What the weather is like in December
December is dry (39mm) 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.
Averages are five-year Open-Meteo (ERA5) figures for Liberia; other parts of Costa Rica vary. Full sources below.
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 is February; the toughest is October. For the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds, aim for April. See the full month-by-month breakdown for Costa Rica.
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)$$Beaches, surf, dry-season reliability
The driest region and the closest to Liberia airport. Hot in March–April; brown and dusty by the end of dry season.
See Guanacaste (Tamarindo, Papagayo, Nosara) hotels for 12–18 Dec 2026 - La Fortuna / Arenal$$Volcano views, hot springs, adventure tours
Rainier 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 La Fortuna / Arenal hotels for 12–18 Dec 2026 - Manuel Antonio$$$Wildlife, families, rainforest-meets-beach
The most-visited national park; sloths and monkeys almost guaranteed. Wetter than Guanacaste — very wet September–October.
See Manuel Antonio hotels 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.
Frequently asked questions
Is December a good time to visit Costa Rica?
December scores 74/100 on the Atlas Ranger Score — "Great" — which blends weather with crowds and price. December is one of the best months to visit Costa Rica — strong conditions and the reason many travellers pick this window.
How warm is Costa Rica in December?
Expect daytime highs around 31°C (88°F) and overnight lows near 23°C (73°F), with about 10.2 hours of sun a day.
Does it rain in Costa Rica in December?
December sees roughly 39mm of rain — relatively dry.
What should I pack for Costa Rica in December?
For December, pack: Lightweight, breathable clothing; Sun hat & high-SPF sunscreen; Swimwear.
Sources
Every claim on this page is backed by an authoritative source. Atlas Ranger synthesizes data from multiple references so you can see exactly where each fact came from.
- Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (Visit Costa Rica)Used for: Official visitor information, entry requirements, regional guidance
- Open-Meteo Historical Climate Data (ERA5)Used for: Monthly temperature, rainfall, sunshine averages (5-year, Liberia)
- Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN) Costa RicaUsed for: National forecasts, rainy-season onset and storm advisories
- NOAA National Hurricane CenterUsed for: Tropical-storm influence on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts
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