Costa Rica in December

December arrives as the dry season properly settles in, bringing bright, warm days and welcome relief from the rains; trade winds are steady and evenings are pleasantly cooler. This is when Guanacaste becomes busy with holiday travelers, so expect higher rates, crowded beaches like Tamarindo and busier flights through Liberia. Pack beachwear, light layers for night, and reserve accommodations well ahead of Christmas and New Year’s.

December on the Nicoya Peninsula is bright and warm, with steady trade winds and much drier conditions - a clear favorite for beach activity, surf camps and outdoor weddings. This also marks the start of busy travel, especially around holidays, so expect higher prices and fuller ferries. Bring beachwear, a windbreaker for evenings and reservations if you’re heading to popular surf towns.

December sees clear, dry days and cooler seaside breezes re-establish themselves, making it a return-to-form month for beachgoing and wildlife walks. This is the start of peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and crowded national park entrances around the holidays. Reserve coastal tours and accommodations well in advance and bring sun protection, sunglasses, and a light layer for breezy evenings.

December marks the beginning of a wetter-to-drier transition that brings more consistent morning sun and better beach accessibility in Uvita and around Corcovado, though humid conditions persist. This is when lodges fill up ahead of the holiday season and ranger station access becomes easier, making it a good time for guided wildlife tours. Pack light breathable layers, insect repellent and reserve guided treks well in advance.

A cool, clear December in the Central Valley brings one of the driest and most comfortable periods for visiting San José, Bagaces and the coffee country; mountain views are typically crisp and park access improves. Holiday travel peaks, so flights and hotels can become busy around mid-December to New Year’s. Bring layers for cool nights in Cartago and light clothing for sunny days, and reserve tours early for popular volcano excursions.

December brings warm, humid days with a mix of sunshine and brief showers; unlike the Pacific side, the Caribbean does not always enter a fully dry season, but travel is often pleasant with festival activity and improved morning conditions. Tortuguero’s turtle season activity can be significant for certain species, so book guided trips early if that’s a priority. Bring light, breathable clothing, insect repellent, and a compact rain jacket for the occasional downpour.