What the weather is like in December
December is dry (12mm) and lush from the wet season just ended — the best-looking month of the year on the Pacific. Rates climb toward the Christmas–New Year peak, when popular hotels sell out and rental cars are scarce. Book by September.
Against November, December runs 1°C warmer with 86mm less rain and 1.6 hours more sun a day.
These December averages are station normals for Liberia (Guanacaste) (Instituto Meteorologico Nacional, via Wikipedia, rain 1957-2012, temperature 1977-2013); other parts of Costa Rica vary. Full sources below.
Costa Rica in December, on the ground
December is when Costa Rica’s dry season arrives on the Pacific side. Guanacaste turns sunny and breezy, while the central valley and Arenal still see some showers early in the month. The Caribbean coast runs on its own pattern and can stay wet.
Crowds and prices in December
The first half of December is a sweet spot of new dry-season weather at pre-holiday prices. From about the 20th to early January, Costa Rica has its busiest and most expensive fortnight, and beach hotels, rental cars and domestic flights book out.
What to do in December
- See San José’s Festival de la Luz, the evening parade of lights in mid-December.
- Head to the Guanacaste beaches as the dry season settles in.
- Visit Boruca for the Fiesta de los Diablitos, which runs from 30 December to 2 January.
Before you book: Rental cars and transfers are the first things to sell out over Christmas; book them with your flights.
What to pack for Costa Rica in December
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Sun hat & high-SPF sunscreen
- Swimwear
Is December the right month?
Costa Rica's best month, February, is two months after December; the toughest, September, is three months 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 November. See the full month-by-month breakdown for Costa Rica, or where else to go in December.
Where to stay in December
December is peak season in Costa Rica, so prices are at their highest. Book early for the best choice of rooms.
- Guanacaste (Tamarindo, Papagayo, Nosara)$$Beaches, surf, dry-season reliabilityThe driest region and the closest to Liberia airport. Hot in March–April; brown and dusty by the end of dry season.See hotels in Costa Rica for 12–18 Dec 2026
- La Fortuna / Arenal$$Volcano views, hot springs, adventure toursRainier than the coast year-round; the volcano is clearest in the early morning. Good in green season as long as you plan for afternoon rain.See hotels in Costa Rica for 12–18 Dec 2026
- Manuel Antonio$$$Wildlife, families, rainforest-meets-beachThe most-visited national park; sloths and monkeys almost guaranteed. Wetter than Guanacaste — very wet September–October.See hotels in Costa Rica 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
Book the rest of your December trip
Tours and tickets
Day trips, attraction tickets and guided tours in Costa Rica.
Browse Costa Rica on KlookAirport transfer
A fixed-price car from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (Liberia, LIR) to your hotel, booked before you land.
Book a transfer on KiwitaxiMobile data
An eSIM for Costa Rica installs before you fly, so you have data when you land. Check your phone supports eSIM first.
See Costa Rica plans on AiraloCar hire
Compare rental car prices in Liberia.
Compare cars on EconomyBookings
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Frequently asked questions
Is December a good time to visit Costa Rica?
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Sources: Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (Visit Costa Rica) · Instituto Meteorologico Nacional: Liberia (Guanacaste), rain 1957-2012, temperature 1977-2013 · Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN) Costa Rica · NOAA National Hurricane Center. Full provenance on the Costa Rica guide.
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