Matapalo Weather in December
Matapalo in December sees high daytime temperatures of 27°C (81°F) and nighttime lows of 22°C (72°F). As part of the rainy season, showers are frequent and often heavy. Budget around 509 mm (20 in) of rainfall for the month.
Rainfall in Matapalo in December
Matapalo is in the rainy season in December, with rain on around 15 days and an average of 509 mm (20 in). Showers during the rainy season tend to be heavy and can come down intensely. An umbrella is often not enough, so a poncho or waterproof jacket is a better choice.
Temperature in Matapalo in December
Temperatures in Matapalo in December top out at 27°C (81°F) and drop to 22°C (72°F) overnight. Conditions stay fairly consistent through the month, making it easier to plan what to wear. With overnight lows of 22°C (72°F), evenings stay pleasantly warm.
Sunshine in Matapalo in December
The days are predominantly sunny, with an estimated total of around 249 hours of sunshine. Rain is often only seen in the afternoon or evening, leaving clear skies for most of the day. This results in rainy months that still feel bright and are suitable for travel.If you're looking for dry conditions and comfortable temperatures, December may not be the ideal month to visit Matapalo. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Costa Rica, check out our Matapalo's climate page.
Matapalo Temperature in December
Min Temperature
22°C (72°F)
Max Temperature
27°C (81°F)
Chance of Rain
48%
Precipitation
509 mm (20 in)
Rainy days
15 days
Humidity
81% *
Sunshine
249 hours *
Percentage Sunshine
*
Daily Historical Temperatures
44-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Matapalo typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 27°C (81°F). Nights are pleasant, with lows around 19°C (66°F).
Average temperatures in December
Daily Historical Precipitation
44-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in December
Historical weather for Matapalo in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for Matapalo spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Matapalo historical weather extremes in December
Based on weather observations in Matapalo between 1996 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes during December.
- On December 10, 1997, temperatures climbed to 31°C (88°F), marking the warmest December day on record.
- The lowest daytime temperature in December was 20°C (68°F), recorded on December 11, 2017.
- The coldest night in December in Matapalo was on December 7, 2010, with a minimum of 13°C (55°F).
- The heaviest December precipitation occurred on December 3, 2000, when 147 mm (5.8 in) of precipitation fell.
Best Places in Costa Rica in December
Find out more about the weather in Costa Rica and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Costa Rica in December →
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What to Wear in Matapalo in December
Warm weather calls for comfortable, breathable clothing in December. Cotton t-shirts, shorts, light dresses, and sandals are perfect. You might still want a light layer for evenings or air-conditioned places (for example buses). Also bring a poncho, it will rain a lot! Waterproof everything you can. Don't forget sun protection, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. These are all good ideas with this much sunshine.What To Do in Matapalo in December
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Costa Rica, check out our Matapalo's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Matapalo climate overview or explore weather in Costa Rica.
