In this article we will discuss whether or not December is a good time to visit Aruba. Although December is part of the rainy season, Aruba gets very little rain compared to other tropical islands, and most days in December are warm and sunny. You’ll want to consider crowds, which can tick up due to the holiday season. Quickly, here are some of the most important pros and cons to visiting Aruba in December:
- Warm Weather – December is usually warm and sunny in Aruba. The average high temperature in Aruba in December is 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30c). December can be humid at times during the day, but not as humid as other months. Click here to jump ahead on the page to read more about Aruba’s December humidity levels.
- Rain – December is, on average, the second rainiest month in Aruba. But before you cancel those plans, it’s important to understand that Aruba gets very little rain compared to other Caribbean islands. The average rainfall total for December in Aruba is 3.15 inches. Therefore, rain will most likely not disrupt your vacation. Click here to jump ahead on the page to read more about the risk of rain in Aruba during December.
- Wind – Aruba is known for being windy year-round, but December is actually one of the least windiest months in Aruba, and makes it a good time of year to visit the island if you hate extreme wind. The average wind speed in December is 13 mph. This breeze provides relief on hot, muggy days and also brings a cool breeze at night. Click here to jump ahead on the page to read more about Aruba’s wind in December.
- Cost and Crowds – December is the start of the busy season in Aruba (which is December through April). This means prices will tick up and hotels may be quite crowded. You will want to book your trip in advance. Click here to jump ahead on the page to read more about costs and crowds.
- Daylight Hours – Something to consider about December in Aruba is daylight hours. December provides 11.4 daylight hours on average, which ranks it at the bottom out of all months in Aruba. This means days will be a bit shorter than other months. If you want longer days, the summer months will be the better option. Click here to jump ahead on the page to read more about the daylight hours in Aruba.
- Hurricane Season – No, December is not part of the Atlantic hurricane season. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, with the peak of the season being in September and October.
- Sea Temperature – The average sea temperature in Aruba in December is 81.1 degrees Fahrenheit, which falls into what most people consider a comfortable range (based on Oranjestad, Aruba). Click here to jump ahead on the page to read more about sea temperature during December in Aruba.
Overall, December is a good month to visit Aruba. Even though December is the second rainiest month on average, there is still very little total rainfall, and the weather remains warm and sunny most of the month.
December is part of the busy season, and although that can mean an increase in crowds and prices, it also creates an uptick in the amount of tours, excursions, and other activities offered on the island.
In this article let’s dive into the data to get a better idea how Aruba in December stacks up compared to other months so you can decide whether or not a December trip makes sense for you.
Table of Contents
Is December a Good Time to Visit Aruba for Weather?
The weather in Aruba in December is usually warm and sunny, but December is part of the rainy season, so there is a small uptick in rain compared to the summer months. Actually, on average, December is the second rainiest month in Aruba.
However, it is important to note that Aruba maintains a relatively dry climate throughout the year, including during the rainy season, and December receives only approximately 3.15 inches of total rainfall for the month.
Daytime temperatures typically range from the low 80s to the low 90s Fahrenheit (27 to 34 degrees Celsius). Even though this is warm, there are eight other months in Aruba that have an even higher average temperature (August and September are the hottest months).
December is not part of the Atlantic hurricane season, so that is a bonus. To read more about other months, visit our article about the best and worst time for weather in Aruba.
Is Aruba Sunny in December?
Yes, Aruba is sunny in December, however, there are several months that get more sun.
December is one of the rainiest months in Aruba. But before you cancel those plans, it’s important to understand that even the “rainy” season in Aruba doesn’t get a lot of rain (more on rain in a little bit).
You can safely expect most days in Aruba in December to be warm and sunny.
One thing to consider is December averages 11.4 hours of daylight in Aruba, which is less than all other months (meaning the days are a little shorter in December than other months). The sun usually sets between 6-7pm in Aruba, which is earlier than some other beach getaways.
Expect Aruba to be sunny in December, but not quite as sunny as March through September.
Aruba Average Daylight by Month
| Month | Avg Daylight Hours |
| January | 11.5 |
| February | 11.7 |
| March | 12.1 |
| April | 12.4 |
| May | 12.7 |
| June | 12.9 |
| July | 12.8 |
| August | 12.5 |
| September | 12.2 |
| October | 11.8 |
| November | 11.5 |
| December | 11.4 |
SOURCE: Weather Spark
Is Aruba Hot and Humid in December?
Yes, Aruba is warm in December, and can be a bit humid during the day.
In Aruba, the average high temperature during the month of December is 86°F (30°C). Even though this is warm, there are eight other months in Aruba that have an even higher average temperature (August and September are the hottest months).
It’s important to note that the temperature in Aruba remains consistent throughout the year, with little variation. This is one of the things that makes Aruba so appealing. For instance, the average high temperature in January, considered the “coolest” month, is 85°F.
December can also have strong humidity at times during the day, but just like the temperature, there are several other months in Aruba that have worse humidity levels (source). The muggiest months in Aruba are usually August, September, and October.
Also, the strong trade winds on the island offer a refreshing relief from the heat and humidity, making for a more enjoyable overall experience. In addition, the evenings in Aruba during December are particularly comfortable and pleasant, and those strong winds can bring in a cool night breeze.
Aruba Average Temperature by Month
| Month | Avg High Temp |
| January | 85°F (29°C) |
| February | 86°F (30°C) |
| March | 87°F (31°C) |
| April | 88°F (31°C) |
| May | 89°F (32°C) |
| June | 89°F (32°C) |
| July | 89°F (32°C) |
| August | 90°F (32°C) |
| September | 90°F (32°C) |
| October | 89°F (31°C) |
| November | 88°F (31°C) |
| December | 86°F (30°C) |
SOURCE: Weather Spark
Is Aruba Rainy in December?
December is the second rainiest month on average in Aruba. However, before you cancel those plans, it is important to understand that Aruba has a dry climate, and even the rainy season doesn’t get as much rain as other Caribbean islands.
Out of roughly 700 islands in the Caribbean, Aruba consistently ranks as having the least amount of rainfall (Aruba averages approximately 15 inches for the entire year).
Still, because December is part of the rainy season in Aruba, there is a chance rain could disrupt part of your trip. On average, Aruba has 13 days of rain in December (source). The average total rainfall for the month of December in Aruba is 3.15 inches.
If you want to take precaution against unexpected rain, the eastern and southern part of the island usually receives less rainfall than the northern and western parts. The capital city of Oranjestad and the popular tourist areas of Palm Beach and Eagle Beach are located on the southern and eastern parts of the island and typically receive the least amount of rainfall.
The northern and western parts of the island, such as the Arikok National Park and the towns of San Nicolas and Savaneta, receive slightly more rainfall. However, as we discussed above, compared to other Caribbean islands, the overall rainfall in Aruba is low and does not greatly affect tourist activities.
If you want to visit Aruba and not worry about rain, the dry season runs from March through August (but, again, Aruba is relatively dry year round).
During rainy season, it is probably best to pack a lightweight jacket for Aruba.
Aruba Average Rainfall by Month
| Month | Avg Rain (Inches) |
| January | 2.36 |
| February | 1.57 |
| March | 0.39 |
| April | 0.39 |
| May | 0.79 |
| June | 0.39 |
| July | 0.79 |
| August | 0.39 |
| September | 1.97 |
| October | 3.15 |
| November | 3.54 |
| December | 3.15 |
SOURCE: Holiday Weather
Is UV Bad in Aruba in December?
Yes, the UV is extreme in December in Aruba. You will need to wear proper sun protection.
The average UV index in December in Aruba is 9.5. Though this is extreme, December has the lowest average UV exposure out of any month in Aruba.
Aruba is located near the equator, and because of that, Aruba experiences high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation throughout the entire year.
However, the UV index can vary slightly by season, with the highest levels typically observed from February to October. At these times, the UV index can reach extremely high values, ranging from 11 or above, indicating that sunburn can occur within a matter of minutes.
Even during December when the UV index is comparatively lower, it is still important to use proper sun protection. Always check the local UV index forecast before engaging in outdoor activities during your trip to Aruba so you can prepare accordingly.
Average UV Strength by Month
| Month | Avg UV Index |
| January | 10.2 |
| February | 12.1 |
| March | 14.1 |
| April | 14.5 |
| May | 13.7 |
| June | 12.9 |
| July | 12.9 |
| August | 13.3 |
| September | 13.2 |
| October | 11.9 |
| November | 10.2 |
| December | 9.5 |
SOURCE: Beach Weather
Is Aruba Windy in December?
Aruba is windy most of the year. And even though the wind will still be noticeable, December is actually the third least-windiest month based on average wind speed.
The average wind speed is 13 mph for December. The late fall and early winter months are the best time to visit Aruba if you want to avoid extreme wind.
Still, don’t expect calm days. Trade winds can make it very windy in certain areas of the island, especially on the north and northwest coasts. Keep in mind that these winds also help keep the island’s climate nice and pleasant all year round, and help carry in a cool breeze after sunset.
Aruba Average Wind Speed by Month
| Month | Avg Wind Speed (mph) |
| January | 15 |
| February | 16 |
| March | 17 |
| April | 16 |
| May | 16 |
| June | 18 |
| July | 17 |
| August | 16 |
| September | 14 |
| October | 11 |
| November | 11 |
| December | 13 |
SOURCE: Beach Weather
Does Aruba Get Hurricanes in December?
No, December is not part of the Atlantic hurricane season.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, with the peak of the season being in September and October (source). Therefore, your December vacation will not fall inside the Atlantic hurricane season.
That said, even during hurricane season, Aruba’s hurricane risk is very low. Aruba is located on the southern edge of what is considered to be the hurricane belt (some people even consider Aruba to be outside the hurricane belt). Because of this, Aruba gets hit by very few hurricanes compared to other Caribbean islands.
Even when Aruba does get hit by a hurricane, it is usually just clipped by the edge of the hurricane, which bring strong winds and rain, but less severe damage.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Aruba for Sea Temperatures?
The average sea temperature in Aruba in December is 81.1 degrees Fahrenheit (based off of Oranjestad, Aruba).
Typically, sea temperatures between 78-86°F (25-30°C) are considered comfortable for most people, so December falls inside that range. This sea temperature is perfect for snorkeling and enjoying the ocean when you visit Aruba’s beaches.
The sea temperature in Aruba is warm year-round. There are actually seven other months in Aruba that have warmer average sea temperatures, but the overall fluctuation is minimal.
Aruba Average Sea Temperature by Month
| Month | Degrees (F) |
| January | 80.4 |
| February | 79 |
| March | 79.2 |
| April | 80.1 |
| May | 81.7 |
| June | 82.2 |
| July | 81.3 |
| August | 82.6 |
| September | 84 |
| October | 84.6 |
| November | 83.5 |
| December | 81.1 |
SOURCE: SeaTemperature.org
Is December a Good Time to Visit Aruba for Crowds?
December is the start of peak season in Aruba. Crowds can be heavy as travelers escape the colder weather in other parts of the world and enjoy warm, tropical temperatures in Aruba.
Christmas and New Years also attracts visitors who want to enjoy the holidays in a tropical paradise. Aruba is known for its festive atmosphere and holiday celebrations during the Christmas and New Years holiday season.
The busiest months to visit Aruba are typically December through the month of April, which is considered to be the island’s peak tourist season.
| December – April | More Crowds |
| May-July | Moderate Crowds |
| August – November | Less Crowds |
Aruba’s tourism did take a bit of a hit during the pandemic, but has seen a predictable bounce back. Aruba’s tourism had a growth of 119 percent in the first year after the pandemic (source). However, the most recent tourism numbers have still not recovered to where they were pre-pandemic.
Is Aruba Expensive to Visit in December?
December is usually one of the most expensive months to visit Aruba due to the fact that it is part of the busy season in Aruba, and has an increase in tourism during the holiday season.
To explore resort options, visit our article that discusses the different types of resorts in Aruba.
What to Do in Aruba in December
Celebrating Christmas in Aruba
Aruba celebrates the holidays with events, lights, music, and unique local food.
The streets and hotel lobbies are decorated with lights, garlands, poinsettia flowers, and Christmas figures, including nativity scenes and Jewish Menorah. Local businesses decorate with Santa sculptures, giant candy canes, and Christmas trees in a creative and festive display.
Arubans import real pine trees from North America and decorate their homes with Christmas lights. Pop-up Christmas tree sales can be found along the roads, and families decorate their homes with Christmas lights.
If you want to view Christmas lights, the main house of lights is located in Seroe Preto and visitors can walk through and take pictures (source). Tours are available to see the different houses decorated for the holidays.
Food is also a significant part of celebrating the holidays in Aruba, and many restaurants offer special holiday menus featuring typical Aruban holiday delicacies.
Should You Visit Aruba in December?
December is a good time to visit Aruba because it provide a warm and sunny escape during the holiday seasons. Even though December is part of the rainy season, the overall amount of rain is still very low, meaning most days in December are warm and dry.
December is also not part of the Atlantic hurricane season, so you won’t have to worry about a hurricane disrupting your plans.
There are a few obvious drawbacks. The island can be quite crowded during Christmas, which can also drive up prices. However, since December is part of the busy season, this also means there is an uptick on the amount of tours, excursions, and other attractions offered.
December also brings less wind to Aruba. The average wind speed in Aruba in December is 13 mph, which is much less than the summer months (but still a bit windy). This wind can help tame the humid days, and bring in a cool breeze at night.