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December brings the start of the dry season to Costa Rica and the most popular time to visit (December – April). Honestly, you can find reasons to visit every month of the year—but December truly is something special! It’s the perfect sweet spot to enjoy the best experiences that Costa Rica has to offer before the tourism season really picks up. Here are 5 reasons this is a wonderful time of year to visit the land of Pura Vida.

1.VISIBILITY

Do you have your heart set on seeing the crater at Poás Volcano or marine life on a coral reef snorkeling trip? Then Costa Rica’s dry season is probably ideal for you. During the rainy season, fog could settle in for the afternoon you’d planned a scenic hike or a much-awaited snorkeling excursion. While rainy days can definitely still be a blast in Costa Rica, visibility can be compromised. Starting in mid-December you will likely enjoy clearer skies and less run-off clouding up the water. 

2.TEMPERATURES

December offers the best of both worlds weather-wise. Since it’s still early in the dry season, temperatures are relatively mild. Temperatures can peak in the 90s but you’re more likely to experience manageably warm days in the 80s, plus cooler evenings. By the end of the month, the ocean is the ideal temperature for a sunny trip to one of Costa Rica’s world-class beaches. It’s a great gift to treat yourself after a long year. Keep in mind: hotels understand this, so prices typically start to rise in mid-December. Just plan ahead and book with a travel planner (like us!) to make sure you’re getting the best deal. 

3.VIBRANT FIESTAS

Travel during December and you’ll also find plenty of festivals taking place across the country. From bullfights to dancing and live music, there are lots of cultural traditions and celebrations to join or admire from the sidelines. Some closures may occur as families take time off for holidays, but this just creates more opportunities to engage with local Ticos as you experience Costa Rica.

December features the following: 

• Festival de la Luz (second Saturday of December)

Live music, elaborate masquerades, and parades are some highlights of this spectacular street celebration in Costa Rica’s capital city. The week-long festival kicks off with a grand fireworks show from the tallest buildings in downtown San José.

• El Tope Nacional and Carnaval (December 26 & 27)

During the last week of December, an otherwise nondescript neighborhood of San José transforms to host the biggest party in Costa Rica: El Tope Nacional. Horses and their owners travel from all over the country to participate in this traditional horse parade, a celebration of Costa Rica’s agricultural traditions. On December 26th spectators gather along the 4-mile route to watch the horses “perform” choreographed steps that almost look like dancing.

The very next day is San José’s Carnaval Nacional! If you’re looking for a fun-filled day of floats and even more music, food, and dancing, you won’t want to miss it.

• Fiesta de los Diablitos (December 30 – January 2)

The Fiesta de los Diablitos celebrates the cultural resilience of the Boruca, an Indigenous people from the Talamanca mountains in southern Costa Rica. In the main event, Borucas dressed in colorful costumes reenact 16th-century battles between their victorious ancestors and the Spanish conquistadors. The 4-day festival also includes plenty of singing, dancing, and chicha—a traditional alcoholic drink made from corn. 

The Fiesta de los Diablitos is actually held twice a year in two different villages. The December festivities take place in the town of Boruca, a 2.5-hour drive from Manuel Antonio (perfect for a day trip).

4. TAMALES

Tamales are a Christmas tradition in most Costa Rican households, not easily found other times of year. Everyone has their own special recipe for this dish: a variation of corn-based dough filled with seasoned meat, vegetables, and rice, wrapped in banana leaves, and steamed until tender. Don’t miss trying out as many as you can! 

5. PUERTO VIEJO

After the holiday hustle and bustle of the city, Puerto Viejo offers the perfect change of pace. The 4-hour drive from San José will be worthwhile as soon as you arrive in this coastal, more laid-back town. Ticos from all over Costa Rica join international visitors to soak up the tropical sun and feast on Afro-Caribbean food. We love Puerto Viejo’s scenic charm as well as its lively local nightlife any time of the year, but spirits are at an all-time high in December. Here you can enjoy a quaint getaway, AND party with a cold drink in hand as nightclubs blast reggae beats into the early morning.

Enjoy!

Looking to spend December in Costa Rica? Us, too. Browse our tours to learn more about what Soul Life Travel can offer you and how to start planning with us!

P.S.: If you’re yearning for a last-minute 2020 getaway, Soul Life Travel and Costa Rica are ready to welcome you. As of November 1, 2020, Costa Rica is open to travelers from every country, including all U.S. states and D.C., with no COVID-19 test or quarantine entry requirements. For more information go to the Costa Rica Tourism Board website, check out your home embassy’s resources (U.S. residents, click here), or simply contact our team and we’ll get you everything you need for your perfect Costa Rica travel experience.