Month guide · San Juan · Puerto Rico
San Juan in December
What December is really like in San Juan: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Šarūnas Burdulis, CC BY-SA 2.0
Quick answer
December is one of the best months to visit San Juan. Expect average highs of 29°C (84°F), lows of 23°C (73°F), about 13 rainy days and roughly 11 hours of daylight. Festive and busy, with parrandas (carolling parties), lights in the old town and coquito everywhere.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 29°C (84°F) / 23°C (73°F)
- Rainy days
- About 13
- Daylight
- About 11 hours
- Sea temperature
- 27°C (81°F)
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in December
December is the 10th-warmest month in San Juan: days average 29°C (84°F) against a yearly average high of 30°C (86°F), and nights fall to about 23°C (73°F). Rain falls on roughly 13 of its 31 days. Compared with November (30°C (86°F)), December is about as warm; by January highs stay near 28°C (82°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 06:49
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 17:51
- Daylight
- About 11 hours
- Sea
- 27°C (81°F)
Autumn (September–November). Peak hurricane risk and frequent rain in September and October, then improving weather and the start of Christmas in November.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 5 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in December
- Christmas season with parrandas and lights in Old San Juan (December)
- New Year's Eve fireworks (31 December)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Historic site · Old San Juan
Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery
This 19th-century cemetery sits on the oceanfront below El Morro's walls, its white marble tombs, angels and a domed chapel set against the Atlantic.
- Time needed
- 30–45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Photo spot
- Views
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Architecture · Puerta de Tierra
Capitol of Puerto Rico
Walk the waterfront Paseo Lineal behind the Capitol to Escambrón beach for an easy morning outing.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- History
Street · Santurce
Santurce murals and Calle Cerra
Large-scale murals by Puerto Rican and international artists cover buildings around Calle Cerra and Calle Loíza, many created during the Santurce es Ley street-art festival.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Art
- Photo spot
- Off the beaten path
Nature · Condado
Condado Lagoon
Paddle in the morning before the wind picks up, and keep your distance if you see a manatee.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Active
- Nature
- Kids
- Outdoors
The sea averages 27°C (81°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near San Juan.
What to pack
For highs near 29°C, lows near 23°C and 13 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit San Juan?
One of the best months to visit San Juan, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are January–April. Compare every month.
San Juan in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit San Juan?
It is one of the best months to visit San Juan. Festive and busy, with parrandas (carolling parties), lights in the old town and coquito everywhere.
+How warm is San Juan in December?
Average highs are around 29°C (84°F) and lows around 23°C (73°F).
+Does it rain a lot in San Juan in December?
Expect rain on about 13 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.