Traveling to Costa Rica in December? Here’s What to Expect

Thinking about visiting Costa Rica in December? This article is for you! I’ll go over what you can expect on your trip, the best places to visit, and more.

I haven’t explored the whole country in December. However, I’ve teamed up with a Costa Rican native to provide information and insight into the country as a whole.

So let’s get to it! Here’s all you need to know about traveling to Costa Rica in December.

Is December a good time to visit Costa Rica?

December is one of the best times to visit Costa Rica. It is the start of peak season in Costa Rica, with the weather at its driest. However, Costa Rica has two coastlines, so the weather can be dramatically different on either side of the country. If you’re visiting the Caribbean coastline, it’s typically best between March and September. 

However, Costa Rica’s tropical location means it doesn’t really have fully defined wet and dry seasons. You’ll likely have great weather and plenty of sunshine all over the country in December. Plus, you can guarantee that the whole country (and the sea!) will be nice and warm! 

What you do and where you go in the country can also affect the type of weather you’ll have. And if you want a mix of the wet and dry seasons, it’s actually possible to enjoy them both! For example, you can head to the mountains to enjoy some colder weather (camping adventures, anyone?), experience the rain in a cozy forest cottage/cabin, or head to a hotel on the beach to bask in the sunshine. 

You can enjoy cloud forests, tropical beaches, and cloud-shrouded volcanoes all in one trip!

A note on low season

If you’ve got a flexible travel schedule and really want to avoid crowds, consider going during the low season between late April and November. However, this is when you’ll typically find the wettest weather. This is true particularly in October and November which may be characterized by heavy rainfall. So if you’d prefer to visit Costa Rica when drier weather is still present, this isn’t the time for you. 

Though it’s the low season, virtually all tourist attractions and activities remain open. The Costa Rican economy thrives on tourism so most local businesses remain open all year round. July and August are particularly good months to catch sight of the country’s amazing wildlife – and there are many!

Two things of note: shoulder season (May, June, and November) is great in Costa Rica. Also, April is typically known as a transition month. The beginning of April is often still temperate and March still has some of Costa Rica’s driest and warmest weather.

Is Costa Rica a good place to visit for Christmas?

Costa Rica is a lovely place to visit for Christmas. The holiday kicks off with Festival De La Luz – along with its many floats, live music, and dancing. The main religion here is Catholicism, and you’ll find parades, concerts, events, or even a fiesta here and there as you explore the country. You’ll spot many houses decked out in tiny, colorful lights during your travels through the country. You might also spot some “pasitos,” or nativity scenes since this tradition is popular throughout the country. Much like in the United States, some people go above and beyond to create the most attention-grabbing display. They’ll deck out the front of their houses with Christmas decorations and pretty lights.

One of the more solemn activities that you may partake in during the holidays is the Misa De Gallo – or midnight mass on Christmas Eve. It’s definitely a great prelude to celebrating Christmas Day!

Tourism-focused businesses, like tour operators, restaurants, and hotels, will all stay open throughout the Christmas season. In fact, it’s one of the busiest times of year for them! Along with Christmas, December 26th is also the time to celebrate El Tope Nacional Costa Rica. It’s a popular and very important horse parade in which different towns and cities showcase their skills with horse training – the biggest of which is held in San Jose.

And if you’re staying until the New Year, don’t miss some New Year’s Eve fireworks! If you’re exploring the San Jose area, the port in Puntarenas does an epic display of fireworks. Since they take off over the ocean, you can see the colorful lights reflected on the water- it’s stunning! 

If you’re visiting Costa Rica for Christmas, you’ll also find that many restaurants have festive menu items. During this time, you’ll notice traditional Christmas dishes, like Costa Rican tamales, make their appearance as many places sell them as a special menu item this time of year.

One thing to take note of if you want to visit Costa Rica for Christmas is that this week, in particular, can have higher prices and more crowds than earlier in the month. The culprit: schools in Costa Rica and all around the world are on vacation. So if you’re on a budget or want to see Costa Rica without a lot of crowds, it’s better to go at the start of December.

Is Costa Rica warm in December?

Yes, Costa Rica is warm in December, as it is throughout the rest of the year. This tropical country sits in an advantageous position in that whenever you visit, you’ll be able to find beautiful, warm weather. 

Of course, the temperatures vary throughout the country. In San José, you can expect highs around 77°F. In the beach areas, like Puerto Viejo on the south coast, you might see highs around 84°F in December. Areas at high altitudes like Monteverde can be slightly cooler, though you can still expect temperatures in the seventies. 

Keep in mind that if you do explore the highlands of Costa Rica, temperatures can drop into the low 50s, so be sure to pack accordingly. And even if there are some chilly days or areas, that usually doesn’t affect the many activities and beautiful natural treasures that you can enjoy this time of the year.

Looking to really head somewhere cold in Costa Rica? Cerro Chirripo is Costa Rica’s highest mountain peak, and it usually only gets into the 60s. Lows here can dip below freezing!

On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you’re looking for sunshine and warmth, you can do what I did on my last trip to Costa Rica: I chose to focus my visit on the Guanacaste area in northwestern Costa Rica since it’s known for being the driest region in the country. Since Southwest Airlines flies into Liberia and they usually have great prices, it just made sense. It was an easy flight and travel plan for that trip to Costa Rica.

Is it rainy in Costa Rica in December?

Most of Costa Rica is dry in December, with San José only having an average of three days of rain. However, the Caribbean coast will be midway through its rainy season. 

But this doesn’t mean that it rains all the time on the Caribbean coast! Expect a bit of wet weather for around an hour or two a day, and lots of sunshine as well. As a general trend, mornings are typically sunny while the afternoon might have some precipitation. 

The good news is that, because it is rainy season on the Caribbean coast, it will also be lush, and green. You’ll be able to see many animals and flowers that show up during the rainy season depending on where you decide to go. 

Costa Rica’s national parks are the perfect places to visit if you want to go birdwatching or see monkeys or other kinds of wildlife (like tapirs, deer, crocodiles, and other kinds of reptiles and amphibians). Corcovado National Park is truly a fantastic spot for this purpose as the biodiversity found on this part of the Osa Peninsula remains unsurpassed!

However, if you are exploring the Caribbean coast, Tortuguero National Park is a gem. My dad and I did a boat tour through the canals, one of the best ways to see the park. If you’ve got a guide with you, they’ll point out all the wildlife around you. I loved seeing monkeys and caiman the most!

How is the humidity in Costa Rica in December?

Costa Rica is quite humid throughout the year, and December is no exception. Some areas have over 88% humidity, particularly on the Caribbean side as it’s the rainy season. For the least humidity, head to the Pacific side. Guanacaste, in particular, is typically the least humid province in Costa Rica.

Where should you travel to in Costa Rica in December?

We’ve discussed the Caribbean coast- now let’s get into other regions in Costa Rica!

If you want to avoid the rain, then stick to the Pacific Coast. This coastline has plenty of places to visit! Alternatively, you could head up to the cloud forest areas. 

Here are some great places to visit in Costa Rica in December:

Guanacaste

This area is full of things to do and is one of the driest places in Costa Rica. As I mentioned earlier, I chose this region for my most recent trip to Costa Rica. We flew into Liberia and drove out to Guanacaste, then to La Fortuna so we could see the famous Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Waterfall. 

Golfers or those looking for a luxury retreat will love the Papagayo Peninsula in Guanacaste. The views from the golf course at the Four Seasons will blow your mind!

Santa Teresa

Near the tip of the Puntarenas Province, you’ll find a chill surf town that backs right up to the jungle. If you’re a surfer or yogi, you’ll fit right into Santa Teresa. It’s only accessible by a bumpy road, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing here – in recent years, it’s become somewhat of a tourist hub with plenty of restaurants and hotels to enjoy. 

There’s not a crazy amount to do here, but it does have gorgeous beaches and some of the best surf in Costa Rica. If you’re looking for a place to kick back and relax, Santa Teresa is for you!

Montezuma

Also on the Pacific Coast, Montezuma is a glorious part of the country nestled on the Nicoya Peninsula. It’s a hub for exploring the rest of the region, but there’s plenty to do in the area too, including chasing waterfalls and exploring jungles. You could also do a boat trip and go dolphin or whale watching! Kick back and enjoy Montezuma or do self-guided day trips or sign up for tours to see the surrounding area. 

Monteverde

Monteverde is a gorgeous town that almost feels a bit alpine – though the weather isn’t, even in December! It’s a unique spot that’s worth adding to your Costa Rica itinerary, the main attraction being the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve. It’s a lovely cloud forest that you can hike or even zipline through, and simply the perfect spot to reconnect with Mother Nature!

As the name suggests, it does rain fairly frequently in the cloud forest, but that all just adds to the atmosphere. So pull on your rain gear and start exploring this glorious part of the country. 

Las Catalinas

Though Las Catalinas doesn’t quite feel like Costa Rica, it’s a hidden gem worth bringing up! It’s a relatively brand-new beach town with cobblestone streets, gorgeous architecture, and no cars allowed! We visited right when the town opened and a lot was still under construction, so I’d love to return someday to see the finished product!

The Central Valley

There is plenty to do in the Central Valley (the region surrounding Costa Rica’s capital, San José). You can join a city tour, visit museums, or explore nature. 

There is no shortage of museums in this area! Most popular of all is the National Museum, which used to be an army base known as the “Cuartel Bellavista.” This museum has a bunch of different exhibits on display, such as the butterfly garden, Costa Rican history from centuries XVI to XXI, houses of the commanders, pre-Columbian history, and more.

In San José, you can also visit the National Theater, with its beautiful neoclassical architecture.

Some other museums and cultural spots to visit in the Central Valley are the Children’s Museum, the Museum of Costa Rican Art and Design, the Contemporary Art Museum, the Angels Basilica, the Ujarrás ruins, and many more!

You’ll find plenty of nature to explore in the Central Valley, too. Some notable mentions include the Irazú Volcano, Reserva Targua (an ecological park in Santa Ana), and the Monte de la Cruz. You’ll find plenty of white water rivers, lakes, mountains, and country towns to visit, as well.

Things to Do in Costa Rica in December

Here are some specific activities and locations that are worth visiting on your trip to Costa Rica.

La Fortuna Waterfall

Part of Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna Waterfall is a dramatic waterfall that drops a whopping 229 feet into a stunning swimming hole. The water’s warm year-round, so you can enjoy it throughout December! Be sure to check with park guides for swimming conditions before jumping in, though!

Note that a steep staircase brings you to the falls, so this activity is not wheelchair or stroller friendly. Learn more about it here!

Arenal Hot Springs

Naturally heated by the Arenal Volcano, the Arenal Hot Springs are a must-visit in Costa Rica in December (and virtually any other time of year). You can visit the springs at a number of different locations, and a lot of hotels in this area (like the hotel we stayed at) have springs on their property or access to them. We enjoyed the springs directly at our hotel but perhaps the most famous of all locations is Tabacón Hot Springs. You don’t have to stay at the hotel to enjoy the springs here- simply get a day pass! These luxurious springs are ideal for healing and relaxation, in a picturesque natural setting. 

Scuba Diving

There are plenty of scuba diving spots throughout Costa Rica, where you’ll see tropical fish and plenty of marine life. As the waters are warm year-round, you won’t need a thick wetsuit and will be able to enjoy the underwater world comfortably. 

If you don’t have an open water certification from PADI or another scuba diving group, you can join a boat tour, go free diving, or go snorkeling to see fish from the water’s surface. The water is calm and there’s less wind in December than in January and February, so this is a particularly excellent time for scuba diving!

Surfing & Water Activities

Central America’s Pacific Coast is especially great for surfing, and the beaches of Costa Rica are no exception. The western beaches look out onto the huge expanse of the Pacific Ocean, and you can expect some huge waves to crash in! Here’s an article on the 7 best surfing beaches in Costa Rica, and don’t forget the aforementioned surf town of Santa Teresa.

If you’re new to the sport, there are plenty of surf schools that can take you to beginner-friendly beaches. However, if you’re an avid surfer, board rental shops are also available. Just make sure you speak to locals or check online to get current ocean conditions before heading out! 

Ziplining through the cloud forest

One of the most famous attractions in Costa Rica is the Sky Adventure Park, one of the safest and best ziplines in the country. Feel like a bird as you zoom through the canopy of trees, taking in the gorgeous flora and fauna as you go. There are a few zip lines in Costa Rica, but Sky Adventure Park is especially great for people of all ages. Definitely a great addition to your list of adventurous activities!

Explore Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero National Park is largely only accessible by boat or small plane, but it’s well worth the journey. Costa Rica is famous for its diverse wildlife, and Tortuguero National Park has some of the best flora and fauna in the country. 

Visit Manuel Antonio National Park

Definitely one of the most diverse areas to visit! Located between the South Pacific Coast and Guanacaste, here you’ll find rainforests, white sand beaches, and coral reefs. It has almost 680 hectares that stretch from the coast to the mountains, so to say this place is huge is an understatement! This is also one of the best places in Costa Rica to see the most adorable sloths in their natural habitat.

Kayak on Lake Arenal

Costa Rica’s largest lake, Lake Arenal is a pool of uninterrupted beauty. You can rent a kayak to bring to the water here or go fishing or swimming. 

Enjoy the beaches

Of course, Costa Rica is perhaps most famous for its beaches – and whether you’re in Santa Teresa on the west coast or Puerto Viejo on the east, you’ll probably want to spend lots of time basking on the glorious beaches! 

What to Wear in Costa Rica in December

Shorts, t-shirts, dresses, and skirts are great things to pack for the majority of Costa Rica! It will be quite humid and warm wherever you are, so pack for summertime weather.

If you’re heading to the regions with higher altitudes, it might be a bit chilly during the evening, so you might want some long pants and a sweater, too. 

If you’re staying at a luxury hotel or visiting San José or any other region with a lot of nightlife, you might also want a few dressier outfits!

And, if you’re planning on doing some hiking or other outdoor activities, pack a rain jacket, waterproof hiking boots, and hiking gear.

I hope this goes without saying, but don’t forget your swimsuit! Whether you’re visiting beaches, waterfalls, or hot springs, you’ll want to pack a suit or two.

On that note, you should also pack some sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and insect repellent, to avoid sunburn and bites from the mosquitoes that might be present in the forest or beach areas.

Costa Rica has potable water, so you can pack a water bottle and keep refilling it. This is an eco-friendly way to conserve and contribute to sustainable tourism.

My favorite places to stay in Costa Rica in December

Costa Rica is home to some great hotels, with everything from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. As the country is very focused on sustainability, lots of these hotels have an emphasis on the environment too. With how large the country is, it’s hard to give you a list of the best hotels since there’s a wide range of what you may be looking for.

Instead, I’ll give you my three favorite hotels that I’ve stayed at in Costa Rica.

Papagayo Peninsula: Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo

Nestled on the Papagayo Peninsula, the stunning Four Seasons Costa Rica boasts four swimming pools, an epic golf course, and two private beaches – everything you need for a stay in ultimate luxury! Rooms are both lavish and comfortable, with gorgeous furnishings and deluxe features. Tasty food is served on-site, and the staff is there 24/7 to ensure that all is well with your stay. 

If you go golfing here, keep an eye out for monkeys on the golf course!

Las Catalinas: Santarena Hotel

Situated in Las Catalinas by Playa Danta, Santarena Hotel is a gorgeous place to stay. Rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, comfortable beds, and luxurious white bathrooms. There’s also a rooftop pool with gorgeous views and a bar on-site, and it is located right on the beach! 

La Fortuna Area: Hotel Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa

If you’re heading to La Fortuna, one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica, you’ve got to head to Hotel Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa. Enjoy stunning volcano views from virtually every window and balcony, soak in the hot springs, or just take a dip in the pool. There’s plenty of delicious food to enjoy on-site. 

In conclusion…

I hope you can see just how great Costa Rica is in December! So drop any reservations you may have about visiting this beautiful place – you won’t regret it!

If you’d like to learn more about this beautiful country, the Costa Rican government has a website, Visit Costa Rica, where you can learn even more about the weather, the different places you can visit, the many activities you can do, and more information about policies, travel, and more!

Safe travels!

Jasmine