December weather forecast
Santa Elena, Costa Rica

Rounding off the year, December in Santa Elena brings along considerable changes in the city's climate. With the lowest rainfall of the year recorded at 19mm (0.75"), the city moves away from its rainy season, welcoming the dry season. The weather patterns find similarities with the beginning month, January, thus completing a full weather cycle. December signifies the conclusion of rain showers, a reduction in cloud cover and a calmer wind. This time marks the onset of brighter, clear skies, reduced rainfall, and pleasant temperatures in Santa Elena, ending the year on a refreshing note.

Temperature

As Santa Elena transitions from November to December, the average high-temperatures adjust to a still moderately hot 29.7°C (85.5°F), nearly the same as the previous 29.1°C (84.4°F). During December, Santa Elena's temperature averages to a pleasant 22.1°C (71.8°F) at night.

Heat index

During December, the heat index is calculated to be a torrid 35°C (95°F). Greater safety measures are needed, risk of heat exhaustion and heat cramps is high. Continuous activity might trigger heatstroke.
Note that heat index values are valued for light wind and location in the shade. Heat index values can rise by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees when in direct sunlight.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'felt air temperature' or 'feels like', is a calculation that merges air temperature and relative humidity to depict the sensation of warmth. This effect is personal, influenced by the individual's physical activity and heat sensitivity, shaped by factors including wind, attire, and metabolic variations. Direct sun exposure is noteworthy in its ability to escalate the felt temperature, potentially adding 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees to the heat index. Heat index values are highly important for children. Young ones often do not realize the necessity to rest and replenish their fluids. Thirst is a delayed indication of dehydration - keeping hydrated, particularly in prolonged physical activity, is crucial.
Perspiring is a crucial mechanism for the human body, allowing it to release excessive warmth through evaporating sweat. A higher relative humidity affects normal body cooling by reducing the evaporation rate, subsequently lowering the rate at which the body cools and increasing the perception of heat. When the body is unable to balance heat gain, its temperature elevates, which may induce thermal illnesses.

Humidity

In December, the average relative humidity in Santa Elena is 75%.

Rainfall

In Santa Elena, in December, it is raining for 10.8 days, with typically 19mm (0.75") of accumulated precipitation. Throughout the year, there are 218.6 rainfall days, and 1456mm (57.32") of precipitation is accumulated.

Daylight

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 11h and 30min of daylight.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 05:41 and sunset at 17:15. On the last day of December, in Santa Elena, sunrise is at 05:56 and sunset at 17:28 CST.

Sunshine

In December, the average sunshine is 9.6h.

UV index

January through September and December, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index. A UV Index value of 6 to 7 symbolizes a high health hazard from exposure to the Sun's UV rays for ordinary individuals.
Note: In December, a daily maximum UV index of 7 leads to the following instructions:
Continue precautions and advocate sun safety advice. Deterrence of sunburn is indispensable. Attempt to stay under shade and limit exposure to the Sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV radiation is at its peak. Remember, devices such as parasols or canopies might not provide complete sun protection. Sun-related eye harm can be minimized with proper sunglasses offering UVA and UVB coverage.