Things to Do in Costa Rica in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Costa Rica
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
- + The green season has just ended, so the Central Valley and Pacific slopes are carpeted in fresh growth without the daily downpours of October, mornings start clear and bright, with clouds building into dramatic but brief afternoon theater that clears by sunset.
- + Wildlife viewing hits its sweet spot: the Northern Pacific (Guanacaste) stays bone-dry while the Southern Zone rivers run high enough for white-water rafting but not so swollen they're dangerous.
- + Hotels in the Central Highlands finally drop their shoulder-season rates, making boutique mountain lodges around Monteverde and Bajo del Toro a bargain compared to January.
- + December brings the Fiesta de los Diablitos in Boruca, the only time you'll see 300-year-old masks and ceremonial dances performed by the Brunka people in their original village setting.
- − The Caribbean coast (Tortuguero, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo) enters its wettest month, plan on 250 mm (10 inches) of rain and fewer boat tours running to the canals.
- − Domestic flights and rental cars get booked solid from the 20th onward as Ticos return home for Christmas, expect airport chaos in San José and Liberia.
- − Some high-altitude trails above 2,500 m (8,200 ft) in the Cordillera de Talamanca stay slick with mud even when the lowlands are dry.
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
December delivers offshore winds and shoulder-high swells from Tamarindo to Playa Negra, the water's 27°C (81°F) and the beach towns haven't yet filled with Christmas vacationers. Early mornings bring glassy conditions before the afternoon wind picks up.
The post-rain forest comes alive at dusk when humidity hovers around 85%, December's clear evenings mean the best bioluminescence displays and active kinkajous. The 2-hour walks start at 5:30 PM when the cloud layer drops to eye-level.
Harvest season runs November-February, December lets you taste beans at peak ripeness and watch the wet-processing in action. The contrast between warm sun and cool shade at 1,400 m (4,600 ft) elevation makes for perfect tasting conditions.
Dry mornings bring sloths down from the canopy to sun themselves, and the December light is softer than the harsh dry-season sun. The 2 km (1.2 mile) main trail stays firm underfoot without the mud of October.
December's variable weather means you'll likely get both clear volcano views and the atmospheric cloud-forest experience in the same day. The bridges stay dry enough for safe walking while the surrounding forest stays lush.
December Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
The Brunka people of Boruca village recreate the Spanish conquest through masked dances and drum ceremonies that have changed little since the 1600s. Visitors can join the pre-dawn procession and sample chicha de maíz fermented in clay pots.
San José morphs into a moving light parade with marching bands, floats, and enough fireworks to set off car alarms. The route runs from Parque Sabana to Plaza de la Cultura, with locals claiming sidewalk spots 3 hours early.
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Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
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