As they say, December is the best time of the year, and if you are planning a visit to San Juan, Puerto Rico, during the winter months, this statement still holds. December is a great time to explore this festive city! Known for its beautiful beaches, historical charm, and lively events, San Juan offers an exciting array of experiences during this season. Let's delve into the weather conditions, key events, and travel tips to make the most of your winter vacation in San Juan.
San Juan Weather in December
December in San Juan brings pleasant weather and ideal conditions for a memorable vacation. Here is a breakdown of the weather you can expect:
Average Temperature
The average daytime temperature ranges from 76 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 28 degrees Celsius), providing a comfortable climate for outdoor activities.
Days of Rain
December is part of the drier season, with fewer rainy days, making it an ideal time to explore without worrying too much about getting rained out. However, if you were to visit in the previous month, you would be there during the rainy season and towards the end of hurricane season since that runs from June 1 to November 30.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
San Juan experiences a good amount of light even during the winter months with approximately 11 hours of sunshine, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors. December also has the shortest day of the year due to the winter solstice of 11 hours and 1 minute on December 21. Fun Fact: The longest day of the year in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is 13 hours and 14 minutes.
Sea Temperature
The average sea water temperature is around 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius), perfect for swimming and water activities.
UV Index
Although the UV index in San Juan is the lowest during the winter months, it is still a 6. As such, it is essential to use broad-spectrum SPF and UV-blocking sunglasses to protect yourself from the UV rays when enjoying the sunny weather.
Events and Celebrations
San Juan is bustling with special events and festivities during the month of December, adding to the overall joy of your visit. Here are some key events to look forward to:
Christmas Lights and Decorations
Experience the holiday season with stunning holiday lights and Christmas decorations adorning the streets of San Juan, creating a whimsical atmosphere.
San Juan Christmas Boat Parade
Join the locals on the second Saturday of December for their annual boat parade around San Juan Bay. The boats are decorated with Christmas lights and holiday cheer! People from all over the island come to enjoy the festivities and ring in the holiday season.
Hatillo Masks Festival (Festival de las Máscaras de Hatillo)
An hour and a half West of San Juan is Hatillo, where they celebrate the Hatillo Masks Festival. The festival consists of colorful masks, costumes, live music, local artisans, traditional food, a parade, and other activities. The festival is held yearly on December 28 and commemorates the Feast of Holy Innocents.
Three Kings Day (Día de Reyes)
Three Kings Day is a holiday that commemorates the Three Wise Men who came to bring baby Jesus gifts after he was born. This holiday is celebrated by Puerto Ricans through family gatherings, authentic food, and gift-giving. Although the island celebrates Three Kings Day, the most notable celebration is in Juana Díaz, an hour and 45 minutes Southwest of San Juan.
San Sebastián Street Festival (Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián)
The San Sebastián Street Festival is the largest and most popular celebration in Puerto Rico - it transforms the streets of Old San Juan into a lively carnival with parades, live music, and food kiosks! This festival is a multi-day celebration held annually around January 20, the feast day of San Sebastián. This festival serves as a closing to the world's longest holiday seasons. During the day, the streets of Old San Juan are filled with local artisans selling their handmade goods, and at night, the streets are overtaken by live music, instruments, and dancing!
Travel Tips for Your Puerto Rican Adventure
Best Time To Visit
It is a good idea to plan your vacation to San Juan in the first half of December as it is part of the shoulder season, making it a perfect time to visit before the holiday and winter crowds show up. The second half of December begins the high season, leading to higher prices and bigger crowds.
Protective Clothing and Sunscreen
Pack protective clothing like hats and light, long-sleeved shirts to shield yourself from the hot weather and UV rays. Also, do not forget to bring sunscreen for when you are out in the direct sunlight in your bathing suit, tank top, or short-sleeve shirt. Check out our blog post, The Ultimate Packing List for Your Summer Adventures to help you pack for your trip to Puerto Rico!
Beach Season
December is an optimal time for beach enthusiasts, as it falls within the preferred beach season with sunny days and warm sea temperatures.
Local Delicacies
Do not miss out on trying the Puerto Rican version of eggnog called Coquito and other traditional dishes available at the local food kiosks. Some of these delicacies include arroz con gandules, lechón asado, pasteles, morcilla, and tembleque!
Daylight Explorations
You will want to check out the town plaza during the night when the holiday lights are on, but also take a visit to the town plaza during the day to see the historic beauty of Old San Juan!
Best Place for Booking a Flight
Now that you are ready to explore San Juan this December, you can purchase your flight! There are various daily direct flights to Puerto Rico, and to find the best deal for you, use Google Flights. Check out our blog to learn more about how to use Google Flights: Mastering Google Flights: A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding the Best Flights.
¡Wepa!
Visiting San Juan in December is a perfect blend of good weather, cultural celebrations, and beach adventures, offering an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Whether you bask in the sun on the beaches or immerse yourself in the rich local culture, this time of year offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the beauty of Puerto Rico.
Have you been to San Juan, Puerto Rico in December? If so, let us know in the comments below - we want to know about your visit! If you have not gone, is it on your bucket list of places to visit now? Let us know in the comments below, and share this article with the person or people you want to go with! Either way, SUBSCRIBE below to learn about other places you should add to your "To Visit" List! Ready? Okay, vamos. Time to have fun!
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