Aruba in December is the island at full wattage: cloudless days, cool trade winds, and a festive buzz that runs from Sinterklaas to New Year’s fireworks. However, perfection has a price tag, and December is when Aruba charges it. So here is the honest breakdown, plus the tricks that soften the bill.
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December weather: as good as it gets
Expect 82–86°F days, almost no rain, and steady breezes that make evenings genuinely pleasant. The sea stays warm from autumn, so swimming and snorkeling remain excellent. In short, this is the weather the brochures photograph.
What December really costs
Hotel rates peak in the last two weeks, often double the September price. Flights climb too, especially around the holidays. Therefore, book both as early as you can — and compare December rates on Expedia across several properties before committing. Early December, by contrast, still offers fair value.
The December calendar
- Sinterklaas arrives by boat in early December — a beloved Dutch-Caribbean tradition.
- Christmas brings dande music, ayaca parcels, and ponche crema.
- New Year’s Eve ends with fireworks over the beaches and the famous pagara firecracker ribbons.
- Tours sell out fastest this month, so book the catamaran and jeep days before you fly.
Should you book Aruba in December?
If budget is flexible, absolutely — the weather and atmosphere are unbeatable. However, if the price stings, our guides to November and January show nearly identical weather for meaningfully less. Either way, the month-by-month guide puts it all side by side.
Aruba in December: what to expect
- Peak season begins mid-month — book rooms and tours early or pay dearly.
- Perfect dry-season weather — sunshine, trade winds, almost no rain.
- Christmas and New Year on the island — gaita music, fireworks over the water, and a genuinely festive Oranjestad.
- Early December is the sweet spot — high-season weather at shoulder-season prices, before the holiday surge.
Planning ahead? November is cheaper, and Carnival season starts just weeks later.
Aruba in December at a glance
- Air
- Average high 30°C (87°F), low 25°C (76°F)
- Sea
- About 27°C (81°F)
- Rain
- About 66 mm on about 10 days with a shower
- Wind
- Moderate
- Crowds
- Peak from mid-December
- Prices
- Highest of the year over Christmas and New Year
- Sunset
- Around 6:15 pm
What is on in December
Christmas lights, Dande groups rehearsing for New Year, fireworks and the pagara (firecracker strings) on 31 December, and the busiest hotel week of the year.
What to book for December
Book everything months ahead for the holidays. Early December is a quieter, cheaper window with the decorations already up. See the best time to visit Aruba for the full year, and the events calendar for dates.
Top-rated tours to book for December
Check December hotel rates
Live prices for your dates; free cancellation on most rooms.
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Aruba in December: quick answers
What is the weather like in Aruba in December?
Does it rain in Aruba in December?
Is December a good time to visit Aruba?
Is December hurricane season in Aruba?
Climate figures are long-term averages for Aruba’s airport (1971-2000 normals from the Meteorological Department Curaçao). Keep planning: Aruba in November · Aruba in January · best time to visit Aruba · events calendar
🎆 Spending New Year’s in Aruba?
Pagara firecrackers, Dande singers and fireworks along the coast: here is how the island celebrates.
New Year’s Eve in Aruba🔥 Most-booked Aruba tours right now
Top-rated group tours with free cancellation on most dates. Prices per person, live on Viator.
Prefer a private guide just for your group? See our private jeep tours.
