Middle of the drier season · Weather & things to do
Manuel Antonio in December
Little changes in Manuel Antonio from November: highs stay near 83°F (29°C), lows near 76°F (25°C), and about 4.1 in (104 mm) of rain falls.
It scores 67/100 for comfort, 4th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 83°F (29°C)
- Avg low
- 76°F (25°C)
- Rain
- 4.1 in (104 mm)
- Humidity
- 82%
- Cloud cover
- 59%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 27 min
- Comfort score
- 67/100 · Good
What December feels like
Days are warm, averaging 83°F (29°C).
Nights stay warm too, with lows averaging 76°F (25°C).
With 82% average humidity, it feels muggy.
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 4.1 in (104 mm).
Plan around December
December is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (January – March).
- The drier spell starts: rain falls to 4.1 in (104 mm) after 9.3 in (235 mm) in November.
- Comfort improves from 45/100 in November to 67/100.
- December sits inside the Dec – Apr window our Costa Rica Pura Vida route recommends.
What to pack for December
- Light, breathable clothes83°F afternoons
- Quick-dry fabrics82% average humidity
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Manuel Antonio in December
December is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Playa Biesanz
Sheltered cove for snorkeling.
Why now December scores 67/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Small park of rainforest trails and beaches.
Why now Highs near 83°F and 4.1 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Manuel Antonio Falafel Bar
Fresh falafel, shawarma and hummus plates on the main road; a cheap, fast lunch between the park and the beach.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Planet Dolphin catamaran
Sunset catamaran tour.
Marina Pez Vela
Quepos marina with restaurants.
Nearby in December
- Monteverde in December~78 mi · highs 70°F, 1.1 in rain · 8°C (14°F) cooler by day, drier
- La Fortuna in December~82 mi · highs 81°F, 2.4 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~264 m to Manuel Antonio's ~108 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.
Manuel Antonio in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Manuel Antonio?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 67/100 against a best of 84 in January – March. Expect highs of 83°F (29°C) and 4.1 in (104 mm) of rain. December is inside the Dec – Apr window our Costa Rica Pura Vida route recommends.
How hot is Manuel Antonio in December?
Average highs are 83°F (29°C) and average lows 76°F (25°C), making it the 6th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Manuel Antonio in December?
Some: about 4.1 in (104 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 90.1 in (2288 mm).
What should I pack for Manuel Antonio in December?
Bring light, breathable clothes (83°F afternoons), quick-dry fabrics (82% average humidity), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Manuel Antonio
Routes in season in December
- Costa Rica Pura Vida Dec – Apr
Planning Manuel Antonio in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.