Start of the drier season · Weather & things to do
La Fortuna in December
This is the coldest month in La Fortuna: highs average 81°F (27°C) and lows 70°F (21°C), with about 2.4 in (60 mm) of rain.
It scores 71/100 for comfort, 4th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 81°F (27°C)
- Avg low
- 70°F (21°C)
- Rain
- 2.4 in (60 mm)
- Humidity
- 89%
- Cloud cover
- 66%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 23 min
- Comfort score
- 71/100 · Good
What December feels like
Days are warm, averaging 81°F (27°C).
After dark, temperatures fall to about 70°F (21°C).
Humidity averages 89%, so the air feels sticky and the heat feels stronger than the thermometer says.
Some rain is likely, about 2.4 in (60 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around December
December is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (January – March).
- The drier spell starts: rain falls to 2.4 in (60 mm) after 7.0 in (179 mm) in November.
- Comfort improves from 52/100 in November to 71/100.
- December sits inside the Dec – Apr window our Costa Rica Pura Vida route recommends.
What to pack for December
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 81°F
- Quick-dry fabrics89% average humidity
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 2.4 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in La Fortuna in December
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Arenal 1968
Private reserve with lava-field trails and lake views.
Why now December scores 71/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Arenal Volcano National Park
Trails over 1968 lava flows with views of the volcano's cone.
Why now Highs near 81°F and 2.4 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
Volcano-fed hot springs running through landscaped rainforest.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Rainforest Chocolate Tour
Bean-to-bar chocolate tour with tastings.
Soda Viquez
Local soda serving casados and gallo pinto.
Nearby in December
- Monteverde in December~16 mi · highs 70°F, 1.1 in rain · 6°C (11°F) cooler by day, drier
- Manuel Antonio in December~82 mi · highs 83°F, 4.1 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~506 m to La Fortuna's ~253 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
La Fortuna in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit La Fortuna?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 71/100 against a best of 79 in January – March. Expect highs of 81°F (27°C) and 2.4 in (60 mm) of rain. December is inside the Dec – Apr window our Costa Rica Pura Vida route recommends.
How hot is La Fortuna in December?
Average highs are 81°F (27°C) and average lows 70°F (21°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in La Fortuna in December?
Some: about 2.4 in (60 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 63.2 in (1605 mm).
What should I pack for La Fortuna in December?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 81°F), quick-dry fabrics (89% average humidity), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 2.4 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on La Fortuna
Routes in season in December
- Costa Rica Pura Vida Dec – Apr
Planning La Fortuna in December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.