Where To Visit In Costa Rica In December?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April

, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. We'd also recommend traveling in the country's green season, from May to June or in November. This is when you catch the seasons in transition, and the national parks are quieter.

What is there to do in Costa Rica in December?

  • Monteverde Cloud Reserve Forest. Image Source. …
  • Guanacaste . Image Source. …
  • Arenal Volcano. Image Source. …
  • Celeste River. Image Source. …
  • Pacuare River. Image Source. …
  • San Jose. Image Source. …
  • Tamarindo. Image Source. …
  • Indulge In White Water Rafting. Image Source.

Where should I go for Christmas in Costa Rica?

  • San José lights up Christmas in Costa Rica. …
  • Tortuguero National Park. …
  • Manuel Antonio National Park beaches. …
  • Arenal Volcano and hot springs. …
  • Ostinal Wildlife Refuge for Christmas miracles.

Can you swim in Costa Rica in December?


Swimming in Costa Rica in december is ideal


With water reaching a maximum of 84°F and an average of 82°F

, going in the water (and staying there!) feels great.

Is Costa Rica nice at Christmas?

Costa Rica Christmas Weather is

Usually Very Nice

By the end of December, usually skies are clear and sunny. As for temperatures, it's usually around 85 F to low 90s F (29 – 34 C) on the coasts. In the Central Valley, countrysides and mountains, it's around 75 F (24C).

Is it hot in Costa Rica in December?

December Weather in San José Costa Rica.

Daily high temperatures are around 77°F, rarely falling below 73°F or exceeding 80°F

. Daily low temperatures are around 64°F, rarely falling below 61°F or exceeding 67°F. The highest daily average low temperature is 64°F on December 23.

Is December rainy in Costa Rica?


The Caribbean side of Costa Rica will be in the middle of the rain season in December

. That doesn't mean that it will rain all day every day, but it will rain for at least a little while on most days with a few all-day events occurring occasionally.

Is Southwest flying to Costa Rica now?


Southwest will resume daily nonstop service to Liberia, Guanacaste, Costa Rica (LIR), and San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO), on June 6, 2021

, with additional connecting service to cities in the U.S., offering fares as low as $129 one-way from Houston (HOU) to Liberia, Guanacaste, Costa Rica (LIR), and San Jose, Costa Rica, …

Are things open on Christmas in Costa Rica?

If you are traveling during Christmas and New Years in Costa Rica,

expect most things to be open for you

. Tour operators, attractions, national parks, restaurants, shops, and other businesses related to tourism are busiest during these dates and remain open.

What is Costa Rica like at Christmas?

Costa Ricans celebrate Christmas Eve (Noche Buena) by gathering for a family feast that includes

roast pork leg, tamales and eggnog (rompope) spiked with rum

. More important than a Christmas tree is an elaborate Nativity Scene (portal). Not a quaint tabletop affair, some portals can take up half a room.

What are the colors of Costa Rica's flag?

national flag with horizontal stripes of

blue, white, red, white, and blue

; the version flown by the government incorporates the national coat of arms. Its width-to-length ratio is 3 to 5.

Is the Pacific Ocean warm in Costa Rica?

Conditions of sea water on beaches in Costa Rica

Now in all beaches in Costa Rica,

the water is very warm

and comfortable for swimming. The water temperature in Costa Rica tends to decrease, its value has decreased both over the last 10 days and over the month.

What are 5 Christmas traditions in Costa Rica?

In December and January, Costa Ricans celebrate Christmas with a whole fair of

fiestas, parades, rodeos, bull runs, street parties and dance festivals

. Festivities kick off with the vibrant, loud and dazzling Festival de la Luz in San Jose on the second week of December.

What do they eat for Christmas in Costa Rica?


Tamales are one staple of the Costa Rican Christmas dinner, as well as pastries, and other Costa Rican desserts like tres leches cake

. To drink, Costa Ricans favor eggnog and rum punch. Another traditional meal is roast pork with rice or mashed potatoes and vegetables.

What is the Festival de la Luz in Costa Rica?

Festival de la Luz is

a popular festival that takes place in the city of San José

. It includes an evening parade with beautifully lit floats (in which the Costa Rica Tourism Board also provides a signature float) and fireworks. This celebration is typically associated with the year-end holidays.

When should you not go to Costa Rica?

But if you have just a week or two to get away, there are certain times of year you'll want to avoid. The rainiest months in general are

September and October

. During this time, you could have several days in a row with prolonged periods of rain, which can make it difficult to get out and explore.

What should I avoid in Costa Rica?

  • Leave valuables unattended. Unfortunately, one of the most common crimes in Costa Rica is theft. …
  • Go to the at night. …
  • Buy drugs. …
  • Speed. …
  • Swim in front of a surf break. …
  • Take a dip in the river. …
  • Think you can get a base tan. …
  • Skip out on mosquito repellent.

Is San Jose or Liberia better?


Liberia is closer to some of the best surfing beaches in the country

but flights can be more expensive. San Jose is closer to nature activities and the hustle and bustle of the capital city with generally cheaper flights, but has more expensive local transportation.

Do I need a Covid test to fly from the US to Costa Rica?

Passengers attempting to leave Costa Rica without valid proof of negative COVID-19 test results or documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel will not be allowed to board the plane.

What airline flies Costa Rica?

Servicing Airlines

US airlines that fly to Costa Rica include

Alaska Air, US Airways, American Airlines, Frontier, Delta, JetBlue and Spirit

. International airways that have routes to Costa Rica include Copa, Air Canada, Mexicana, Avianca and more.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.