San José Weather in December
During December, San José experiences high daytime temperatures of 24°C (75°F) and cooler nights around 16°C (61°F). Expect quite a bit of rainfall. Around 150 mm (5.9 in) is typical.
Rainfall in San José in December
Historically, approximately 16 days this month are expected to have rain, averaging 150 mm (5.9 in). Rain falls regularly this month and can be quite heavy when it does. Showers can be substantial, so waterproof gear is a good idea.
Temperature in San José in December
In December, expect high temperatures in San José, with highs of 24°C (75°F) and lows of 16°C (61°F) at night. Overall, the month follows a fairly predictable daily temperature pattern. Nights drop to around 16°C (61°F), which is noticeably cooler than the daytime. A light jacket for the evening is a sensible addition, and the cool nights tend to make sleeping comfortable.
Sunshine in San José in December
Enjoy a sunny month with about 244 hours of sunshine, the clear skies make San José even more beautiful.Should you favor a climate that's both dry and comfortably warm, January, February and March typically offer the most agreeable circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.
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 San José's climate page.
San José Temperature in December
Min Temperature
16°C (61°F)
Max Temperature
24°C (75°F)
Chance of Rain
52%
Precipitation
150 mm (5.9 in)
Rainy days
16 days
Humidity
74%
Sunshine
244 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
44-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in San José typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 24°C (75°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 San José in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for San José spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
San José historical weather extremes in December
Based on 29 years of weather observations (1996-2025), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in San José.
- The warmest day in December was on December 20, 1997, with a maximum of 33°C (91°F).
- On December 11, 2017, San José saw its coldest December day with temperatures maxing out at 20°C (68°F).
- San José registered its coldest December night on December 20, 2025, with temperatures dropping to 13°C (55°F).
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 →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in San José in December
Comfortable temperatures call for an easy wardrobe in December. Pack summer basics like t-shirts and shorts, but include a light jacket for cooler moments. A pair of comfortable walking shoes is essential. Expect heavy rainfall, so bring good rain protection and waterproof bags. And with plenty of sunshine hours, don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe a sun hat.What To Do in San José 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 San José's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full San José climate overview or explore weather in Costa Rica.
