Best International Family Vacations in December: Why Costa Rica Shines

December marks the beginning of Costa Rica's dry season, creating ideal conditions for family travel. This period brings less rainfall and more sunshine, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C), comfortable for both adults and children. The timing aligns well with school breaks in many countries, allowing families to plan extended trips without disrupting academic schedules. Many workplaces also offer time off around the holidays, making it easier for families to get away.

On another note, Costa Rica loves the Holiday season! Families can enjoy local traditions such as the Festival de la Luz (Festival of Light) in San José, featuring parades and fireworks. Many towns host year-end fairs with food, music, and cultural displays, providing insight into Costa Rican traditions. In some coastal areas, it's also the beginning of the one of the two whale watching seasons each year, adding another layer of natural wonder to family vacation possibilities.

It's important to note that December, especially around Christmas and New Year's, is the busiest time for tourism in Costa Rica. Early booking is crucial for securing preferred accommodations and activities. Travelers should plan several months in advance—even as early as nine months—to ensure availability and potentially better rates. Despite the crowds, the combination of pleasant weather, school holidays, festive atmosphere, and natural attractions makes December an ideal time for families to experience Costa Rica.

All of Costa Rica is pretty much perfect to visit in December, although some spots are particularly suited for families. Manuel Antonio, for example, offers a blend of beach and jungle experiences. The national park features well-maintained trails suitable for families with children of all ages. Visitors can see monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds, which always goes down well with children. The park's beaches provide safe swimming areas and opportunities for snorkeling.

Arenal Volcano and Monteverde present contrasting but equally engaging environments. Arenal offers views of the iconic volcano, hot springs, and adventure activities. Families can enjoy guided hikes, wildlife watching, and relaxing in natural hot pools. Monteverde, known for its cloud forests, provides a cooler climate and unique ecosystems. Here, families can explore suspended bridges, visit butterfly gardens, and learn about local conservation efforts.

The beaches of Guanacaste are ideal for families seeking a mix of relaxation and water activities. The region boasts numerous beach towns with varying levels of development. Tamarindo offers a balance of amenities and natural beauty, while Playa Hermosa provides a quieter setting. These beaches are suitable for swimming, surfing lessons, and beach activities.

Other notable areas include Tortuguero and Corcovado. Tortuguero, accessible only by boat or plane, offers a unique canal-based ecosystem. Families can take boat tours to spot wildlife and learn about sea turtle conservation. Corcovado, on the Osa Peninsula, is one of the most biodiverse areas in Costa Rica. While more remote, it offers unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities for families willing to venture off the beaten path.

Costa Rica offers a wide range of activities suitable for families with varying interests and energy levels. Nature and wildlife experiences are abundant. Families can take guided hikes in national parks, visit wildlife rescue centers, or join night walks to observe nocturnal creatures. Many lodges and parks offer specialized programs for children, combining education with hands-on experiences.

Adventure activities cater to different age groups and comfort levels. Zip-lining tours are available in many locations, with options for younger children. White water rafting experiences range from gentle float trips to more exciting rapids, depending on the river and season. Hanging bridges provide a less intense but equally thrilling way to explore the forest canopy.

Cultural experiences allow families to engage with local communities. Visitors can participate in chocolate-making workshops, learn traditional cooking methods, or visit Indigenous communities to understand their way of life. Many towns host weekly farmers' markets, offering a glimpse into local life and cuisine. And for those families who love museums, there are various options too!

Beach and water activities are plentiful along both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Families can take surfing lessons, go on snorkeling or diving trips, or simply enjoy building sandcastles and playing in the waves. Some beaches offer calm waters suitable for younger children, while others provide more challenging conditions for older kids and adults.

Comparing Costa Rica with Hawaii

Hawaii offers beautiful beaches, diverse landscapes, and a rich Polynesian culture. It's known for its safe, family-friendly environment and high-quality resorts. On the other hand, Hawaii is generally more expensive than Costa Rica, with higher costs for accommodation, food, and activities. The long flight time from many locations can be challenging for families with young children.

Both Hawaii and Costa Rica offer tropical beauty and outdoor activities. Costa Rica provides a more adventurous, nature-immersive experience with its rainforests and wildlife. However, Hawaii has more developed infrastructure and may be easier to navigate for some families.

Comparing Costa Rica with the Caribbean Islands

Caribbean destinations like Grand Cayman, the Virgin Island, Jamaica and others offer amazing beaches, warm sunny weather, and all-inclusive resorts that cater to families. Some Caribbean destinations, however, may have safety concerns or limited activities beyond beach and water sports.

While both Costa Rica and the islands offer beautiful beaches, Costa Rica provides more diverse ecosystems and inland adventures. The Caribbean may be preferred for families seeking a pure beach vacation or cruise experience, while Costa Rica appeals to those wanting a mix of beach, nature, and cultural activities.

European cities like Rome, Paris, and London offer unparalleled historical sites, world-renowned art, and delicious cuisine. They provide a cultural experience to die for and educational opportunities galore for children. But the kicker is that Europe in December can be cold and rainy. The more popular cities can be crowded, and navigating with children might be challenging.

Europe offers a deep dive into history, cuisine, and culture, while Costa Rica provides natural wonders and outdoor adventures. Families seeking warm weather and active experiences may prefer Costa Rica, while those prioritizing historical and artistic experiences might choose Europe.

Considering either Costa Rica or the Sunshine State? Here's a snapshot of how we compare…

Comparing Costa Rica with Orlando

Orlando is home to world-famous theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios. It offers a wide range of family-friendly accommodations and dining options. Unfortunately, Orlando can be very crowded during holiday seasons, while another factor to consider is that it mainly features artificial attractions rather than natural experiences.

Comparing Costa Rica with Miami

Miami offers beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and vibrant nightlife. It has a mix of outdoor activities and urban attractions. Peak season in Miami, though, can be expensive and some areas may not be as family-friendly.

Comparing Costa Rica with the Florida Keys

Key West and the Florida Keys provide a laid-back island atmosphere with opportunities for water sports and marine life encounters. But despite that, the islands aren’t particularly family friendly—they cater more for adults, especially Key West—and have limited cultural attractions compared to other destinations. They can be crowded and expensive during the holiday season.

Overall, Florida offers a more developed, commercialized vacation experience with a focus on theme parks and beaches. Costa Rica provides a more immersive natural experience with diverse ecosystems and wildlife. While both offer warm weather, Costa Rica generally provides more opportunities for eco-tourism and adventure activities.

In recent years, Dubai in the UAE has become a popular destination for families seeking winter sunshine, and the weather in December is perfect. Dubai offers a unique blend of modern luxury and Middle Eastern culture. It features world-class shopping, impressive architecture, and family-friendly attractions like waterparks and indoor ski resorts. But the culture and laws in Dubai are quite different from Western countries, which may require some adjustment. It also feels a lot less natural and real.

Dubai basically provides a more urban, luxury-oriented experience with a focus on artificially-made attractions. Costa Rica offers a nature-centric vacation with emphasis on outdoor activities and biodiversity. Families must choose between Dubai's modern marvels and shopping, or Costa Rica's natural wonders and adventure activities.

Winter destinations like Lapland (Finland), the Swiss Alps, and Colorado (USA) offer a stark contrast to Costa Rica's tropical climate. These locations provide classic winter experiences such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights in Lapland.

Pros of these destinations include authentic winter atmosphere, snow-based activities, cozy alpine lodges, and unique experiences like reindeer sledding or visiting Santa's village in Lapland. Cons include frigid temperatures, need for specialized winter clothing, and potentially challenging travel conditions.

The choice between Costa Rica and winter destinations depends largely on the type of experience a family seeks. Costa Rica offers warm weather, diverse ecosystems, and a mix of beach and jungle adventures. Winter destinations provide snow-based activities and a picturesque winter setting. Costa Rica may appeal more to families looking to escape cold weather, while winter wonderlands attract those embracing snowy landscapes and winter sports. Cost-wise, winter gear rentals and ski passes can make snow destinations more expensive than a Costa Rica trip.

Yes, December marks the start of the dry season, offering sunny weather and ideal conditions for exploring the country's diverse landscapes and wildlife.

Families can enjoy wildlife spotting in Manuel Antonio National Park, hiking around Arenal Volcano, relaxing in hot springs, zip-lining in Monteverde, and exploring the beautiful beaches of Guanacaste.

Costa Rica offers a richer variety of ecosystems and activities. While Grand Cayman and Key West focus more on beach and water activities, Costa Rica provides rainforests, volcanoes, beaches, and a greater emphasis on biodiversity.

Costa Rica is generally considered safe for family travel, with a stable political climate and well-developed tourism infrastructure.

While knowing some Spanish is helpful, many people in the tourism industry speak English, especially in popular destinations.

Renting a car offers flexibility, but shuttle services (private or shared) and domestic flights are also available for easier travel between destinations.

No special vaccinations are required, but it's always best to consult with your doctor before traveling. If you’re unsure of other entry requirements, check our guide too.