La Fortuna in December
Great time to visit
December brings the sweet return of dry season with clear Arenal views and perfect hiking weather. Holiday crowds and prices return, but after months of rain, those blue skies feel worth every penny.
Weather
December marks the glorious return of dry season with rainfall dropping dramatically after mid-month. Temperatures range from cool 15°C mornings to pleasant 26°C afternoons. Humidity plummets and crystal-clear skies return.
26°C high15°C low8 rain days
Crowds & Cost
high crowds
~$88/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Las Posadas celebrations
- •Christmas festivities
- •New Year preparations
- •Holiday vacation period
December Tips
- •Book Christmas and New Year accommodations months in advance
- •Pack warm clothes for surprisingly chilly mornings
- •Volcano visibility improves dramatically after December 15th
All Months
December through April gives you the clearest volcano views and the least rain. But here's what the brochures don't tell you: dry season also means dust, higher prices, and crowds at every waterfall. January and February are peak season — book accommodations months ahead or pay premium rates.
May through November brings afternoon rains, but mornings are often crystal clear. You'll get better photos of Arenal Volcano at 7 AM in July than at noon in February. Plus, everything costs 30% less, and you won't fight for space on the hanging bridges.
The worst time? September and October. Too much rain, even for Costa Rica. Rivers run high and muddy, some tours get canceled, and you'll spend more time indoors than anyone wants on a volcano adventure.
La Fortuna Scores
Solo
7/10
Couples
7/10
Families
8/10
Adventure
9/10
Budget
6/10
Luxury
6/10
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