Is December a good time to visit Costa Rica?
December is considered one of the
best times to visit Costa Rica. As it’s the beginning of the dry season, the water is reliably warm and sunny, so it’s the perfect time for outdoor activities such as
hiking through Arenal National Park.
Birdwatching in higher elevations like Monteverde and the Cordillera de Talamanca is good in December too. In these areas, you might spot the quetzal among the 900 or so species of bird found here.
The last month of the year is also an excellent time to go surfing in Costa Rica. Both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts offer great waves, try Naranjo or Boca de Barranca. The country’s white sand beaches, like Manuel Antonio National Park, look resplendent this time of year too.
As December is also a peak tourist season, expect crowds and higher prices for accommodation and activities. Book in advance to secure the best deals and tables at restaurants.
This tailor-made trip to Northern Costa Rica allows you to explore the Central and Northern highlights of Costa Rica: from the active volcano Arenal to the cloud forest of Monteverde and the beaches of Guanacaste with plenty of surf & yoga - discover why they call it the land of Pura Vida - pure life!
Average rainfall in Costa Rica in December?
December is part of the dry season in Costa Rica, so there is usually very little rainfall during this time. The amount of rainfall also varies by region.
In December, the Pacific coast tends to be drier, with little to no rainfall all month. The Caribbean coast receives more rain. On average, the total rainfall in Costa Rica during December is around 50-100mm (2-4 inches).