Last updated: August 21, 2025
Discover the December weather in Santa Cruz, Costa Rica, where warm tropical conditions dominate the landscape. With maximum temperatures reaching 35°C (95°F) and an average of 27°C (80°F), the month offers a delightful escape from the cold. Nights cool down to a comfortable 20°C (69°F), providing a pleasant atmosphere for evening activities. Expect a few refreshing rain showers, as precipitation totals around 31 mm (1.2 in) over approximately 4 days, contributing to the lush greenery of the region. With an average humidity of 70%, the air is infused with the richness of the tropics, making December an ideal time to experience the vibrant beauty and culture of Santa Cruz.
In December, Santa Cruz, Costa Rica, experiences pleasantly warm temperatures, making it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the winter chill. With minimums around 20°C (69°F) and averages hovering at 27°C (80°F), visitors can enjoy a comfortable climate while exploring the vibrant surroundings. The maximums peak at 35°C (95°F), typical of the region’s tropical weather, but the consistent warmth carries an inviting charm. Compared to previous months, December’s temperatures reflect a slight cooling trend after the more intense heat of April and May, underscoring the transition into the drier season. This month is perfect for enjoying outdoor activities while soaking in the lush beauty of Costa Rica.
In Santa Cruz, Costa Rica, December marks a gradual transition from the wet season towards drier months. With 31 mm (1.2 in) of precipitation spread over just 4 days, December's rainfall is a welcome respite compared to the torrential downpours earlier in the year. After experiencing peak precipitation in October with 407 mm (16.0 in), the decline in both the amount and number of rainy days is a clear indicator that the region is moving towards its dry period. This pattern highlights a significant shift in weather, allowing for a more enjoyable climate where residents and visitors alike can begin to embrace the sun-filled days and cooler evenings that characterize the upcoming months.
As December rolls in, Santa Cruz, Costa Rica experiences a notable shift in humidity levels, culminating at 70% for the month. This figure marks a slight increase from the preceding months, which have seen a gradual rise in humidity, especially during the mid-year peak in July when levels spiked to 85%. The year begins with relatively drier conditions, peaking at 66% in January, before settling into lower 60s through March to May. As the rainy season approaches in June, humidity jumps significantly; however, December offers a refreshingly milder experience compared to the summer months, striking a balance that enhances the lush, tropical landscapes without overwhelming visitors.
In December, Santa Cruz, Costa Rica, experiences a UV Index of 10, categorized as very high, with a burn time of just 15 minutes. This marks a notable slight decrease from the extreme UV levels observed in the preceding months, where indices regularly soared above 13. Throughout the year, particularly from January to July, residents and visitors alike must remain vigilant against skin damage due to extreme UV conditions, as burn times consistently remained at just 10 minutes. However, December's more moderate levels still necessitate caution. For detailed insights on the UV Index throughout the year, visit Santa Cruz UV Index.
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As the year draws to a close, December in Santa Cruz, Costa Rica shines brightly with an impressive 322 hours of sunshine, offering a delightful glimpse of what's to come in the New Year. This month stands out, with sunlight levels significantly exceeding the averages of October and September, where hours dipped to 245 and 268, respectively. Compared to the earlier months, December's sunshine is a glorious prelude to the vibrant dry season, trailing only behind the sun-drenched days of March and April. With consistent warmth and radiance, December invites visitors to bask in the beauty of this tropical paradise, highlighting the region’s appeal as a winter escape.
As December rolls in, Santa Cruz, Costa Rica, showcases a noteworthy trend in sunny weather, boasting a 72% chance of sunshine. This marks a significant uplift compared to the drizzly months that precede it, particularly the wet season from June to October, where sunshine plummets to as low as 7%. The transition from November, with its 41% sunshine chance, to December’s robust outlook highlights the region's shift towards a drier, more inviting atmosphere. As the year wraps up, visitors can look forward to brighter days, making it an ideal time to explore the stunning coastal landscapes and vibrant local culture.
In Santa Cruz, Costa Rica, the daylight duration experiences a gentle ebb and flow throughout the year. As the new year begins, January and February greet us with approximately 11 hours of daylight, setting a consistent tone. The days gradually lengthen from March to August, peaking at 12 hours, a delightful stretch that continues through the heart of the rainy season. However, as September rolls in, daylight begins to wane again, transitioning back to 11 hours by October. This rhythmic cycle underscores the beauty of Santa Cruz's tropical climate, where the sun's embrace remains a steadfast companion year-round, inviting both residents and visitors to enjoy the great outdoors.
As December unfolds in Santa Cruz, Costa Rica, the average wind speed picks up slightly to 2.8 m/s (6 mph), providing a gentle yet refreshing breeze that hints at the transition from the wet season to the drier months ahead. This increase follows a late-year uptick, with winds picking up from the leisurely 2.3 m/s (5 mph) in November. Over the previous months, the winds have generally calmed down, particularly in the summer when they hovered around 1.5 to 2.0 m/s (3 to 4 mph). As the last month of the year greets visitors with this mild gust, December sets the stage for the more robust breezes characteristic of January and February, inviting both locals and travelers to bask in the revitalizing embrace of Santa Cruz's coastal air.
Weather in Santa Cruz varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Santa Cruz, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In comparing the weather between December and January, both months maintain similar average temperatures, with December showing a minimum of 20°C (69°F) and January slightly cooler at 17°C (64°F). The maximum temperatures rise to 35°C (95°F) in December and peak at 36°C (97°F) in January, indicating January might feel a bit hotter at its highest. Precipitation in December is more frequent, with 31 mm (1.2 in) falling over four days, while January experiences significantly less rain, totaling only 12 mm (0.5 in) over two days. Additionally, humidity is slightly lower in January at 66% compared to December's 70%. For more details, visit Santa Cruz weather in January.
December and February present a striking contrast in weather conditions. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 20°C (69°F) to a maximum of 35°C (95°F), with an average of 27°C (80°F). This month experiences a moderate amount of rainfall, totaling 31 mm (1.2 in) over about four days, combined with humidity levels at 70%. In comparison, February offers slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 19°C (66°F), an average of 28°C (82°F), and a peak of 37°C (99°F). Remarkably, February sees minimal precipitation at just 2 mm (0.1 in) and no rainy days, along with lower humidity at 64%. For a deeper insight into February's weather, you can check out Santa Cruz weather in February.
December and March showcase distinct weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 20°C (69°F) to a maximum of 35°C (95°F), with an average of 27°C (80°F). The month sees moderate humidity at 70% and receives about 31 mm (1.2 in) of precipitation over four days. In contrast, March experiences slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 20°C (69°F) and peaking at 37°C (99°F), averaging 28°C (83°F). This month is much drier, with only 4 mm (0.1 in) of rainfall and no days of precipitation, accompanied by lower humidity levels at 63%. For more information about weather patterns in March, visit Santa Cruz weather in March.
When comparing the weather in December and April, it's evident that April tends to be warmer and wetter. December typically experiences a minimum temperature of 20°C (69°F) and an average of 27°C (80°F), with maximum temperatures reaching 35°C (95°F). In contrast, April starts with a slightly higher minimum temperature of 22°C (71°F) and an average of 29°C (84°F), peaking at a scorching 39°C (102°F). Precipitation is also more frequent in April, with 51 mm (2.0 in) spread over 9 days, compared to December's 31 mm (1.2 in) over just 4 days. Humidity levels are slightly higher in December at 70%, while April enjoys a more comfortable 63%. For more details on April weather in Santa Cruz, check out Santa Cruz weather in April.
December and May exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a comfortable minimum of 20°C (69°F) to a maximum of 35°C (95°F), accompanied by relatively low precipitation of 31 mm (1.2 in) over just 4 days, and humidity hovering around 70%. In contrast, May shows warmer temperatures with a minimum of 23°C (73°F) and a maximum of 38°C (101°F), coupled with significantly higher rainfall totaling 286 mm (11.2 in) over 22 days, while the humidity is lower at 63%. For more detailed insights into the weather during this month, you can visit Santa Cruz weather in May.
In December, the weather features a mild temperature range with minimums around 20°C (69°F) and maximums peaking at 35°C (95°F), alongside relatively low precipitation of 31 mm (1.2 in) over just 4 days. The humidity sits at a comfortable 70%, making it a pleasant time of year. In contrast, June brings slightly warmer temperatures with minimums at 22°C (72°F) and maximums reaching 36°C (97°F). However, it is significantly wetter, with a staggering 359 mm (14.1 in) of rainfall occurring over 26 days, and humidity levels increase to 74%. This contrast highlights the shift from a drier, warmer December to a much wetter and slightly hotter June. For more details, check out Santa Cruz weather in June.
December and July exhibit distinct weather patterns, though their average temperatures remain similar. December sees a minimum temperature of 20°C (69°F) and an average of 27°C (80°F), while July starts slightly warmer with a minimum of 21°C (71°F). Both months have maximum temperatures peaking at 35°C (95°F). However, precipitation levels contrast sharply. December averages only 31 mm (1.2 in) over 4 days, while July experiences significantly heavier rainfall, totaling 215 mm (8.4 in) over 23 days, resulting in a much higher humidity level of 85%. For a more detailed perspective, you can check Santa Cruz weather in July.
In December, the weather is warm and relatively dry, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 20°C (69°F) to a maximum of 35°C (95°F). The average temperature sits around 27°C (80°F), accompanied by low precipitation levels of just 31 mm (1.2 inches) over about 4 days, and humidity at 70%. In contrast, August is markedly wetter and more humid, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 22°C (71°F) to the same maximum of 35°C (95°F), but an average temperature of 26°C (80°F). The month sees significant rainfall of 290 mm (11.4 inches) over approximately 25 days and a humidity level of 82%. For more detailed information, you can check Santa Cruz weather in August.
In comparing the weather of December and September, December tends to be warmer with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 20°C (69°F) to a maximum of 35°C (95°F), displaying a less humid atmosphere at 70%. It also experiences significantly lower precipitation, with only 31 mm (1.2 in) over about 4 days. In contrast, September features slightly cooler temperatures, with a range from 22°C (71°F) to 34°C (93°F), but it is marked by heavy rainfall, accumulating 353 mm (13.9 in) over 28 days and a higher humidity level of 80%. For more details, you can visit Santa Cruz weather in September.
December weather in Santa Cruz is generally warmer and drier compared to October. With average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 20°C (69°F) to a maximum of 35°C (95°F), December enjoys a pleasant climate characterized by an average temperature of 27°C (80°F). In contrast, October sees slightly cooler temperatures, with averages between 21°C (71°F) and 33°C (92°F), but experiences significantly higher rainfall. October's precipitation reaches 407 mm (16.0 in) over 29 days, leading to a much more humid environment with 79% humidity compared to December's 70% humidity and only 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain over just 4 days. For a closer look at October's climate, visit Santa Cruz weather in October.
When comparing the weather in December to that in November, December tends to be slightly warmer and drier. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 20°C (69°F) to a maximum of 35°C (95°F), with an average temperature of 27°C (80°F). The month sees around 31 mm (1.2 in) of precipitation over just four days, resulting in a humidity level of about 70%. In contrast, November experiences a bit cooler weather, with temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 33°C (93°F), an average of 26°C (79°F), and significantly higher precipitation of 130 mm (5.1 in) spread over 15 days. This leads to a humid atmosphere with about 79% humidity. For more detailed insights into November's weather patterns, you can check Santa Cruz weather in November.
December in Santa Cruz ushers in a notable transition in weather, offering a warm and inviting environment as the rainy season gives way to drier conditions. With temperatures averaging around a comfortable 27°C, the month is defined by a perfect blend of warmth and humidity, creating an enjoyable climate for outdoor activities. While occasional rain may occur on a few days, the overall precipitation is significantly less than earlier months, allowing residents and visitors alike to bask in the lush landscapes. For those seeking a tropical escape, December is a delightful time to experience the vibrant beauty of Santa Cruz. For more details on what to expect throughout the year, check out Santa Cruz Climate.