December weather guide

Weather in Aruba in December

Still wet, the trade wind returns, prices soar

Score64Good
Typical day31°C88°F · low 25°C
Rain & sun80mm8.7 hrs sun/day
White-sand beach in Aruba with a resort hotel in the background under a clear sky
By
Institutional byline · Updated

What the weather is like in December

Avg high
31°C
88°F
Avg low
25°C
77°F
Rainfall
80mm
best
Sun / day
8.7 hrs

December is the second-wettest month of the year (80mm), easing to 44mm in January as the trade wind re-establishes. From roughly December 20 to January 3 Aruba is at its most expensive and most crowded, with many resorts sold out months ahead and minimum-stay rules in force.

Against November, December runs 1°C cooler with much the same rainfall and 0.4 hours more sun a day.

These December averages are station normals for Oranjestad (Departamento Meteorologico Aruba, via Wikipedia, 1991-2020); other parts of Aruba vary. Full sources below.

Aruba in December, on the ground

December is when Aruba switches into high season. The trade winds blow steadily, though December is still one of the wetter months, the sea on the west-coast beaches stays calm, and from mid-month the Christmas lights on Oranjestad’s Main Street and the evening music in the plazas set the tone.

Crowds and prices in December

The first two weeks are the last good-value window of the winter; from about the 20th, rates climb to their annual high and stay there through New Year. Flights from the US north-east fill early for the holiday week.

What to do in December

  • Hear Dande, the Aruban New Year tradition of musicians going house to house with wishes for the year ahead, in the last week of December.
  • Book a table or a spot on the beach for the New Year’s Eve fireworks, which run for hours across the island.
  • Snorkel or dive the west-coast wrecks while the sea is at its calmest.
  • Drive the north coast to Arikok National Park early in the morning, before the midday sun.

Before you book: New Year’s week sells out first; if your dates include 31 December, book rooms and dinner reservations well ahead.

What to pack for Aruba in December

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing
  • Sun hat & high-SPF sunscreen
  • Swimwear

Is December the right month?

Aruba's best month, April, is four months after December; the toughest, November, is one month before. If December does not fit, January is the closest month in the same best-season window. For the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds, aim for September. See the full month-by-month breakdown for Aruba, or where else to go in December.

Where to stay in December

December is peak season in Aruba, so prices are at their highest. Book early for the best choice of rooms.

  • Palm Beach (high-rise strip)$$$
    Resorts, restaurants, the busiest beachThe busiest stretch, with calm water and the most dining within walking distance. Book early for December–March.See hotels in Aruba for 12–18 Dec 2026
  • Eagle Beach (low-rise strip)$$
    Wide quiet sand, couples, the famous fofoti treesFewer high-rises, more space on the beach, a short drive or bus ride to Palm Beach dining.See hotels in Aruba for 12–18 Dec 2026
  • Oranjestad / Savaneta$
    Value, local food, self-cateringCheaper guesthouses and apartments; a rental car helps for beach days. Savaneta has the fishing-village feel and Zeerover.See hotels in Aruba for 12–18 Dec 2026

Links open a hotel search for 12–18 Dec 2026; you can change the dates there. We may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

Before you go

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Frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Aruba in December?
In Aruba, December averages highs of 31°C (88°F) and lows of 25°C (77°F), with about 80mm of rain and 8.7 hours of sun a day. Aruba sits south of the main hurricane belt. December is the tail of its short rainy season, so showers are likelier than later in the winter. Rates climb toward the Christmas peak.
Is December a good time to visit Aruba?
December scores 64/100 on the Atlas Ranger Score — "Good" — which blends weather with crowds and price. December is one of the best months to visit Aruba — strong conditions and the reason many travellers pick this window. It is also one of the most expensive: book early, and expect holiday-week rates.
Is it cold in Aruba in December?
Not by most standards. Days average 31°C (88°F) and nights fall to about 25°C (77°F), so a light layer covers the evenings.
Does it rain in Aruba in December?
December sees roughly 80mm of rain — moderate rainfall; a packable rain layer helps.
What should I pack for Aruba in December?
For December, pack: Lightweight, breathable clothing; Sun hat & high-SPF sunscreen; Swimwear.
How far ahead should I book Aruba for December?
December is peak season, so rooms and fares are at their most expensive and the best places go first. Book several months out, and take a rate you can cancel if your dates might move.

Sources: Aruba Tourism Authority (aruba.com) · Departamento Meteorologico Aruba: Oranjestad, 1991-2020 · Departamento Meteorologico Aruba · NOAA National Hurricane Center. Full provenance on the Aruba guide.

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