Things to Do in Sanjose in December

December Weather in Sanjose

34°C (93°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

51mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather in Costa Rica's dry season - trails at 1,000-2,500m (3,280-8,200 ft) elevation have crisp mornings at 18°C (64°F) and comfortable hiking temperatures by 10am
Peak wildlife viewing season as animals congregate around water sources - Manuel Antonio and Monteverde report 40% higher wildlife sightings in December compared to rainy season months
Optimal coffee harvest season - December is when arabica beans are hand-picked at peak ripeness, with plantation tours offering actual harvest participation rather than just demonstrations
Consistent afternoon rain pattern (typically 2-4pm) creates predictable scheduling - mornings stay dry 85% of the time, perfect for outdoor activities before retreating indoors during brief but intense downpours

Considerations

Peak tourism season means accommodation prices increase 60-80% compared to September-November, with beachfront hotels in Manuel Antonio charging $200-400+ per night versus $120-250 in shoulder season
Afternoon thunderstorms can be intense with 25-50mm (1-2 inches) falling in 30-45 minutes, causing temporary flooding in downtown areas and requiring flexible scheduling
High humidity at 70% combined with 34°C (93°F) temperatures makes midday activities exhausting - most locals take extended lunch breaks from 12-3pm for good reason

Best Activities in December

Manuel Antonio National Park Hiking

December's morning temperatures of 24-26°C (75-79°F) make the park's 2.5km (1.6 mile) coastal trails comfortable before 11am. Wildlife is most active during early hours, and afternoon rains provide natural cooling. The dry season means clearer views from Cathedral Point lookout.

Booking Tip: Enter by 7am to avoid crowds and heat - park limits visitors to 600 per day. Book 5-7 days ahead during December peak season. Entry costs ₡1,600 (about $3) for residents, $16 for tourists. Reference booking widget for guided nature tours.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Canopy Tours

At 1,400m (4,593 ft) elevation, December temperatures stay 6-8°C (11-14°F) cooler than sea level. Morning cloud cover burns off by 9am, revealing spectacular valley views. The brief afternoon rains actually enhance the mystical cloud forest atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Book the first tour slot (7:30am) for best weather and wildlife viewing. Zip-line tours typically cost $35-60, sky walks $15-25. Tours fill quickly in December, so book 10-14 days ahead. See current operators in booking section below.

Central Valley Coffee Plantation Tours

December is harvest season, meaning you'll see actual coffee picking rather than empty trees. Tours at 1,200-1,800m (3,937-5,906 ft) elevation stay comfortable even at midday. Morning tours (8-11am) avoid afternoon rains and offer perfect lighting for photos of the harvest process.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost $40-80 including transportation from San José. Book harvest-specific tours that include picking experience. Most plantations near San José offer morning pickup. Check booking widget for current harvest tour options.

Arenal Volcano Hot Springs

December's afternoon rains create dramatic volcanic mist, and soaking in 38-40°C (100-104°F) mineral springs during a warm rain shower is uniquely Costa Rican. Evening visits (5-8pm) offer volcano views as clouds clear after daily storms.

Booking Tip: Day passes to thermal resorts cost $25-75. Higher-end resorts like Tabacón charge more but offer better facilities. Book sunset time slots for best volcano visibility. Transportation from La Fortuna adds $10-20. See current hot springs packages in booking section.

Pacific Coast Surfing Lessons

December brings consistent 1-2m (3-6 ft) swells to Tamarindo and Jaco. Water temperature stays 27°C (81°F) year-round, and morning offshore winds create clean wave faces before afternoon onshore winds. Brief afternoon rains cool down hot sand.

Booking Tip: Group lessons cost $40-60, private lessons $80-120. Book 6am or 7am sessions for best conditions and fewer crowds. Most surf schools provide boards and rash guards. Afternoon sessions (4-6pm) work well after daily rains pass.

Tortuguero Canal Wildlife Tours

December falls between sea turtle seasons, but canal wildlife viewing peaks as animals gather near permanent water sources. Morning boat tours at 6am catch wildlife before heat, and the 70% humidity actually keeps howler monkeys and sloths more active than in dry conditions.

Booking Tip: Two-day packages from San José cost $180-300 including transport, meals, and guided tours. December availability is limited due to demand, so book 3-4 weeks ahead. Morning departure tours offer better wildlife chances than afternoon returns.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December (typically second Saturday)

Festival de la Luz (Festival of Lights)

San José's main Christmas celebration featuring elaborate floats, marching bands, and thousands of LED lights proceeding down Avenida Central. Local families line the streets with folding chairs hours early, and food vendors sell traditional tamales and agua dulce.

December 16-24

Las Posadas Religious Processions

Nine-day Christmas tradition where communities reenact Mary and Joseph's search for shelter. Each evening features processions through neighborhoods with singing, candles, and communal meals. Most authentic experiences happen in smaller towns like Cartago and Heredia.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking pants - morning trails can be dewy, and afternoon rains mean regular cotton takes hours to dry in 70% humidity

Waterproof daypack cover or dry bags - afternoon thunderstorms dump 25-50mm (1-2 inches) in 30 minutes, soaking everything exposed

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 at 1,000m+ (3,280 ft+) elevation burns skin in 15 minutes, even through morning clouds

Lightweight rain jacket with pit zips - you'll overheat in plastic ponchos during 26°C (79°F) warm rains

Moisture-wicking synthetic shirts - avoid cotton in 70% humidity as it stays damp and becomes uncomfortable quickly

Sturdy hiking sandals - many trails involve stream crossings, and quick-dry footwear is essential for afternoon rain comfort

Insect repellent with 25-30% DEET - December rains create breeding pools, and afternoon mosquito activity peaks around 4-6pm

Small microfiber towel - hotel towels don't dry overnight in humid conditions, and you'll need quick-dry options for multiple activities

Waterproof phone case - essential for photographing wildlife during brief rain showers and protecting electronics from humidity

Electrolyte packets - 34°C (93°F) temperatures with 70% humidity cause rapid dehydration during hiking and outdoor activities

Insider Knowledge

Schedule outdoor activities for 7-11am window - this is when locals hike, surf, and do farm work before the heat becomes oppressive and afternoon rains begin

Many museums and indoor attractions offer 'rainy day' discounts between 2-5pm during December - ask at reception as these aren't advertised online

Coffee plantation tours in December include fresh coffee cherries to taste - the fruit surrounding the bean is sweet and caffeinated, but only available during harvest season

Downtown San José empties during 12-3pm lunch break - this is actually the best time to visit markets and museums without crowds, though some services close

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning afternoon outdoor activities - most tourists underestimate how the 2-4pm thunderstorms disrupt schedules and assume they can 'push through' the rain

Bringing only one pair of shoes - December's daily rain cycle means footwear stays damp, and having backup shoes prevents uncomfortable hiking in wet boots

Underestimating December accommodation demand - many assume Central America is 'low season' year-round, but December is peak tourist season requiring advance booking