Things to Do in Nicaragua in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Nicaragua
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - you'll typically see just 25 mm (1 inch) across the entire month, making it ideal for volcano hikes and beach time without worrying about afternoon downpours that plague other months
- Trade winds keep temperatures comfortable at 30°C (86°F) highs and 21°C (70°F) evenings, which means you can actually hike Concepción or Maderas without melting, unlike the brutal March-April heat
- Sea visibility peaks at 15-20 m (50-65 ft) around the Corn Islands and Little Corn, making December the absolute best month for diving and snorkeling - the water clarity is noticeably better than even January or February
- Christmas and New Year create a festive atmosphere without the spring break chaos - you'll find La Gritería celebrations on December 7th and Purísima festivities, plus locals are genuinely in a celebratory mood rather than tourist-weary
Considerations
- High season pricing kicks in hard after December 20th - accommodations in San Juan del Sur and Granada can jump 40-60% compared to early December, and beachfront places on Ometepe book out 6-8 weeks ahead for the Christmas week
- Dust becomes a real issue in the dry season, especially on unpaved roads around Ometepe and rural areas - if you have respiratory sensitivities, the fine volcanic dust kicked up by traffic can be irritating, particularly in León
- Stronger trade winds (15-25 km/h or 9-16 mph) make Pacific beaches choppier and some boat transfers to the Corn Islands occasionally get canceled or delayed, though Caribbean-side waters stay calmer
Best Activities in December
Ometepe Island volcano hiking
December is genuinely the best month to tackle Concepción (1,610 m or 5,282 ft) or Maderas (1,394 m or 4,573 ft) because trails are dry and you'll actually get summit views instead of clouds. The lack of rain means solid footing on what can be treacherous mud slopes in wet season. Start at 5am to avoid midday heat - even in December, the exposed volcanic slopes get intense by 10am. Concepción takes 8-10 hours round trip and is legitimately challenging, while Maderas is slightly easier at 6-8 hours with a crater lagoon at the top.
Granada colonial city exploration and nearby attractions
The dry weather makes wandering Granada's colonial streets actually pleasant instead of sweat-soaked. December evenings cool to 21°C (70°F), perfect for the central plaza scene. The nearby Laguna de Apoyo crater lake stays calm for swimming and kayaking, and you can combine city time with Masaya Volcano night visits to see the lava lake - December's clear skies mean better visibility. The Christmas decorations around Parque Central add atmosphere without feeling overly commercialized.
Corn Islands diving and snorkeling
December offers the clearest water of the year at 15-20 m (50-65 ft) visibility, and the Caribbean side stays protected from the Pacific's rougher conditions. Water temperature holds steady at 27-28°C (81-82°F). You'll see nurse sharks, eagle rays, and healthy coral formations, particularly around Little Corn's Blowing Rock and Dolphin Dive sites. The dry season means boat trips run reliably without cancellations that plague September-October.
León volcano boarding and colonial sites
Cerro Negro volcano boarding is actually more fun in December because the dry season hardens the volcanic ash into faster slopes - you'll hit 50-70 km/h (31-43 mph) on a good run. The 45-minute hike up the 728 m (2,388 ft) cinder cone is hot but doable with early starts. León itself is less humid than Granada, making the cathedral visits and revolutionary history walks more comfortable. The nearby Telica volcano also offers night hikes to see glowing crater activity.
San Juan del Sur beach scene and coastal access
December brings consistent offshore winds that create Nicaragua's best surf conditions at nearby breaks like Playa Maderas and Playa Hermosa. Even if you don't surf, the beach town vibe peaks in December with good restaurant scenes and sunset watching from the Christ statue overlook (134 m or 440 ft elevation). Day trips to remote southern beaches like Playa El Coco are actually accessible since rivers are low and roads passable.
Masaya Volcano National Park lava viewing
December's dry season means reliable access to Santiago Crater where you can peer directly into an active lava lake from the parking area - one of only a few places on Earth you can drive up to molten lava. Evening visits (5-7pm) offer the most dramatic views as darkness falls. The park also has hiking trails through hardened lava fields and the Masaya Museum explaining the geology, though most people come specifically for the crater experience.
December Events & Festivals
La Purísima and La Gritería
December 7th is La Gritería, the kickoff to Purísima celebrations honoring the Virgin Mary. You'll hear people shouting Quién causa tanta alegría throughout neighborhoods, and families set up elaborate altars offering traditional treats like gofio, cajetas, and chicha to visitors. It's genuinely participatory - you walk from house to house collecting snacks and small gifts. The atmosphere is festive and welcoming to visitors who respect the religious significance. Granada and León have the most elaborate celebrations.
Christmas and New Year festivities
Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) is the main celebration with family gatherings and midnight fireworks. Public spaces in Granada and Managua have decorations and occasional concerts. New Year brings beach parties in San Juan del Sur and fireworks across the country at midnight. Worth noting that many local businesses close December 24-26, so plan accordingly for restaurants and transport.