Last updated: August 21, 2025
December in La Fortuna, Costa Rica presents a delightful blend of tropical climate and lush scenery. With daytime temperatures reaching a maximum of 29°C (85°F) and settling to a comfortable average of 23°C (74°F), visitors can enjoy the vibrant landscapes. However, the month is characterized by frequent rainfall, totaling around 60 mm (2.3 in) across 20 days, contributing to the region's verdant beauty. Additionally, humidity levels hover around 70%, creating a warm, tropical atmosphere ideal for exploring the stunning natural surroundings. Whether you're hiking through the rainforest or soaking in hot springs, December offers a captivating experience in this idyllic destination.
In December, La Fortuna, Costa Rica welcomes the start of the dry season with pleasantly mild temperatures that make it an ideal destination for travelers. The average temperature hovers around 23°C (74°F), while nighttime lows reach a comfortable 18°C (64°F). As the festive spirit fills the air, daytime highs are invitingly warm but slightly cooler than the peak temperatures of the preceding months, maxing out at about 29°C (85°F). This gradual dip not only creates a cozy atmosphere but also sets the stage for the vibrant natural landscape to thrive, inviting visitors to explore lush rainforests and breathtaking waterfalls. With its balmy weather, December in La Fortuna is the perfect time for outdoor adventures and serene escapes alike.
In December, La Fortuna experiences a noticeable shift in its precipitation patterns, marking the tail end of the rainy season. With 60 mm (2.3 in) of rainfall over approximately 20 days, the month offers a refreshing contrast to the intense downpours of previous months like October and November, which saw significantly higher totals of 391 mm and 169 mm, respectively. This tapering off allows for a brief respite from the relentless rains, making way for clearer skies and lush landscapes, perfect for outdoor adventures. As the year wraps up, visitors can enjoy the vibrant flora nourished by earlier storms while savoring the milder weather that December brings.
In La Fortuna, Costa Rica, the trend of humidity throughout the year reveals a distinct seasonal pattern. Beginning with lower humidity levels in the early months—66% in January and gradually declining to 63% by April—the region experiences a shift as the wet season approaches. From June onwards, humidity surges significantly, peaking at 85% in July. This elevated moisture lingers through the late summer and early fall, with December marking a drop to 70% as the rainy season transitions to drier weather. This fluctuation not only shapes the lush landscapes of La Fortuna but also influences the overall climate, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere year-round.
In December, La Fortuna, Costa Rica, experiences a UV Index of 10, categorized as very high, which marks a slight decline from the extreme levels usually seen in the preceding months. While the burn time extends to 15 minutes, it’s crucial to remain vigilant, as the UV Index has consistently hovered between 11 and 15 from January to November. This trend highlights La Fortuna's intense sun exposure throughout most of the year, with only a minor easing as the year closes. Whether you're hiking in the lush rainforests or relaxing by the Arenal Volcano, be sure to protect your skin. For more detailed information on the UV Index throughout the year, visit La Fortuna UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
December in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, welcomes travelers with an impressive 313 hours of sunshine, marking it as one of the sunniest months of the year. As the dry season takes hold, visitors can enjoy a significant increase in daylight hours compared to the peak rainy months of October and September, which offer only 244 and 262 hours respectively. This bright transition is a precursor to the vibrant days of February and March, where sunshine peaks at 299 and 333 hours. Moreover, December's luminous skies provide the perfect backdrop for exploring La Fortuna's stunning waterfalls, hot springs, and lush rainforests, making it an ideal time for outdoor adventures. As the year closes, December's abundant sunshine not only enhances the natural beauty of the region but also invites travelers to bask in the warm glow of Costa Rican paradise.
In La Fortuna, Costa Rica, December offers a 39% chance of sunny weather, marking a noticeable uptick as the year draws to a close. This sunny prospect is part of a broader trend observed from November, which sees a 23% chance of sun, setting the stage for December's slight improvement. As you transition from the year's wetter months of June and July, where sunlight is scarce at 14% and 16% respectively, December stands out as a welcome precursor to the drier and sunnier months ahead. Travelers can look forward to embracing the vibrant landscape under clearer skies, as La Fortuna begins to shake off the heavier rain that characterizes the earlier part of the year.
In La Fortuna, Costa Rica, the daylight duration exhibits a fascinating pattern throughout the year. From January to April, the days gradually lengthen from 11 to 12 hours, creating a delightful transition that signals the onset of the dry season. This period of increased sunlight continues consistently through the summer months until October, where daylight hours begin to recede back to 11 hours in time for the rainy season. Interestingly, the trend culminates in a cycle that notably returns to 11-hour days in both November and December, providing a sense of continuity and rhythm to the lush tropical climate. This stability in daylight makes La Fortuna an inviting destination for year-round exploration, with a reliably pleasant mix of sun and shadows.
As December descends upon La Fortuna, Costa Rica, the winds begin to pick up, offering a refreshing contrast to the vibrant tropical atmosphere. Average wind speeds in December reach 3.4 m/s (8 mph), a notable increase from the calmer breezes of the previous months, particularly the lows of June and August, where wind speed dipped to around 1.5 m/s (3 mph). This upward trend not only enhances the overall comfort for outdoor activities but also sets the stage for more vibrant weather patterns leading into the new year. The transition from November's 2.8 m/s (6 mph) to December’s gentle gusts brings a sense of invigorating change, perfect for those seeking adventure in the lush landscapes of this captivating region.
Weather in La Fortuna varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in La Fortuna, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In December, the weather in La Fortuna is characterized by warmer temperatures, with minimums around 18°C (64°F) and maximums reaching up to 29°C (85°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, totaling about 60 mm (2.3 in) over approximately 20 days, contributing to a higher humidity level of 70%. In contrast, January sees slightly cooler conditions, with minimum temperatures dropping to 14°C (58°F) and maximums rising to 30°C (87°F). Rainfall is reduced to 42 mm (1.6 in) across just 11 days, resulting in a lower humidity of 66%. For more detailed information, you can check La Fortuna weather in January.
In December, temperatures in La Fortuna range from a minimum of 18°C (64°F) to a maximum of 29°C (85°F), with an average of 23°C (74°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, totaling around 60 mm (2.3 in) over 20 days and maintaining a humidity level of 70%. In contrast, February presents slightly warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures of 17°C (63°F) and a maximum of 33°C (91°F), averaging 24°C (75°F). Precipitation is notably lower in February, amounting to just 18 mm (0.7 in) over a mere 6 days, and humidity decreases to 64%. This shift indicates a transition towards drier, warmer weather as the region moves deeper into the dry season. For a more detailed outlook, check out La Fortuna weather in February.
In December, the weather is generally warm, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 18°C (64°F) to a maximum of 29°C (85°F), averaging around 23°C (74°F). With 60 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation spread over 20 days, the month tends to be quite humid, averaging around 70%. By contrast, March sees a slight increase in average temperature to 24°C (76°F) and a maximum of 33°C (91°F), while the minimum remains the same at 18°C (64°F). Precipitation drops significantly to 19 mm (0.8 in) over just 6 days, resulting in a lower humidity level of 63%. For more details about March weather in La Fortuna, you can visit La Fortuna weather in March.
In December, La Fortuna experiences milder temperatures with average highs reaching about 29°C (85°F) and a humidity level of 70%, resulting in a warm yet comfortable climate. The month typically sees around 60 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation over approximately 20 days, making it one of the wetter months of the year. In contrast, April showcases warmer weather, with average temperatures peaking at 34°C (93°F) and an average of 25°C (78°F). Although April has slightly less rainfall at 52 mm (2.1 in) over about 12 days, the humidity decreases to 63%, contributing to a drier and more tropical feel. For more details on La Fortuna's weather in April, you can check La Fortuna weather in April.
When comparing the weather in December and May, we see distinct differences in both temperature and precipitation. December tends to be milder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 18°C (64°F) to a maximum of 29°C (85°F) and an average of 23°C (74°F). It experiences about 60 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation over 20 days, contributing to a relatively humid atmosphere with 70% humidity. In contrast, May heats up, with a minimum temperature of 19°C (67°F) and a maximum reaching 34°C (93°F), yielding an average of 25°C (77°F). However, it also sees a significant increase in rainfall, accumulating 308 mm (12.1 in) over 25 days, and has slightly lower humidity at 63%. For more detailed insights on the weather in May, you can visit La Fortuna weather in May.
The weather in December and June shows notable differences in temperature and precipitation. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 18°C (64°F) to a maximum of 29°C (85°F), with an average of 23°C (74°F). This month experiences around 60 mm (2.3 in) of precipitation over 20 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 70%. In contrast, June sees slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 20°C (69°F) and a maximum of 32°C (90°F), averaging at 25°C (77°F). However, it also brings significantly more rain, totaling 314 mm (12.4 in) over 28 days, and a humidity level of 74%. For a detailed look at the weather specifics in June, you can check out La Fortuna weather in June.
In comparing the weather between December and July, it's evident that both months offer warm temperatures, but with notable differences. December sees temperatures ranging from a minimum of 18°C (64°F) to a maximum of 29°C (85°F), making it slightly cooler overall with less humidity at 70%. In contrast, July's weather is generally warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 20°C (68°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F) and a higher humidity level of 85%. Additionally, July experiences significantly more rainfall, with 146 mm (5.7 in) of precipitation over 28 days, compared to December's 60 mm (2.3 in) over just 20 days. For more detailed insights, you can check La Fortuna weather in July.
When comparing the weather in December and August, notable differences emerge in both temperature and precipitation patterns. December tends to be milder, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 18°C (64°F) to a maximum of 29°C (85°F), and it experiences much lower precipitation at 60 mm (2.3 in) over 20 days. In contrast, August features warmer temperatures, with averages between 20°C (68°F) and 32°C (90°F), but sees significantly higher rainfall, totaling 257 mm (10.1 in) across 27 days. Additionally, humidity levels are generally higher in August at 82%, compared to December’s 70%. For more detailed insights on August weather specifically, you can visit La Fortuna weather in August.
In December, the weather features milder temperatures with a minimum of 18°C (64°F) and an average of 23°C (74°F), peaking at 29°C (85°F). The month sees moderate precipitation, totaling 60 mm (2.3 in) over about 20 days, with humidity levels around 70%. In contrast, September experiences warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 20°C (68°F) and an average of 24°C (76°F), reaching up to 32°C (89°F). However, it is significantly wetter, with 295 mm (11.6 in) of rain spread over 28 days and higher humidity at 80%. For more detailed weather information for September, you can visit La Fortuna weather in September.
When comparing the weather in December to that of October, several notable differences emerge. December experiences slightly cooler temperatures with a minimum of 18°C (64°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F), averaging around 23°C (74°F). In contrast, October is generally warmer, with minimum temperatures of 20°C (67°F) and maximums reaching 31°C (87°F), averaging 24°C (75°F). Additionally, October sees significantly higher rainfall, with 391 mm (15.4 in) over 29 days, compared to December's 60 mm (2.3 in) over just 20 days. Humidity levels are also higher in October at 79%, compared to December's 70%. For more details on October weather, check out La Fortuna weather in October.
In comparing the weather of December and November, we see some notable differences. December features slightly cooler temperatures with a minimum of 18°C (64°F) and an average of 23°C (74°F), while November holds a warmer average of 24°C (75°F) and a maximum of 30°C (87°F). Precipitation also decreases significantly in December, with only 60 mm (2.3 in) spread over 20 days compared to November's 169 mm (6.7 in) over 24 days. Additionally, December's humidity is lower at 70%, compared to November's 79%. For a more detailed outlook, you can check out La Fortuna weather in November.
As December settles in La Fortuna, the weather transforms into a unique blend of warmth and humidity that signals the arrival of the rainy season's final whispers. Average temperatures hover around a comfortable 23°C, while daily maxima can reach up to 29°C, creating a pleasantly warm environment for exploration. However, don't forget your umbrella, as the month sees considerable precipitation, with rain gracing about two-thirds of the days. This increased moisture contributes to a lush, vibrant landscape, perfect for experiencing the rich biodiversity that the region has to offer. Compared to other months, December tends to be more humid, which can add a tropical flair to your adventures. For a deeper look into what to expect throughout the year, check out La Fortuna Climate.