Costa Rica Weather in December 2025: Dry and Glorious

December marks the official onset of Costa Rica's dry season. While you may encounter the occasional rain shower during your December visit to the country, these are few and far in between with most of the month dry and sunny. Temperatures begin to climb steadily during the month as well, reaching high of around 31°C (88°F) and lows closer to the 16°C (61°F) mark.

December is very much part of Costa Rica tourist high season. The country welcomes many a traveler during the month given the good weather and high number of festivities taking place, so expect to find crowds in most places on your itinerary. This uptick in tourism during the month also results in higher costs associated with airfare, accommodation, and transportation. The best way to make sure you're not paying over the odds for anything is to book as far out in advance as possible.

Although most of Costa Rica is dry and sunny during December, the country's mountainous regions and rainforests can still experience occasional rain showers during this time. To make sure all your bases are covered and you're well prepared to tackle any weather condition, make sure you pack the following items: quick-drying shirts and shorts, linen or cotton tops, dresses, skirts, a light jacket, a light poncho or raincoat, lightweight pants or capris, sunglasses, sunscreen, sunhats, insect repellant, sandals, tennis or hiking shoes, swimwear, and a pair of binoculars.

To better understand what Costa Rica is like when it comes to climate and weather conditions during the month of December, continue reading below.

Costa Rica Weather in December: Overview

• Average temperature range: 16°C (61°F) – 31°C (88°F)
• Rainfall: 140 mm (6 inches) in San Jose; 490 mm (19 inches) in Manuel Antonio; 400 mm (16 inches) in Puerto Viejo.
• Rainy days: 15 in San Jose; 14 in Manuel Antonio; 17 in Puerto Viejo.

You can expect different temperature ranges in different part of Costa Rica during December. The average temperatures range from highs that hover around the 24°C (75°F) mark in San Jose, 27°C (81°F) in Manuel Antonio, and 28°C (82°F) in Puerto Viejo. The average temperature lows, on the other hand, are closer to 16°C (61°F) in San Jose, 23°C (73°F) in Manuel Antonio, and 23°C (73°F) in Puerto Viejo.

The weather is fantastic in Costa Rica in December, and there are plenty of holidays and cultural festivities taking place during the month for you to attend and be a part of! If that sounds like fun to you, you're right, because it is! Read on further to see what you can do to be as best prepared for a trip to this Central American paradise for the month of December.

Weather of Costa Rica's Major Cities in December

Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica in December

1.San Jose

The weather is nice and temperate in the capital during the month of December, and we highly recommend that instead of treating this diverse and bustling Latin American cosmopolitan as simply a pit-stop for furthering your Costa Rican adventures, you actually take the time to explore it. San Jose has some excellent dining and entertainment options, and some terrific museums and markets. Moreover, it hosts the annual Festival de las Luces/Festival de la Luz celebration in December, giving you yet another reason to take the time and enjoy its famed neighborhoods and quarters.

2.Tamarindo

If you're looking for clear blue skies and gloriously sunny conditions, so you can maximize your team sunbathing and swimming at the beach, the popular beach town of Tamarindo will match your fancy! Tamarindo is known not only for its picturesque beaches, but also its boat safaris, its fishing, and if you're a surfer, its waves, breaks, and reefs! The surfing conditions here are suitable for everyone, regardless of your skill level. The best part? It's quiet, peaceful, relaxing, and has everything you'd expect from your storybook Costa Rican holiday without being overly crowded or expensive.

December Crowds and Costs

Long gone are the days of thin crowds and inexpensive accommodation that are characteristic of the tourist low season in Costa Rica. December is a very busy time in the country, and this is reflected well in the huge numbers of tourists that visit the country during the month.

The large influx of travelers to Costa Rica during December results in an increase in prices for most things including airfare (both domestic and international), accommodation, transportation, and entertainment. The best way to make sure you're getting the best deals possible is to book well in advance.

December Events in Costa Rica

Festival de la Luz (Festival de las Luces): The capital city of San Jose hosts the annual festival of lights and culture known as Festival de la Luz on the second Saturday of every December. That being said, many Costa Ricans get in the spirit of the festival during the early days of the month. It is a much-anticipated holiday in the city with the evening soaked in music, countless light shows, parades, fireworks, and beautifully decorated floats. The city's streets are enveloped in the color and culture that is deeply inspired from the traditional folklore and cultural heritage of the country.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Christmas is, along with Easter, the biggest holiday in Costa Rica. Christmas Eve is celebrated in the country with Ticos and Ticas decorating their homes, putting on their finest clothes and attending mass with family members, before enjoying a meal together. Christmas Day, too, is a largely family affair for most Costa Ricans, with togetherness very much front and center on the list of priorities for most people.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are both public holidays in Costa Rica. This means many shops, and all public and government offices will remain closed on this day. Public transportation is also affected by the holiday with special schedules usually arranged for the festive season.

What to Wear in Costa Rica in December

Although the weather is splendid in most of Costa Rica during December, it can still rain in some pockets of the country, especially in the mountainous regions and the rainforests. Our tip would be to pack as though you're planning a summer holiday but make sure you have a raincoat or poncho somewhere in your suitcase as well.

Typically, you can get by and have a great time in Costa Rica during December if you make sure the following items have made their way into your packing list: quick-drying shirts and shorts, linen or cotton tops, a few dresses, a couple of skirts, lightweight pants or capris, a lightweight raincoat or poncho, a light jacket, sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, insect repellant, tennis shoes, sturdy sandals, swimwear, and a pair of binoculars if you intend to go wildlife spotting.

Explore Costa Rica with Global Highlights

If you're reading this, you're probably planning your dream vacation to gorgeous Costa Rica! That's just perfect because our travel experts here at Global Highlights go above and beyond in making sure your itinerary is as well planned yet personal as you like. We take immense pride in making sure you have a memorable time in Costa Rica, and we use our expertise and attention to detail to curate trips for you and your loved ones that are both unique and dreamy. We'll keep everything from weather conditions to special interests in mind, so that you can just relax and take in the good times!