December marks the start of the high (dry) season with pleasant mornings and reduced afternoon rains. It is a popular time for holiday travel, especially on Pacific beaches and in cultural centers like Antigua and Panama City.
SeasonHigh SeasonTemperature 70-90°F / 21-32°CCrowds HighPrices High
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall, from each country's largest city. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Temperature map
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Average temperature across Central America in December.
Where to Go in Central America in December
Pacific Coast & the Dry Corridor
Guatemala Pacific, El Salvador, Nicaragua Pacific, Costa Rica Pacific-Guanacaste, Nicoya, Manuel Antonio; Panama Pacific beaches like Pedasí & Playa Venao
Early dry-season sunshine returns across the Pacific beaches, with December offering pleasant warm days and cooler nights inland-expect busy holiday travel, particularly around Christmas. Coastal towns like Tamarindo and Santa Teresa (Costa Rica) are lively and often fully booked; pack for sun and bring a light layer for cooler evenings. Flights and accommodation fill quickly for the high season, so advance reservations are advised for December and New Year’s.
Caribbean Coast & Bay Islands
Belize coast & Cayes, Honduras Bay Islands Roatán/Utila, Nicaragua Caribbean RAAS, Costa Rica Limon, Panama San Blas & Bocas del Toro
December delivers more settled mornings and breezy afternoons that make island life pleasant and predictable; this is the start of the best window for diving and beach holidays through April. Holiday travel increases bookings on the Cayes and islands, so reserve accommodation well ahead if travelling around Christmas. Pack reef-friendly sunscreen, a light jacket for breezy evenings and be prepared for higher prices and fuller boats.
Highlands & Volcanic Belt
Guatemala Highlands-Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Quetzaltenango; El Salvador & Nicaragua highlands, Costa Rica Central Valley & foothills
December is cooler at elevation and frequently dry, with crystalline skies perfect for hiking and exploring colonial towns; highland evenings can be quite cold, occasionally near freezing at the highest villages. Tourist numbers climb for the holiday period, so book in advance if you want a particular lodge or guided trek. Bring warm clothes, a hat and a rain layer-mornings are often clear but mountain weather can change suddenly.
Cloud Forests & High-Mountain Reserves
Monteverde, Cerro Chirripó, Costa Rica’s central highlands; Panama’s Boquete & Chiriquí
December is often drier and clearer at altitude than the preceding months, giving some of the best trail conditions for the year around Monteverde and Boquete. Daytime temperatures remain cool and nights can be cold in mountain huts; cabins and eco-lodges can fill for holiday travelers so reserve early. Waterproof layers are still wise, but you’ll enjoy more dependable trekking and canopy experiences than during the green season.
Belize Mainland & the Barrier Reef
Belize-Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, inland cayes and mainland
December is reliably breezy with good water clarity and comfortable sea temperatures, making it the start of the prime season for reef activities; holiday travel increases bookings considerably. Ferries and flights between Belize City and the cayes can fill-book early if traveling over Christmas. Bring sun protection and a light jacket for evenings by the sea; expect lively island atmospheres and regular dive trip availability.
Events & Festivals in December
Holiday season
Christmas and New Year events and travel peak across the region.
Planning a trip to Central America?
See how December compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.
