Things to Do in Nicaragua in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Nicaragua
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- December sits in the sweet spot between rainy season and peak tourist crowds - you'll find empty beaches and fully open hotels without the Christmas increase
- Fresh offshore winds kick up ideal surfing conditions along the Pacific coast, with 2-3 m (6.5-10 ft) swells that surfers wait all year for
- Corn harvest festivals in the highlands mean roadside stalls selling grilled elote with lime and chile - the smell of roasted corn drifts across the Carretera Panamericana
- Hotels and tour operators still offer shoulder-season pricing through mid-December before the holiday spike hits
Considerations
- Afternoon thunderstorms still roll through on 30% of days, usually between 2-4 PM, which can wipe out beach time if you're not planning around them
- The papagayo winds from Lake Nicaragua create choppy water conditions for boat tours to Ometepe and the Solentiname Islands
- Some inland hiking trails turn to mud after rain, making the Mombacho crater hike more challenging than usual
Best Activities in December
Pacific Coast Surf Tours
December's offshore winds create glassy morning conditions at beaches like Playa Maderas and Popoyo. The reefs are firing with 2-3 m (6.5-10 ft) swells, water temperature sits at a comfortable 27°C (81°F), and you'll share the lineup with maybe six locals instead of the February crowds.
Colonial City Walking Tours
Granada's cobblestone streets are perfect for December's dry mornings - 22°C (72°F) at 8 AM makes wandering past the yellow Iglesia La Merced pleasant. The lack of crowds means you can photograph the cathedral's facade without tourists in every shot.
Coffee Farm Visits
December marks the tail end of coffee harvest season in Matagalpa's mountains. The smell of freshly roasted beans fills the air at 1,200 m (3,940 ft) elevation where temperatures drop to a crisp 18°C (64°F) - you'll want that sweater you packed.
Sunset Sailing Excursions
The northwest winds die down by late afternoon, creating mirror-calm conditions for sailing from San Juan del Sur. The sky turns orange over the 15 km (9.3 mile) bay while dolphins often follow the boats back to harbor.
Volcano Boarding Tours
Cerro Negro's black slopes have cooled enough for boarding without burning your feet, and the 45 km/h (28 mph) descent through volcanic ash feels like sledding on the moon. December's clear skies offer 50 km (31 mile) visibility to Lake Managua.
December Events & Festivals
La Purísima
December 7th brings Nicaragua's most colorful religious celebration - fireworks at 6 AM, singing in the streets, and homes opening their doors to passersby for traditional treats like cajeta de coco. In Granada, the procession winds through Calle La Calzada with brass bands and costumed dancers.