What to expect in Costa Rica in December
December is a strong choice for Costa Rica: 30° / 20°, with the biggest crowds of the year and prices close to the yearly average.
Costa Rica weather in December
Typical conditions in Costa Rica during December, based on long-run climate normals rather than any single year. Treat it as a planning guide, not a forecast.
| Average high | 30°C 86°F |
|---|---|
| Average low | 20°C 68°F |
| Rainfall | Dry 20/100 |
| Total rainfall | 40 mm1.6 in |
| Sea temperature | 28°C 83°F |
| Daylight | 11 h 33 min |
| How it feels | Hot — midday shade matters |
Rainfall figures are for San José.
Average highs sit around 30°C with lows near 20°C. It is one of the drier months — pack light.
Crowds & demand
Crowd levels are High for Costa Rica — the biggest crowds of the year.
Prices & value
This month counts as shoulder season: prices close to the yearly average.
What to pack
Lightweight, breathable clothes, strong sun protection and a refillable bottle — highs near 30°C make midday heat the main constraint. Rain gear is largely optional this month, which keeps your bag light.
What it costs
Costs in December sit around the yearly average for Costa Rica — neither a bargain nor a squeeze. Booking a few weeks out is usually enough. Compared with the most expensive month of the year, you are looking at roughly 19% less.
Who this month suits
- Travellers who want the most reliable weather
- Anyone travelling on a budget
- Families tied to school holidays
Events & what’s on
No major festivals fall in December, so the destination feels like its everyday self.
Costa Rica in December compared with nearby months
If your dates are flexible by a few weeks, this is what shifting them actually buys you.
| Month | Temp | Crowds | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October | 28° / 21° | Low | $ | 66 |
| November | 29° / 21° | Moderate | $$ | 62 |
| December · This month | 30° / 20° | High | $$ | 53 |
| January | 31° / 20° | High | $$$ | 47 |
| February | 32° / 20° | High | $$$ | 44 |
These months score higher for Costa Rica on the same blend of weather, crowds and price. Same destination, better odds.
Or go somewhere else in December
If the destination is negotiable but the month is not, these places are at their best in December.
Figures are climate normals and modelled estimates — a planning guide, not a forecast. We separate fact, estimate and recommendation. Updated October 2026
