Costa Rica in December
What Costa Rica is like in December: weather, crowds, prices and the trips that work best that month.
4 min read · Updated 2026-08-01
Yes — December is one of Costa Rica's strongest months. Tropical with strong regional variation: Pacific dry season roughly Dec–Apr and green season May–Nov; the Caribbean has no simple dry season, with relatively drier spells around Feb–Mar and Sep–Oct
Weather and crowds
Pacific dry season: Sunniest Pacific weather and the busiest travel window. Green season: Rainier on the Pacific side, lusher landscapes and generally lower prices. Caribbean drier spells: The Caribbean coast runs on its own pattern and is often better when the Pacific is wettest.
What to do in December
Best suited to nature, adventure, beach trips. Good bases this month: San José, Guanacaste, La Fortuna.
Budget in this month
Plan on roughly $145 a day per person at mid-range (estimate, excluding flights).
Recommended destinations
Where to go in Costa Rica
San José
Arrival hub with markets and museums.
Explore San José
Guanacaste
Dry-forest Pacific beaches and resorts.
Explore Guanacaste
La Fortuna
Arenal volcano, hot springs, hanging bridges.
Explore La Fortuna
Monteverde
Cloud forest reserves, canopy walks and cool nights.
Explore MonteverdeRelated guides
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