Let’s talk about what you can expect if you plan to visit Costa Rica in December. It’s a time when this vibrant country is at its best, offering a blend of lush landscapes, exotic wildlife, and warm, sunny beaches.
Costa Rica’s December weather is a welcome escape from the usual cold, with sunny days and cool nights. It’s also the beginning of the dry season, making it a perfect time to explore the rainforests and volcanoes or to laze on the pristine beaches. So, let’s dive in and discover why Costa Rica in December could be your next dream vacation.
Costa Rica in December: Sunny Days and Holiday Celebrations
So there you have it folks. If you’re dreaming of a December getaway, Costa Rica should definitely be on your radar. With its perfect blend of sunny days, cool nights, and the onset of the dry season, it’s an explorer’s paradise. Whether you’re a nature lover drawn to the lush rainforests and exotic wildlife or a beach bum craving warm sands and crystal clear waters, this Central American gem has got you covered.
Remember, the beauty of Costa Rica isn’t just in its landscapes. It’s in the spirit of ‘Pura Vida’ that resonates through the country, especially during the holiday season. So why wait? Pack your bags and let Costa Rica surprise you this December. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
December Events in Costa Rica
There are a few events in Costa Rica in December worth mentioning. Personally, I really miss the home made tamales that locals would make at the beginning of the month! To me, that’s what lets you know you are in Costa Rica in December! Aside from this national tradition, here are a few events that take place in December.
Lights Fiesta – Festival de la Luz
The Fiesta de Luz takes place in San Jose and lasts from December 1 – 7. You can experience music, food, immaculate lighting displays, and fireworks every night!
Fiesta de los Negritos
The following week the Fiesta de los Negritos takes place. This is a festival that features incredibly thoughtful costumes, and the event combines both Catholic and indigenous rituals where you’ll experience dance, music, and of course, traditional Costa Rican cuisine! This event takes place in the indigenous village of Boruca.
Fiesta de la Yeguita
The Nicoya Peninsula celebrates this party with a parade, a Costa Rican bullfight (which is more like a rodeo), and live music. The concerts are surrounded by food stalls in many pueblos in the Nicoya Peninsula.
El Tope
In the heart of San Jose you can see a Costa Rican Tope, which means parade. This one features all the best trained horses in the country as they march down the street showcasing their abilities.
Getting Around
December, particularly in its first half, can pose challenges for road travel. Similar to November, the ground remains saturated from months of rain, and any substantial storm can trigger landslides, often causing significant disruptions. The National Roadway Council (CONAVI) strives to clear up any obstructions by the holidays, but it’s not uncommon for major roads in Costa Rica to be closed for a week or more at some point in December—sometimes even all at once.
Costs & Availability for Travel in December
Traveling in December, especially around Christmas and New Year’s Eve, comes with higher costs. Hotels and lodges often charge peak season rates, which are 20% to 50% higher than during the regular high season. Many resorts also have mandatory dinners and parties on these holidays, typically costing $50 to $100 per person. Additionally, minimum stays of three to seven nights are common during this period. To secure lodging and airfare, it’s advisable to book at least three months in advance, though booking six to twelve months ahead is even better for ensuring availability.
December Weather in Costa Rica
The weather in early December is unpredictable. Often, the rains diminish, offering the Pacific coast ideal beach weather for most of the month. However, the rainy season can sometimes extend right through Christmas, as it did in 2017 when the central and southern Pacific regions experienced unusually wet conditions well into January.
Late December generally marks the start of the dry season, with clearer weather being more reliable on the Pacific side. During the El Niño drought from 2013 to 2015, rain ceased in the Pacific northwest by mid-November and decreased rapidly across the western slopes. For 2019, NOAA predicted neutral conditions, meaning neither El Niño nor La Niña would influence the weather, which typically results in a dry season beginning around mid-December. However, neutral years can be unpredictable.
On the Caribbean side of the central mountains, December starts wet and gets progressively wetter, with the possibility of flooding, especially in the northeast lowlands. Here, polar air moves across the Gulf of Mexico, picking up heat and moisture, resulting in prolonged rainfall known locally as temporales del Atlantico.
Another notable December weather phenomenon is the strong “Papagayo” winds, especially prevalent in the northwest. These winds occur when cooler, dry air from the north displaces the warm, dense, tropical air, accelerating through gaps in the central mountain ranges and sometimes exceeding 100 kph.
In December, temperatures on the beaches and in the lowlands typically range from the seventies to mid-eighties during the day and sixties to mid-seventies at night. Occasionally, temperatures can reach the mid-nineties, particularly on the Nicoya coast. Around San José and the Central Valley, temperatures are generally 5-10 degrees cooler, and at high elevations above 5,000 feet, temperatures can be 20 to 30 degrees lower.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is December a good time to visit Costa Rica?
December marks the beginning of the dry season in Costa Rica, offering sunny days and cool nights. This climate makes it an ideal time to explore the country’s rainforests, volcanoes, and beaches.
What can I expect to see in Costa Rica in December?
During December, Costa Rica is teeming with vibrant landscapes and exotic wildlife. Visitors get to experience the country’s lush rainforests, majestic volcanoes, and warm beaches in the balmy weather.
What are the weather conditions in Costa Rica in December?
In December, Costa Rica experiences sunny days and cool nights, marking the shift from the rainy season to the dry season. It’s an ideal time for outdoor activities and wildlife sightings.
Where can I explore in Costa Rica during December?
The article suggests exploring Costa Rica’s rainforests, volcanoes, and beaches during December. These places are stunningly beautiful with a variety of biodiversity at this time of year.
About Tim Schmidt
Tim Schmidt is a 20+ year Entrepreneur and Digital Marketer. A Fort Lauderdale-based "Digital Nomad," he enjoys traveling as much as possible with family and friends. AllWorld is his escape to document all of his adventures, including being a hardcore "foodie." He has property in Costa Rica and visits several times each year and is happy to offer his expert advice for planning your trip.
