December is in the dry season with warm, sunny weather and a rise in visitors for the holidays. Highlands are pleasantly cool at night while coastal areas remain warm. Holiday bookings should be made in advance.
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Average temperature across Nicaragua in December.
Managua, Granada, León, Ometepe
December turns decidedly drier and sunnier, with crisp mornings and hot afternoons that make daytime excursions comfortable and evenings pleasant. Holiday crowds pick up, especially around Christmas and New Year at San Juan del Sur and Granada, so expect higher prices and busier ferries. It’s a great month for open-air meals and volcano views; pack sun protection and a light layer for coastal breezes after sunset.
Matagalpa, Jinotega
December returns to the highlands’ drier rhythm with cool, clear mornings that occasionally dip to the low teens and sunny afternoons that reach the low twenties. This is a popular time for domestic and international visitors seeking comfortable hiking and coffee tours; accommodations can fill for holiday weekends. Bring layers for chilly nights and sturdy day shoes - it’s an excellent month for exploring the mountain roads and cloud-forest reserves.
Estelí, Somoto Canyon, Madriz
December’s return to the dry season produces crisp mornings and sunny days ideal for outdoor adventures in the north; Estelí is lively with cultural events and the canyon is fully accessible for guided exploration. Dust can resurface on rural roads until winter rains start, so bring sunglasses and a scarf for windy stretches. It’s a reliable month for travel logistics and open-air activities.
Bluefields, Puerto Cabezas / Bilwi, Corn Islands
December is generally warm, humid and more settled with frequent tradewinds that make sea travel comfortable and diving pleasant - a popular time for tourists seeking Caribbean beaches and reef trips. Local celebrations and a livelier tourist season increase options for lodging and tours; book early for islands. Pack summer clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, and light evening layers for breezy nights on the coast.
San Carlos, El Castillo, Indio Maíz Reserve
December is generally the most comfortable month in the southern wetlands: cooler mornings, lower river levels, and fewer biting insects make jungle lodges and river cruises appealing. Boat schedules are more reliable and day trips to El Castillo and nearby waterways are straightforward. Pack light layers for dawn and dusk, and expect basic but increasingly accessible infrastructure as the high-water season recedes.
La Purísima (early December) is a widely observed religious festival featuring processions and local celebrations.
See how December compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.