Costa Rica in December

Dry season returns; Christmas–New Year sells out — book months ahead.

• Guanacaste and the north Pacific · Liberia, Tamarindo, Nosara, Santa Teresabest weather

  The driest region: brown hills and hot days Dec–Apr; a short dry spell (veranillo) in July.

• Central and south Pacific · Manuel Antonio, Uvita, Osa, Corcovadofine

  Very wet Sep–Oct; some Osa lodges close and Corcovado can shut in October (check).

• Central Valley and mountains · San José, Monteverde, Poás, Irazúbest weather

  Spring-like 18–26 °C; Monteverde is cool, windy and misty — pack a fleece.

• Northern plains · La Fortuna, Arenalrainy

  Rain any month; Arenal's cone is often in cloud — mornings are clearest.

• Caribbean · Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Tortuguerorainy

  Reverse pattern: September–October are the driest months; Nov–Jan the wettest.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Abolition of the Army Day

  1 Dec

  Public holiday.

• Christmas big impact

  25 Dec

  Peak season with the New Year week.

Crowds · Costa Rica

High

Prices · Costa Rica

High

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

• A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Rated best or good this month

• Guanacaste and the north Pacific

  Best weather of the year (Liberia, Tamarindo, Nosara, Santa Teresa)

• Central Valley and mountains

  Best weather of the year (San José, Monteverde, Poás, Irazú)

• San José

  Dry season begins; Christmas crowds.