In December, Nosara wakes to the sound of howler monkeys in the treetops and the first surfers paddling out along a long, pale beach while the sand is still cool. The dirt roads have lost their green-season mud, the jungle is still deep green, and the yoga studios fill with people stretching toward the sunrise. It is the month when the rains let go and the high season begins, which makes it a very good moment for a beach, surf and wellness trip on the Nicoya Peninsula.
What is the weather like in Nosara in December?
December in Nosara is hot, sunny and mostly dry, a welcome change after the soaked weeks of November. Mornings start bright, afternoons are properly warm, and the rain that remains comes as a few short showers rather than the daily downpours of the green season.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Rain days | Sea (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | 84.4 | 75.5 | 18.2 | 83.2 |
| December | 86.6 | 75.5 | 5.5 | 84.4 |
| January | 89.6 | 75.7 | 1.5 | 85.0 |
The days follow an easy rhythm. Early morning is the softest time, with a light breeze and low sun that makes a beach walk or a yoga class pleasant. By late morning the heat builds, and the hours around midday are for shade, a cold smoothie or a swim. Daylight lasts a little over eleven hours, so evenings come down early and the sky often turns orange over the Pacific before dinner.
When rain does come, it usually falls as a brief afternoon or evening shower that passes within the hour, and some days pass without a drop. Evenings remain mild enough for dining outdoors in a T-shirt, but a light layer could be useful for the breeze by the water. The jungle behind the beach stays green and the dust has not yet taken over the roads, which is part of December’s charm here.
Pack for sun first. Light cotton or linen, a hat and plenty of sunscreen matter more than any rain gear, though a small packable shell earns its place for the odd shower. The sea is warm and the air is warmer, so you will spend most of the day in swimwear and sandals.
Can you swim in Nosara in December?
Absolutely, the ocean is warm enough for an extended swim, and no wetsuit is required for surfing or swimming. The Pacific off Nosara feels comfortable from the first step, which makes it easy to stay in for a good while.
Warm water does not mean gentle water. Playa Guiones has a reputation for dependable waves, and on most days they arrive, which explains the crowds of surfers and beginners it attracts.
The size of the waves changes with the tide and the swell, so check the water before you make up your mind, and plan on a beach that works better for playing in the surf and bodysurfing than for calm floating. Nervous swimmers and families with small children should be especially cautious, because warm, shallow water does not guarantee safe conditions.
Several U.S. tourists drown here every year because of powerful rip currents, and along most of Costa Rica’s coast you will find neither lifeguards nor any warning signs. Where flags exist, take a look at them, find out about that day’s conditions from a nearby surf school or the place you’re staying, and choose a spot with other swimmers instead of going in by yourself. Bring a rash guard for the sun, a reusable water bottle and sandals that survive a hot walk over sand.
What to do in Nosara in December
December is the month Nosara fills with the people it was built for, surfers, yogis and families escaping winter. The big Christmas celebrations of Costa Rica, such as the Festival de la Luz, a night parade of illuminated floats, and the Tope horse parade on December 26, happen in San Jose rather than here.
In Nosara the season shows up more quietly, in Christmas lights strung across restaurant patios, posadas in the villages and a general holiday mood on the beach. The Zapote festival in San Jose runs from Christmas to New Year’s, and many Costa Ricans travel to the coast around then, so the beaches feel lively.
Food follows the calendar too. Christmas tamales, wrapped in banana leaf, appear on local tables and in some kitchens, and rompope, a creamy spiced drink similar to eggnog, turns up at holiday gatherings.
Daily meals follow one steady rhythm: at lunch, a casado usually arrives, the plate of rice, beans, salad, plantain and your choice of fish or chicken, while gallo pinto, rice and beans cooked together, takes the breakfast slot. Fresh ceviche, grilled fish and smoothie bowls suit the heat.
Surf lessons and the long beach at Guiones
A broad stretch of sand called Playa Guiones draws crowds for its steady, gentle waves that suit those just starting out, along with some sharper drops built for seasoned riders. Surf schools operate near the beach and rent boards, and a first lesson introduces paddling, popping up and falling into warm water. Most people prefer the first light of day, when the breeze is softer and the sand is peaceful.
Midday sun is strong, so most people surf early, rest through the heat and return for a late-afternoon session. The beach is also great for a long stroll whether or not you surf, giving you room to spread out and lots of open sky. Watch the tide, because the beach changes shape, and follow any flags and local advice before going in.
Yoga, wellness and slow mornings
Nosara has built a wellness culture around its beach, and December suits it. Morning classes in open-air studios, often shaded by trees, catch the cool hours, and many places offer drop-in sessions as well as longer retreats. Styles range from gentle stretching to dynamic flows, and teachers tend to be used to beginners, so you do not need experience to join.
Pair a class with a juice bar or a café breakfast afterward, and you have one of the pleasantest ways to start a day here. Massage, sound baths and breathing classes round out the offer, and the mood is relaxed. Sunset classes, when the heat has eased, are a nice alternative if mornings go to the waves.
Tide pools, Playa Pelada and the quieter coves
A short way from Guiones, Playa Pelada has a rockier shoreline, with tide pools and a beloved sunset view. It is more of a place to wander at low tide than a swimming beach, and you can look for small fish, crabs and shells in the pools. Sandals with grip help on the wet rock.
Nearby, Ostional is best known for its wildlife refuge and olive ridley sea turtles, making it a meaningful wildlife outing rather than just another beach. Dirt tracks can still be bumpy, so give yourself time and keep the trip relaxed. Bring water and sun protection, because shade can be scarce.
Beyond the beach, the forest behind town is worth a morning. Howler monkeys often reach your ears before they come into view, and with good fortune, birds, iguanas and perhaps a sloth might show themselves. A local guide improves the odds, since animals are chances rather than promises. Evenings are for sunset on the sand, where people gather with a cold drink to watch the sun drop into the ocean.
A two-day itinerary for Nosara in December
Day 1 is for the big beach. Begin your day at Playa Guiones with a surf lesson or a long stroll before the sand heats up and the light turns harsh. Remain where you are as the heat rises, then head into town afterward for a late café breakfast of gallo pinto, eggs and fresh fruit.
Take your midday break out of the sun, whether that means sleeping, reading or cooling off in the shade. In the afternoon, return to the beach for a second, gentler session, or try a yoga class when the temperature drops. Eat dinner at a restaurant serving grilled fish or a casado, then watch the last light fade, since daylight lasts only a little over eleven hours and dusk comes early.
Day 2 turns to the quieter coast. Go to Playa Pelada in the morning at low tide to explore the pools, then continue on a gentle outing toward Ostional or one of the smaller beaches. Pack water, sun protection and a snack, and stop for a seafood lunch at a simple beachside restaurant.
In the afternoon, take a forest walk with a guide for a chance at monkeys and birds, or browse the small shops and juice bars in the village. Finish at Pelada or on the main beach for sunset, then have a relaxed dinner. If a shower arrives, move indoors to a yoga studio, a massage, a long café stop or a cooking class, and wait for the sun to return.
Is Nosara busy in December?
Yes, December marks the start of the high season, and Nosara feels it, especially around Christmas and New Year’s. The beach stays big enough to spread out on, but restaurants fill, surf lessons book up and accommodations become harder to find.
Early December is gentler, with the holiday crowd still arriving and a calmer pace on the sand. The weeks around Christmas and New Year’s are the busiest, when families, long-stay visitors and Costa Ricans on vacation all arrive together. Yoga classes may be fuller, popular dinner spots may need a reservation, and the main roads see more traffic.
As a habit, book rooms and rental cars early for the holiday weeks, ideally as soon as your dates are set. For the quieter first part of the month you can plan later, though good places still go. In peak weeks, consider reserving the activities and restaurants that matter most to you. Mornings on the beach remain the most peaceful time even in a full week, and a walk at sunrise often feels almost private.
Check the official pages of any park or reserve you want to visit before you go, since access rules change and nothing here replaces them. Guided outings and boat trips tend to fill in the high season, so a booking made a bit ahead keeps your plans simple.
What to pack for Nosara in December
Bring easy, airy clothing, and build your days around sunshine, beaches, and now and then a little rain. These items cover most days here:
- Pack sunscreen and a broad-brimmed hat, because the midday sun is brutal.
- Swimsuits and a rash guard, since you will spend much of the day in the water.
- A light rain shell, for the brief showers that still pass through.
- Pack both sandals that hold up and closed shoes, since trails can be muddy or dusty and the beaches are sandy.
- A reusable water bottle, for hot days and long walks.
- For nights close to the woods, bring bug spray.
- A thin layer, for breezy nights by the water.
Good to know before you go
The U.S. State Department rates Costa Rica Level 2, ‘Exercise increased caution,’ due to crime; it says petty crime is common throughout Costa Rica and that violent crime also affects tourists, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault.
December is the start of the high season, so the practical priorities are rooms, rental cars and any activity you care about, in that order.
Holiday weeks bring a livelier atmosphere as visitors arrive from other parts of the country. Carry some cash for small shops and beachside stands, and take your time getting around, which is the pace of the place anyway.
Nosara in December vs November and January
Moving earlier to November means a greener, wetter and quieter Nosara. Rain comes often, the ocean feels a bit colder and mud can cover the roads, yet finding a room is simpler and the beach seems nearly deserted. Surfers who like smaller crowds sometimes choose it, though you need patience with the weather.
Moving later to January brings the driest, hottest days, with a warmer sea and sunshine nearly every day. It also brings the full high season, with more visitors, busier restaurants and tighter availability. The Christmas festivals of San Jose have ended by then, so the holiday mood fades into a straightforward beach season.
December begins more quietly and builds toward the holiday peak. It has the drying out of the green season, a warm sea and lively holiday spirit, without the full weight of the peak weeks. Choose November if you want quiet and value over sunshine, January if you want the most reliable beach weather and do not mind crowds, and December if you want a bit of both with a festive feel.
Is December a good time to visit Nosara?
Yes, December is a very good time for surfers, yoga fans, beach lovers and anyone who wants warm weather, a lively atmosphere and mostly dry days. It suits couples, families and friends traveling on school breaks, and it is easy to build a trip around mornings in the waves and evenings at sunset.
It is less ideal if you want a deserted beach, a bargain-quiet stay or a fully predictable booking process during the holiday weeks. Travelers who prefer solitude and lower crowds may be happier in another month, while those who do not mind company will find plenty of room on the sand.
Once you have unpacked and gotten comfortable, make your way to Playa Guiones to see the surf for the first time, take a dip alongside fellow swimmers and watch the sun go down from the beach. Book your lessons, classes and best dinner tables early, and keep a slow morning or two for doing very little. What makes December special here is the light: the dry season arrives in Nosara, the forest is still green, the ocean is warm and the whole coast seems to exhale.
Sources
- Open-Meteo / ECMWF ERA5, normals 1991-2020 computed for the grid cell at 9.9792N 85.6531W, checked October 8, 2026
- Open-Meteo Marine API, average 2015-2024, checked October 8, 2026
- sunrise-sunset.org, sunrise and sunset calculated for the 15th of the month, checked October 8, 2026
- U.S. Department of State, Costa Rica Travel Information, Safety and security (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/CostaRica.html), checked October 8, 2026
- U.S. Department of State, Costa Rica Travel Advisory, issued April 1, 2026 (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/costa-rica-travel-advisory.html), read via the State Department open data API on October 8, 2026