December weather forecast
Costa Rica

englishespañol中文
Share
Flag of Costa Rica
Flag of Costa Rica

Weather in December

December signals the onset of the dry season in Costa Rica, a time of year fondly referred to as the "Gold Season." This period is characterized by reduced rainfall and an increase in sunny days. Average temperatures typically range from 22°C (71.6°F) to 28°C (82.4°F), slightly warmer than in previous months, due to increased sunshine.

In the central highlands, which include San Jose and the Cordillera Central, temperatures lie between 20°C (68°F) and 22°C (71.6°F). The decrease in rainfall and the prevalence of sunnier days render these regions ideal for exploration, allowing unimpeded enjoyment of the area's stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity.

Over on the Caribbean coast, December offers a break from the consistent rainfall pattern seen throughout the year. Although showers are still possible, they are less frequent and generally lighter, facilitating outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.

December does not see the temperature extremes of the hotter months but is marked by a distinct shift in weather conditions as the dry season takes hold. Days are generally warm and less humid, with sunshine becoming increasingly prevalent as the month progresses.

As December gives way to January, the dry conditions persist, and the country prepares itself for the warmest months of the year. Despite the decreasing rains, the landscapes remain lush from the recent wet season, providing a striking green backdrop to the clear, blue skies. The transition from the wet to the dry season gives visitors the opportunity to witness Costa Rica's dynamic weather patterns and abundant natural beauty.

  • San José - December »
    In San José during December, the rain falls for 19.5 days and regularly aggregates up to 65mm (2.56") of precipitation. January through December, with an average maximum UV index of 5, are months with the lowest UV index in San José, Costa Rica.
  • Limon - December »
    In Limon, Costa Rica, during December, the rain falls for 21 days and regularly aggregates up to 449mm (17.68") of precipitation. With an average of 11h and 36min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Limon, Costa Rica.
  • Alajuela - December »
    In Alajuela in December, during 21 rainfall days, 62mm (2.44") of precipitation is typically accumulated. January, February, May through December, with an average maximum UV index of 5, are months with the lowest UV index in Alajuela, Costa Rica.
  • Puntarenas - December »
    In December, Puntarenas embraces drier weather, rounding off the year with warm days and comfortable nights. December has the shortest days of the year in Puntarenas, with an average of 11h and 36min of daylight.
  • Liberia - December »
    In Liberia in December, it is raining for 5.7 days, with typically 9mm (0.35") of accumulated precipitation. With an average of 11h and 30min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Liberia.
  • Guadalupe - December »
    In Guadalupe during December, the rain falls for 20.9 days and regularly aggregates up to 67mm (2.64") of precipitation. January through December, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the lowest UV index in Guadalupe, Costa Rica.
  • San Francisco - December »
    The month with the shortest days in San Francisco, Costa Rica, is December, with an average of 11h and 36min of daylight. December has the shortest days of the year in San Francisco with an average of 11h and 36min of daylight.
  • San Isidro - December »
    In San Isidro during December, the rain falls for 19.5 days and regularly aggregates up to 65mm (2.56") of precipitation. January through December, with an average maximum UV index of 5, are months with the lowest UV index in San Isidro, Costa Rica.
  • Quesada - December »
    In Quesada, Costa Rica, in December, it is raining for 19.5 days, with typically 65mm (2.56") of accumulated precipitation. From intricate cloud formations to the gradual increase in daylight hours, December remains a favored month for holidaymakers in Quesada.
  • San Vicente - December »
    The months with the highest UV index in San Vicente are January through April, June, July, September, October and December, with an average maximum UV index of 6. In San Vicente, in December, during 18.3 rainfall days, 46mm (1.81") of precipitation is typically accumulated.
  • San Rafael - December »
    December has the shortest days of the year in San Rafael with an average of 11h and 36min of daylight. The months with the highest UV index in San Rafael are January through December, with an average maximum UV index of 5.
  • San Diego - December »
    With an average of 11h and 36min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in San Diego, Costa Rica. January through December, with an average maximum UV index of 5, are months with the lowest UV index in San Diego, Costa Rica.
[Resources]

Costa Rica

Weather forecast for your location

1. Click Locate me button
2. Allow the app to use your location