Things to Do in Nicaragua in December

December Weather in Nicaragua

28°C (82°F) High Temp

21°C (70°F) Low Temp

15mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season - only 15mm (0.6 inches) of rain expected across the entire month, making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach time
Perfect temperatures for hiking volcanoes - cooler mornings at 21°C (70°F) mean you can start Concepción or Maderas climbs at 6am without overheating
Prime surfing conditions on Pacific coast - consistent offshore winds from December trade patterns create clean 1-2m (3-6 ft) waves at spots like Playa Maderas
Christmas and New Year festivities blend with Purísima celebrations - experience both traditional Nicaraguan religious processions and holiday beach parties

Considerations

Highest accommodation prices of the year - expect 40-60% markup on hotels, especially in San Juan del Sur and Ometepe during Christmas week
Crowded beaches and attractions - popular spots like Laguna de Apoyo see triple the visitors compared to shoulder season months
Intense UV exposure - with minimal cloud cover and UV index of 9, sunburn happens in under 20 minutes without proper protection

Best Activities in December

Ometepe Island Volcano Hiking

December's cooler mornings and minimal rainfall create perfect conditions for tackling Concepción (1,610m/5,282ft) or the easier Maderas hike. Start at 6am when temperatures are 21°C (70°F) - by afternoon it reaches 28°C (82°F) making climbs much harder. The dry conditions mean clear summit views of Lake Nicaragua that are often cloud-obscured in rainy months.

Booking Tip: Book guided hikes 5-7 days ahead through your accommodation or local guides at the dock. Expect to pay 800-1,200 córdobas ($22-33) for Maderas, 1,200-1,800 córdobas ($33-50) for Concepción. Ensure guides are registered with INTUR and carry emergency communications.

Pacific Coast Surfing

December brings the year's most consistent surf conditions. Trade winds create clean offshore conditions most mornings, with waves typically 1-2m (3-6ft). Water temperature stays warm at 27°C (81°F) so no wetsuit needed. San Juan del Sur area beaches like Playa Maderas and Playa Remanso offer breaks for all levels.

Booking Tip: Board rentals typically 400-600 córdobas ($11-17) per day. Book lessons 2-3 days ahead during peak season, expect 1,000-1,500 córdobas ($28-42) for 2-hour group sessions. Many instructors speak English and are certified through local surf schools.

Colonial Granada Architecture Tours

December's lower humidity (65% vs 80%+ in rainy season) makes walking Granada's cobblestone streets comfortable even midday. The dry weather means you can explore rooftops and courtyards without rain concerns. Christmas decorations in colonial buildings create unique photo opportunities unavailable other months.

Booking Tip: Walking tours typically 300-500 córdobas ($8-14) per person for 2-3 hours. Many operate without advance booking - find certified guides at Parque Central wearing INTUR identification. Horse-drawn carriage tours cost 150-250 córdobas ($4-7) per person for 45 minutes.

Masaya Volcano Night Tours

December's clear skies provide optimal visibility into Santiago crater's active lava lake. Cooler evening temperatures around 23°C (73°F) make the rim area comfortable, while dry conditions ensure roads to the crater remain accessible. The contrast between cool air and volcanic heat creates dramatic thermal effects.

Booking Tip: Night tours typically 800-1,200 córdobas ($22-33) including transport from Granada or Managua. Book through established operators with proper safety equipment and insurance. Tours run 6pm-9pm to catch sunset and optimal lava visibility after dark.

Las Isletas Kayaking

Lake Nicaragua's calmest conditions occur in December with minimal wind chop and clear water visibility up to 3m (10ft). The 365 volcanic islets are best explored in dry season when you can land on beaches and walk trails without mud. Wildlife viewing peaks as animals concentrate around reliable water sources.

Booking Tip: Kayak rentals 400-600 córdobas ($11-17) for half-day, guided tours 800-1,200 córdobas ($22-33) including equipment and snacks. Book from Granada waterfront operators with life jackets and emergency communication. Tours typically run 8am-12pm or 2pm-6pm.

León Cathedral and Museums

December's dry weather allows access to León Cathedral's rooftop - often closed during rainy months due to slippery tiles. The UNESCO site offers panoramic views of surrounding volcanoes clearly visible without rainy season haze. Museums stay open extended holiday hours through New Year.

Booking Tip: Cathedral rooftop access 100 córdobas ($3) per person, open 8am-5pm daily. Museum combination tickets typically 200-300 córdobas ($5-8). Guided city tours including multiple sites cost 600-900 córdobas ($17-25) for 3-4 hours with certified local historians.

December Events & Festivals

Early to Mid December

La Purísima (Second Celebration)

Following the December 7th main celebration, many communities hold extended Purísima festivities through mid-December. Neighborhoods create elaborate altars to the Virgin Mary, and visitors go house-to-house receiving traditional sweets and small gifts while singing traditional songs. Granada and León have the most elaborate celebrations.

Late December

Christmas Beach Celebrations

Pacific coast towns like San Juan del Sur host beach parties and festivals throughout late December. Local families camp on beaches, live bands play traditional and contemporary music, and food vendors serve special holiday dishes. The celebrations peak on Christmas Eve with fireworks over the ocean.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index of 9 means burns occur in under 20 minutes, reapply every 90 minutes

Lightweight long pants for evening mosquito protection - temperatures drop to comfortable 21°C (70°F) after sunset

Sturdy hiking boots if planning volcano climbs - trails at 500m+ (1,640ft+) elevation have loose volcanic rock

Quick-dry clothing for water activities - humidity at 65% means cotton takes hours to dry completely

Light rain jacket - while only 2 rainy days expected, afternoon showers can be intense when they occur

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - dry season concentrates mosquitoes around water sources you'll visit

Electrolyte tablets - 28°C (82°F) daytime heat plus activities cause significant fluid loss

Cash in small bills - many activities and restaurants outside main tourist areas don't accept cards

Headlamp or flashlight - power outages during peak tourist season are common in smaller towns

Reusable water bottle with filter - staying hydrated is crucial and reduces plastic waste

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by October 15th to avoid Christmas week price surges - many places require minimum 3-4 night stays during December 20-January 3

Arrive at volcano hiking trailheads before 6am to avoid both crowds and midday heat - most tour groups start around 8am creating bottlenecks

Exchange money at banks rather than hotels during December - tourist area exchange rates can be 10-15% worse during peak season

Many family-run restaurants close December 24-26 for celebrations - stock up on snacks and have backup dining plans for Christmas period

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating sun exposure - visitors assume December means milder sun, but clear skies and high altitude locations intensify UV radiation significantly

Not booking internal transport early - shuttle services between popular destinations like Granada-San Juan del Sur fill up quickly during peak season

Expecting everything to be open during Christmas week - many local businesses close December 24-26, and some extend closures through New Year