Costa Rica in December

It’s hard to beat December in Costa Rica when the dry season is in full swing, and cloudless blue skies dominate the days. Trade gloomy winter weather for the tropics when you travel to Costa Rica in December. When schools let out at the beginning of the month, families make for the beach to spend the holidays in the sun and enjoy the excitement and fireworks around New Year’s Eve.

Christmas Ornament and Sea Shell on Costa Rica Beach
Come enjoy the December holidays in Costa Rica!

While December is a popular month to travel, with many national and international tourists visiting the country’s top attractions, it’s still a great time to plan a trip. If you’re planning to visit Costa Rica in December, book your accommodations far in advance. The last two weeks of the month see a shift in pricing to peak season rates, and many of the country’s top accommodations book out months in advance, and some hotels may require you to stay a minimum of 3-7 nights. 

Read on to learn more about planning a trip to Costa Rica in December.


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What the Weather is Like in Costa Rica in December

December in Costa Rica marks the transition to the dry season. Visitors can expect plenty of sunshine and little precipitation during December, which has some of the lowest temperatures of the year. While rain is always possible in the tropics, December is particularly dry, except for the Caribbean coast, where rain is likely. The winds increase considerably in December, which locals call Los Vientos de Navidad (Christmas winds). These winds blow predominately offshore, making December a great month to learn to surf in smaller and cleaner conditions than during the rainy season.

Holidays & Festivals

  • Festival of the Lights / Festival de la Luz (1st week in December) – The capital city, San Jose, hosts a holiday celebration with lights and evening parades during the first week of December. Families snuggle up under blankets in the bleachers and watch as the Christmas light displays parade down the main thoroughfare in San Jose. Make sure to stay for the fireworks show after the parade. 
  • Immaculate Conception Day / Dia de la Negrita (December 8) – Catholic churches hold processionals and special masses to honor the Virgin Mary on this day.
  • Christmas / La Navidad (December 24 and 25) – In Costa Rica, most locals celebrate Christmas on the 24th of December rather than the 25th. Typically, families start their evenings with traditional tamales and Arroz con Leche (rice pudding). Then, everyone stays up past midnight to “receive” el niño Jesus and exchange gifts. You’ll see plenty of Christmas lights and local celebrations. Most restaurants will likely stay open, but supermarkets and pharmacies may close early or for the day on the 24th and 25th.
  • New Year’s Eve / El Año Nuevo (December 31-January 1) – New Year’s Eve is one of the year’s biggest events in Costa Rica. The evening typically starts with a family feast featuring all kinds of pork dishes and pastries. Everyone stays up late, and when the clock strikes midnight, the night sky explodes with fireworks. New Year’s Eve is also a popular party night. Expect local bars and “discotecas” to be full of people celebrating and dancing. Most restaurants will probably stay open, but supermarkets and pharmacies may close early or even all day long on the 1st.

What to Pack for a December Trip

While December may see some of the lowest temperatures of the year, it’s still the tropics. Pack plenty of clothes for warm weather and sunny days, like a quick dry UPF shirt. Don’t forget a compact, travel-friendly umbrella for the surprise rainstorm after a long morning of the sun, and pack a light jacket for cool mornings in the mountains. For more information on what to pack for a trip to Costa Rica, visit our detailed Costa Rica Packing List article.

Pros to Visiting Costa Rica in December

  • The whole country is buzzing with excitement around all of the holidays. 
  • There’s plenty of sunshine and warm weather. 
  • There is a lot going on – parties, fireworks, full beaches, etc.

Cons to Visiting Costa Rica in December

  • Peak season pricing makes it a costly month to visit. 
  • Crowded beaches and national parks with lots of national and international tourists.
  • Hotel availability can be slim, with choice accommodations booked months or even a year in advance.
costa rica hammock relaxing on beach
Relaxing in Costa Rica during the December holidays will be a dream come true!

Things to Do & Where to Go in Costa Rica in December

  1. Climb Peak Chirripó – End the year by scaling the majestic 12,500-foot peak in Chirripó National Park, within the Talamanca mountain range. On a clear morning, you can see both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean from the summit.
  2. Learn to Salsa – Join a professional dance instructor and learn to move your hips while mastering the basic steps of salsa dancing. You’ll be able to take these skills anywhere in Latin America!
  3. Peer Down into a Volcano Crater – Led by a bilingual guide, this adventure takes travelers to the edge of a volcano to peer into the crater!
  4. Party! – December is party season in Costa Rica. With classes out and the sun shining, locals and tourists alike are in the festive spirit. It’s a great time to make new friends in an incredible place.
  5. Visit La Fortuna – Enjoy beautiful landscapes, hot springs, and access to Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna. La Fortuna offers an ideal blend of relaxation and adventure.
  6. Explore Monteverde – Famous for its cloud forests and rich biodiversity, Monteverde is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
  7. Relax on the Pacific Coast – Enjoy the beautiful beaches, surfing, and vibrant nightlife along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.
  8. Raft the Pacuare River – One of the best white-water rafting spots in the world, offering thrilling rapids and stunning scenery.
  9. Visit Poas Volcano and Cloud Forest – This less busy location offers activities similar to those in more popular areas and is closer to SJO airport.
  10. Discover Drake Bay in Osa Peninsula – For seasoned travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, Drake Bay offers incredible wildlife and untouched natural beauty.
  11. Explore Turrialba – Another off-the-beaten-path location, perfect for adventure enthusiasts looking for something different.
  12. Learn to Surf – December is a great month for surf progression in Costa Rica. Thanks to the Papagayo Winds, which blow predominantly offshore during the dry season, they groom incoming swell into clean waves.

The Bottom Line on December in Costa Rica

December is a great month to visit Costa Rica, with plenty of sunshine and non-stop festivities. While December is the most popular month to visit Costa Rica, with proper planning, it can be highly enjoyable. Be sure to plan far in advance to secure your lodging during this busy time.

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