On a December afternoon in Jaco, the dark sand holds the heat, surfers paddle out as the light turns gold, and scarlet macaws cross the sky toward the hills at dusk. The long rains have only just loosened their grip, and the town feels like it is waking up for the busy months ahead. December is the opening of the high season here: a green, warm and lively beach month for surfers, families and anyone who wants the Pacific coast within a short ride of San Jose.
What is the weather like in Jaco in December?
December in Jaco is hot, humid and still quite showery, a month of transition when the green season fades but has not quite gone. December in Jaco feels like a warm, humid bridge from the soaking rains of November toward the much drier days of January.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Rain days | Sea (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | 80.5 | 75.1 | 27.4 | 83.3 |
| December | 81.2 | 75.2 | 22.0 | 84.7 |
| January | 82.5 | 75.3 | 14.1 | 86.1 |
The day’s finest hours come early, when it is bright, warm already and frequently sunny, and that is the time when the beach, the waves or the park draw most people. Most days still see some rain, so keep outdoor plans flexible. Most days still see some rain, so plan the outdoor things early and leave the afternoon flexible.
You can still dine outdoors in a T-shirt during the evening, and heat and humidity matter far more than any chill. Light, quick-drying clothes work best, along with a thin rain jacket for the showers. The days are a little over eleven hours long, so the sun sets early in the evening and the beach bars fill up soon after.
Can you swim in Jaco in December?
In December, the water of the Pacific near Jaco is warm enough for a long, comfortable swim, so wading in brings no shock. What matters here isn’t how warm it is, it’s the surf and the currents.
Jaco’s main beach is a long stretch of dark sand with steady surf, which is why it is a surfing town first and a paddling beach second. Ask a surf school about current conditions before entering the water. Along this coast, rip currents pose a serious threat and kill several American tourists annually, but lifeguards are absent at most beaches, and nothing warns swimmers of the hazardous water.
Rip currents are very dangerous, and most beaches do not have lifeguards or warnings about unsafe conditions. Beginner surfers can take lessons with a school, and the warm water means no wetsuit is needed. Pack sunscreen, a rash guard, and a hat, since sunlight over the water stays powerful even when clouds are thin.
What to do in Jaco in December
December in Costa Rica is a month of lights, parades and holiday energy, and much of the big celebrating happens in San Jose. The Festival de la Luz, a night parade of illuminated floats, marks early and mid-December.
Christmas lights and posadas fill the first weeks, the Tope horse parade follows in the capital on December 26, and the Zapote festival runs from Christmas to New Year’s. Jaco itself celebrates in a beach way, with decorated bars, live music and long evenings on the sand.
The town is also in its first high-season weeks, so the streets feel full without being frantic. You can count on area kitchens for just-caught fish, ceviche, casado (rice, beans, salad and a main on one plate) and gallo pinto in the morning, while chilled fruit shakes hit the spot when it is hot. Evenings are for strolling the main strip, listening to music and watching surfers come out of the water at sunset.
Surfing and the beach
Surfing is the reason many people come, and Jaco has long been a place to learn. The waves break along the main beach with enough regularity for lessons, and schools rent boards and offer instruction by the hour.
If you do not surf, the beach is still a pleasure for walking at the edges of the day, when the sand is cooler and the light is soft. Watch the surfers, grab a coconut or a cold drink, and keep out of the water where currents look strong. Nearby beaches along the coast offer quieter settings for those who want a change, and a local driver or your hotel can point out the best options.
A tip for beginners: book the lesson for the first morning, so you have a few days afterward to practice while your arms recover. Keep a hat and a long-sleeved rash guard in your bag, since the sun reflects strongly off the dark sand and the water.
Carara National Park and the Tarcoles River
Carara National Park, renowned for its scarlet macaws that often fly across the canopy in noisy pairs, is just a brief drive north of Jaco. Shaded paths wind through the trees, and most visitors meet the animals on a guided walk, because birds, monkeys and other wildlife are possibilities, not guarantees. Early morning is the best moment, before the heat builds.
A bit farther along, the Tarcoles River bridge draws crowds who look down at crocodiles basking on the muddy banks. It is a quick stop that suits families and anyone short on time, and it pairs well with the park for a half-day outing from town. Since the park’s rules, hours and fees can shift, look at its official page before you head out.
With December rain arriving mostly in the afternoon, a morning start suits this trip well. Wear closed shoes, bring water and insect repellent, and keep a light rain layer in your bag for any shower that catches you on the way back.
Evenings in town
Jaco has a lively evening scene, with open-air restaurants, beach bars and live music along the main street. In December the crowd grows as holiday visitors arrive, and the mood is cheerful and relaxed. Seafood, grilled meats and tropical cocktails are the staples.
As anywhere, stay aware after dark, keep valuables out of sight and avoid walking alone on poorly lit stretches or on the beach at night.
A two-day itinerary for Jaco in December
Day 1 begins at the beach, because the early hours are the coolest and clearest. After a breakfast of gallo pinto, eggs and fruit, either sign up for a surf lesson or just stroll along the sand. By midday the heat and humidity climb, so retreat to a shaded restaurant for fresh fish or a casado and a long, cold drink.
Because the rain tends to arrive later, spend the afternoon relaxing by the hotel pool or wandering among the shops and craft stalls on the main street. Return to the beach for sunset, then dine at an open-air restaurant while enjoying live music. If it rains hard, stay under cover at a bar or café and wait for it to pass.
Day 2 is for Carara National Park and the Tarcoles River bridge, so leave early to reach the trails while the birds are active. A guided walk helps you spot macaws and other wildlife. Then stop at the bridge to look for crocodiles, and later head back into town for a late lunch.
Later, pick a spot to eat that is new to you, then wrap up the night with a walk down the strip. If the day turns wet, a long lunch, a market stop for coffee and souvenirs, and a slow afternoon at the hotel make a good rain plan.
Is Jaco busy in December?
Yes, December marks the start of the high season, and Jaco fills with North American travelers, Costa Rican families on school break and surfers chasing the drier weather.
The weeks around Christmas and New Year’s are the busiest, when rooms, rental cars and restaurant tables disappear quickly. Early December is calmer, and the first half of the month often feels relaxed compared with the holiday peak. Book lodging and any rental car early for the holiday weeks, and a little later for the quieter days at the start of the month.
Beach bars and the main strip are lively in the evenings, while mornings stay peaceful, especially at the edges of the beach and in the park. For popular restaurants on holiday evenings, reserve a table or arrive early. Because every park, Carara included, can have its own rules and limits, look at that park’s official page before you plan a visit, and during busy weeks, book guided walks ahead of time.
If crowds bother you, spend mornings outdoors and keep afternoons for rest, when the heat and showers thin the beach out anyway. Small hotels a few blocks from the main strip tend to be quieter than those right on it.
What to pack for Jaco in December
Pack for heat, humidity and the odd shower, with a few things for the beach and the forest.
- Light, quick-drying clothes, because the air stays hot and sticky all day.
- A thin rain jacket for the afternoon showers.
- Pack sunscreen, a hat, and a rash guard, because the dark sand and the water reflect intense sun.
- Closed shoes for the Carara trails, plus sandals for the beach.
- For the evenings and the forest, bring bug spray.
- A small dry bag to protect your phone and documents from sudden rain.
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 comes just after the Atlantic hurricane season ends, but rain is still frequent on the Pacific coast, so keep afternoons flexible. The drive from San Jose to Jaco normally takes around two hours, and holiday traffic can stretch that time during the busiest weeks, so plan to head out early.
Book rooms and any guided outings first, since those go quickest at this time of year. Holiday events in San Jose, such as the Festival de la Luz, the Tope and the Zapote festival, can be added to a trip if you plan a stop in the capital.
Jaco in December vs November and January
Shifting your trip one month sooner lands you right in the heart of the green season. November is much wetter, with rain on most days, and the sea is a little cooler and often rougher. You can count on a calmer town and simpler room searches, yet the festive mood has still to arrive.
Moving a month later brings drier, brighter days and a warmer sea, with far fewer showers. January is deep in the high season, so the beach is busier and rooms book up early, though the weather is more dependable for surfing and hiking.
Choose November if you want quiet streets and do not mind the rain. Stay with December for the balance of festive mood, warm water and green hills. Shift to January if dry mornings and afternoons matter most and you are happy to share the beach.
Is December a good time to visit Jaco?
Yes, December suits surfers, families and sun seekers who like a lively town and a warm sea, and who can live with some afternoon rain. Travelers who prefer a very quiet beach, or want guaranteed dry weather, may be happier at another time.
On arrival, settle in, walk the beach in the late afternoon and ask your hotel about the day’s surf and current conditions, then book your Carara walk and any lessons. Keep the early mornings for outdoor plans and let the afternoons slow down. What makes December special in Jaco is the turn of the season: hills still green from the rains, warm Pacific water, macaws crossing the evening sky and a beach town just starting to string up its holiday lights.
Sources
- Open-Meteo / ECMWF ERA5, normals 1991-2020 computed for the grid cell at 9.6145N 84.6285W, 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