Last updated: August 21, 2025
Experience the December weather in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, where the tropical climate creates a delightful atmosphere. With maximum temperatures reaching 31°C (89°F) and an average of 25°C (78°F), visitors can expect warm days perfect for exploring the natural beauty of the region. However, evenings may cool down to a comfortable 21°C (70°F). December also marks a transition into the rainy season, bringing 89 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation over approximately 20 days, resulting in increased humidity levels around 72%. This balance of warmth and moisture not only nourishes the lush landscapes but also enriches the vibrant culture and outdoor activities that await in this stunning coastal destination.
In Puntarenas, Costa Rica, December ushers in a delightful blend of warmth and comfort, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 21°C (70°F) to a pleasant maximum of 31°C (89°F). The average temperature settles at a comfortable 25°C (78°F), making it an inviting time for visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure. As the year winds down, December reveals a slight dip in nighttime temperatures compared to the preceding months, yet the days remain enjoyably warm. Overall, this month benefits from the characteristic tropical climate of the region, making it ideal for exploring the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture of Costa Rica.
In Puntarenas, Costa Rica, December marks a notable shift in the precipitation trends of the year. With an accumulated 89 mm (3.5 in) of rainfall over 20 days, this month offers a respite from the intense downpours that dominate the preceding months. Following the torrential rains of October, which peaks at a staggering 643 mm (25.3 in), December's precipitation is significantly lower yet still substantial compared to the dry start of the year. This transition underscores a gradual decline in rainfall patterns as the region moves towards the dry season, yet it maintains a lush vibrancy essential for the local ecosystem. The drop in rainfall serves as a gentle reminder that while the heavy rains recede, the beauty and freshness of the coastal landscape remain ever-present.
In December, Puntarenas, Costa Rica experiences a humidity level of 72%, which marks a slight decrease from the high-humidity months of June through August, with averages around 84% to 85%. This month signals a transition, as humidity levels begin to stabilize after peaking during the rainy season. Even though December's levels are higher than the earlier months of the year, which hover around 66% to 69%, they reflect a welcome respite from the intense moisture of the preceding summer months. As the year wraps up, visitors can enjoy the tropical ambiance without the sweltering heat and humidity, paving the way for pleasant holiday activities amid the lush landscapes.
In December, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, experiences a UV Index of 10, categorizing it as very high, with a burn time of 15 minutes. This slight dip from the previous months reflects a trend of consistently extreme exposure from January through November, where the UV Index hovered between 11 and 14. Notably, March to June showcase the highest readings, peaking at 14 for four consecutive months, indicating a heightened need for sun protection. As the year winds down, adventurers should still remain cautious, as December's UV levels are still significantly high. For more detailed information on the UV Index in this vibrant region, visit Puntarenas UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
December in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, ushers in a delightful 311 hours of sunshine, wrapping up the year with a bright flourish. As the month transitions from the rainy season, visitors can revel in a significant increase in sunlight, complementing the festive atmosphere. This month stands out with robust sunshine, contrasting beautifully with the cloudier days of previous months like October and August, which recorded only 231 and 247 hours, respectively. Overall, December's sunny disposition continues the trend seen throughout the end of the year, where the hours of sunshine steadily rise from the lower averages of the rainy season, peaking just before the sun-drenched days of the dry season that begin in January. Embrace the warmth and vibrancy of Puntarenas this December, as nature turns up the brightness just in time for the holidays.
In December, Puntarenas, Costa Rica sees a return to sunnier skies, with a 59% chance of sun—matching the start of the year and suggesting a favorable transition from the rainy season. This follows a gradual decrease in sunshine probability from the warmer months, dipping to its lowest in the heart of the rainy season between May and August. As the year wraps up, the weather begins to shift again, bringing back the vibrant sun that characterizes Costa Rica’s dry season. Travelers can expect pleasant, sunny days in December, making it an ideal time to explore the coastal beauty and outdoor adventures that Puntarenas has to offer.
In Puntarenas, Costa Rica, December marks the return to shorter days, with 11 hours of daylight, echoing the patterns seen in both January and February. As the year progresses from March to October, residents and visitors enjoy an extended 12 hours of sunlight, perfect for exploring the vibrant landscapes and coastal beauty. However, as November approaches, daylight starts to wane, leading into December's consistent yet slightly abbreviated light. This rhythm of daylight highlights a charming seasonal cycle, inviting both relaxation and adventure as the sun sets earlier, casting beautiful twilight over the rugged shores.
As December unfolds in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, the average wind speed gently increases to 1.6 m/s (4 mph), providing a serene backdrop to the festive holiday spirit. This slight uptick signals a pattern of stability, as wind speeds tend to be consistently low throughout the year, with only a modest fluctuation from 1.4 m/s in October and September to a peak of 2.1 m/s in March. The calm breezes of December, much like those of the preceding months, invite both relaxation and outdoor enjoyment, making it an ideal time for beach lovers and adventure seekers alike. Overall, the winds usher in a sense of tranquility, perfect for taking in the stunning coastal scenery.
Weather in Puntarenas varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Puntarenas, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In December, temperatures in the region range from a minimum of 21°C (70°F) to a maximum of 31°C (89°F), with an average of 25°C (78°F). This month experiences significant rainfall, totaling 89 mm (3.5 in) over about 20 days, leading to a humidity level of 72%. In contrast, January brings slightly warmer temperatures with a minimum of 20°C (69°F) and a maximum of 32°C (90°F), while the average increases to 26°C (78°F). January is notably drier, receiving only 29 mm (1.1 in) of precipitation over 8 days and slightly lower humidity at 68%. For more detailed information on January weather specifically, you can visit Puntarenas weather in January.
December and February showcase contrasting weather patterns. December experiences a warmer range with average temperatures between 21°C (70°F) and 31°C (89°F) and higher precipitation levels, totaling 89 mm (3.5 in) over 20 days, leading to a humidity of 72%. In contrast, February sees slightly lower minimum temperatures at 20°C (68°F) and higher maximums reaching 33°C (92°F), but with significantly less rainfall at only 14 mm (0.5 in) over just 4 days, resulting in a slightly lower humidity of 68%. For a detailed look at February weather in Puntarenas, visit Puntarenas weather in February.
In December, temperatures in Puntarenas range from a minimum of 21°C (70°F) to a maximum of 31°C (89°F) with an average of 25°C (78°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, totaling 89 mm (3.5 in) over approximately 20 days, contributing to a relatively high humidity level of 72%. In contrast, March sees warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 21°C (71°F), an average of 27°C (81°F), and a peak of 34°C (93°F). Precipitation drops dramatically to just 20 mm (0.8 in) over only 5 days, and the humidity decreases to 66%. For more detailed information, you can check Puntarenas weather in March.
December and April in Puntarenas exhibit a warm tropical climate, but there are notable differences in their weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 21°C (70°F) to a maximum of 31°C (89°F), with an average temperature of 25°C (78°F). The month sees significant rainfall, totaling 89 mm (3.5 in) across 20 days, coupled with a humidity level of 72%.
In contrast, April experiences slightly higher temperatures, with a minimum of 21°C (71°F) and a maximum of 33°C (91°F), resulting in an average of 26°C (79°F). However, it also sees increased precipitation of 147 mm (5.8 in) over 25 days, while humidity drops marginally to 67%. For a closer look at the weather specifics, check out Puntarenas weather in April.
In comparing the weather between December and May, we find some intriguing similarities and differences. Both months share average maximum temperatures around 31°C (88-89°F), but December typically has slightly lower average temperatures—with a minimum of 21°C (70°F) compared to May’s 22°C (72°F). Notably, May experiences significantly higher precipitation, with 424 mm (16.7 in) over 31 days, which is much more intense than December's 89 mm (3.5 in) spread over 20 days. Humidity levels are quite comparable, but May's is just slightly lower at 69% compared to December's 72%. For a more detailed look at Puntarenas weather specifics in May, check out this link: Puntarenas weather in May.
December and June in Puntarenas present contrasting weather characteristics despite having similar temperature ranges. In December, temperatures typically fluctuate between a minimum of 21°C (70°F) and a maximum of 31°C (89°F), with an average of 25°C (78°F). The month sees around 89 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation spread over 20 days, and humidity levels are at 72%. In contrast, June experiences slightly warmer minimum temperatures at 22°C (72°F) with an average of 26°C (78°F) and a peak of 31°C (87°F). However, it is much wetter, with precipitation reaching 421 mm (16.6 in) over 30 days, and humidity rises to 84%. For more detailed information, you can check out Puntarenas weather in June.
In comparing the weather between December and July, December tends to feature slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 21°C (70°F) and an average of 25°C (78°F), while July sees a higher minimum of 23°C (73°F) and a similar average of 26°C (78°F). Both months experience a maximum temperature of around 31°C (87°F to 89°F); however, July is notably wetter, with 365 mm (14.4 in) of precipitation over 30 days compared to December's 89 mm (3.5 in) over 20 days. Additionally, humidity levels are higher in July at 85%, compared to December's 72%. This makes July feel more humid, which can contribute to a more oppressive atmosphere. For more detailed insights into July’s weather, you can visit Puntarenas weather in July.
When comparing the weather in December and August, both months showcase similar average temperatures, hovering around 25°C (78°F), but each has its distinct characteristics. December tends to be slightly cooler with a minimum temperature of 21°C (70°F) and a maximum of 31°C (89°F), while August has a slightly higher minimum of 22°C (72°F) and a maximum of 30°C (87°F). Precipitation levels, however, vary significantly; December sees 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain over 20 days, whereas August experiences a much wetter climate with 421 mm (16.6 in) over 31 days, making it the rainiest month. Humidity is also higher in August at 82%, compared to December's 72%. This notable contrast in precipitation and humidity makes August a particularly damp time of year, more so than the relatively dry month of December. For further details, check out Puntarenas weather in August.
When comparing the weather in December to that in September, it’s evident that both months maintain warm temperatures, with December slightly cooler. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 21°C (70°F) to a maximum of 31°C (89°F), while September shows a minimum of 22°C (72°F) and a maximum of 30°C (86°F). However, December experiences significantly less precipitation, totaling 89 mm (3.5 in) over 20 days, compared to September's substantial 422 mm (16.6 in) spread over 30 days. Additionally, humidity levels are higher in September at 81%, compared to December's 72%. For more specific details, you can check out Puntarenas weather in September.
In comparing the weather of December and October, we see that both months feature similar average temperatures, with December having a minimum temperature of 21°C (70°F) and October slightly warmer at 22°C (72°F). However, December tends to be less humid, with a humidity of 72% compared to October's 80%. Precipitation also shows a significant difference; December receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain over 20 days, while October experiences a much wetter climate with 643 mm (25.3 in) over 30 days. For those interested in learning more about October's weather specifics, you can visit Puntarenas weather in October.
Comparing December and November weather, we see that both months have similar minimum temperatures, but December experiences slightly higher maximum temperatures, reaching up to 31°C (89°F) compared to November's 30°C (86°F). In terms of precipitation, December is notably drier, with 89 mm (3.5 in) of rainfall over 20 days, while November has a much wetter profile, receiving 275 mm (10.8 in) over 29 days. Additionally, humidity levels are higher in November at 80%, compared to December's 72%. For more detailed information, you can check Puntarenas weather in November.
As December unfolds in Puntarenas, the weather takes on a distinctive character, marking the transition to the rainy season. This month showcases a delightful blend of warmth, with temperatures averaging a comfortable 25°C, ideal for travelers seeking a sunny escape. However, December also brings increased humidity and a notable rise in precipitation, with rain gracing the region on nearly two-thirds of the days. This combination of warmer temperatures and higher humidity sets December apart from the drier, sunnier months that precede it, offering a more vibrant, lush landscape for nature lovers. For a deeper dive into what makes December special in Puntarenas, explore more on Puntarenas Climate.