez book up early during the holiday period.
Best Things to Do in Costa Rica in December
The things to do in Costa Rica in December span beach activities, wildlife watches, and adventure tours.
Whale watching at Uvita is one of the strongest seasonal draws. Northern Hemisphere humpback whales begin arriving on the Pacific coast from around December, with Marino Ballena National Park the established departure point for tours.
Entry to the park costs approximately USD 12.
Leatherback sea turtle night watches at Playa Grande near Tamarindo offer a close encounter with one of the ocean’s largest animals. Las Baulas National Marine Park runs small-group guided tours during nesting season (October to February).
Birding improves in December as North American migratory species arrive. Carara National Park, situated between San José and Manuel Antonio, is one of the most reliable spots for scarlet macaws and mixed-species flocks this month.
Surfing at Playa Jacó and Tamarindo and white-water rafting on the Pacuare River near Turrialba round out the activity calendar for December visitors.
Read more: December has strong warm-weather options beyond Costa Rica. Best Warm Places to Visit in December 2026: 15 Sunny Escapes covers the top sunny destinations worldwide for this month.
Events and Festivals in Costa Rica in December
Christmas vacation in December in Costa Rica includes some of the country’s biggest annual gatherings, spread across San Jose and the provincial towns.
The Festival de la Luz takes place in San José on the second Saturday of December. Lit floats, marching bands, and fireworks fill the city center for several hours after dark, drawing over a million spectators along the parade route.
The Fiesta de la Yeguita runs in Nicoya around December 12, marking the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe with traditional bullfighting, a street parade, concerts, and food stalls.
The Fiestas de Zapote begin in late December in the San José suburb of Zapote and run into early January. These are the most distinctly Costa Rican New Year celebrations, combining a traditional interactive bullfighting style, carnival rides, live music, and local food vendors.
The month ends with New Year’s Eve parties at Pacific beach towns. Tamarindo, Playa Jacó, and Manuel Antonio are the busiest, with fireworks and outdoor events running late into the night.
Crowds and Travel Costs in Costa Rica in December
December in Costa Rica is a tale of two pricing periods. Early December, from roughly the 1st to the 14th, operates closer to shoulder season on the Pacific coast. Mid-December through early January is peak season, and hotel rates can rise 50% to 300% above shoulder prices.
A Christmas vacation in December requires advance planning. Popular beach resorts in Guanacaste and the Central Pacific book up months ahead, and car rental availability tightens considerably.
Budget travelers find the most flexibility by arriving before December 15 and staying in smaller lodges or hostels. Meals at local sodas (traditional Costa Rican diners) typically cost approximately USD 5 to USD 10 for a full plate.
Supermarkets in tourist areas are well-stocked and often cheaper than restaurant meals for breakfasts and lunches on the road.
What to Pack for Costa Rica in December
A Costa Rica packing list for the Pacific coast should include light, breathable clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, and DEET insect repellent for humid forest areas.
The Costa Rica temperature in December on the coast means shorts and T-shirts are appropriate day-round, but a light long-sleeve layer helps with evening breezes at open-air restaurants.
A Costa Rica packing list for highland areas such as Arenal and Monteverde should add a warm fleece or light jacket. Nights in Monteverde drop to around 14°C (57°F), and trails can be muddy despite decreasing rain.
General items worth including for any region are a dry bag for boat and kayak tours, a reusable water bottle (filtered water is available in most tourist areas), comfortable closed-toe walking shoes for forest trails, and a compact power adapter if traveling from outside the Americas.
Practical Travel Tips for Visiting Costa Rica in December
Traveling to Costa Rica in December during the peak period means booking ahead at every stage. Reserve accommodation, park entry passes, and high-demand tours such as whale watching, turtle watches, and Corcovado guided hikes at least two to three months in advance.
Costa Rica travel tips for driving include renting a car with full insurance coverage and choosing a standard vehicle unless planning off-paved-road routes in the Osa or northern highlands. Gas stations in the South Pacific region are spaced apart, so fill up when you pass one.
Internal flights with SANSA Airlines connect San Jose to Liberia, Quepos, and Puerto Jimenez, cutting multi-day drives to 45-minute hops.
Prices are reasonable compared to the time saved, and this matters during peak season when road traffic increases on Pacific coast highways.
Read more: December travel does not have to be expensive. 15 Cheap Places to Travel in December for Sunshine, Snow & Savings covers budget-friendly destinations for this month worldwide.
Staying Connected in Costa Rica
Staying connected matters for maps, tour bookings, and local translation while you travel. Jetpac offers International travel eSIM plans across more than 200 destinations, including Costa Rica.
An eSIM for Costa Rica activates before you board, so your phone works from the moment you land at Juan Santamaría International Airport.
For eSIM Costa Rica coverage, Jetpac includes the Pacific coast, Central Valley, and Caribbean coast regions where most travelers spend time.
Apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps, and Uber stay active after data runs out on eligible plans. The best eSIM for Costa Rica helps customers save up to 70% compared to roaming.
Compare eSIM Costa Rica plans on Jetpac’s site to match data allowance to your trip length. Pick up an eSIM for Costa Rica before you fly rather than relying on airport SIM options.
FAQs
Is December a good time to visit Costa Rica?
Yes, especially on the Pacific coast where the dry season starts and wildlife is active. Book accommodation and tours well ahead for mid-December through January.
How does December weather vary across Costa Rica?
The Pacific coast and Central Valley are warm and dry, with temperatures reaching 30-34°C (86-93°F) in Guanacaste. The Caribbean coast receives frequent rain throughout the month.
Does it snow in Costa Rica in December?
No. Costa Rica is a tropical country and snowfall is extremely rare even at the highest elevations. Frost occasionally forms near the summit of Cerro Chirripo, but this does not affect any typical travel itinerary.
What activities are popular among visitors in December?
Whale watching near Uvita, leatherback sea turtle watches at Playa Grande, hiking in Arenal and Monteverde, and the Festival de la Luz parade in San José are among the top draws this month.
How early should I book to visit in December?
Book accommodation and tours two to three months ahead for early December. For Christmas and New Year week, six months or more is advisable for popular Pacific coast resorts.
Is December good for wildlife watching in Costa Rica?
Yes. Leatherback turtles nest at Playa Grande, humpback whales arrive on the Pacific coast, and migratory birds from North America are present throughout the month.
Disclaimer
The information in this blog was accurate at the time of writing and is based on available climate, tourism, and travel guidance. Weather patterns, event dates, prices, park fees, entry requirements, and local conditions may change after publication. Jetpac is not responsible for any changes to this information after publication.
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