Start of the drier season · Weather & things to do
Monteverde in December
Little changes in Monteverde from November: highs stay near 70°F (21°C), lows near 57°F (14°C), and about 1.1 in (28 mm) of rain falls.
December opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 88/100 (5th of 12).
- Avg high
- 70°F (21°C)
- Avg low
- 57°F (14°C)
- Rain
- 1.1 in (28 mm)
- Humidity
- 85%
- Cloud cover
- 66%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 24 min
- Comfort score
- 88/100 · Great
What December feels like
Days are mild at around 70°F (21°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
Lows average 57°F (14°C).
It's one of the drier stretches, with only about 1.1 in (28 mm) of rain.
Plan around December
December is one of Monteverde's best months on the climate data.
- The drier spell starts: rain falls to 1.1 in (28 mm) after 5.2 in (132 mm) in November.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: December – April.
- Comfort improves from 73/100 in November to 88/100.
- December sits inside the Dec – Apr window our Costa Rica Pura Vida route recommends.
What to pack for December
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 57°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Monteverde in December
December is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
Cloud-forest reserve with quetzal habitat.
Why now December scores 88/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
Higher, less-crowded cloud forest.
Why now Highs near 70°F and 1.1 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Monteverde Cheese Factory
Dairy shop selling cheese and ice cream.
Don Juan Coffee Tour
Coffee, chocolate and sugarcane farm tour.
Selvatura Park
Canopy zipline and hanging bridges.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in December
- La Fortuna in December~16 mi · highs 81°F, 2.4 in rain · 6°C (11°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Manuel Antonio in December~78 mi · highs 83°F, 4.1 in rain · 8°C (14°F) warmer by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~381 m to Monteverde's ~1,373 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.
Monteverde in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Monteverde?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 88/100. Expect highs of 70°F (21°C) and 1.1 in (28 mm) of rain. December is inside the Dec – Apr window our Costa Rica Pura Vida route recommends.
How hot is Monteverde in December?
Average highs are 70°F (21°C) and average lows 57°F (14°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Monteverde in December?
Not much: about 1.1 in (28 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 56.8 in (1443 mm).
What should I pack for Monteverde in December?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 57°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Monteverde
Routes in season in December
- Costa Rica Pura Vida Dec – Apr
Planning Monteverde in December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.