Should You Visit Aruba in December? (2024 Guide)
Thinking about planning a trip to Aruba in December? Aruba is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters, making it a popular vacation destination for people of all ages throughout the year.
But, what is Aruba like in December, and what are the benefits and downsides of traveling to Aruba during this time of year?
Aruba in December offers beautiful, sunny weather, perfect for laying on the beach, swimming in the clear blue ocean, or taking advantage of the many excursions and activities the island has to offer. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about planning a trip in December in Aruba.
Aruba in December
Aruba is a small island located in the south western Caribbean Sea. The island has a tropical climate, which means that it is warm and sunny all year round. December is one of the busiest months on the island, as many people come to Aruba to escape the cold weather at home.
However, even in December, the average temperature on the island is a comfortable 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes Aruba an ideal destination for swimming and enjoying other outdoor activities.
In addition, December is also a popular time to visit Aruba because of the holidays. If you’re thinking about Chrismas in Aruba: Many people come to the island to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve in paradise. As a result, Aruba is a lively and festive place to be in December.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Aruba?
December is a great time to visit Aruba. The temperatures are perfect during the days and evenings at around 80 degrees F. Tourist season is picking up so the streets are lively and there are plenty of things to choose from to explore.
December is a month where you can still find good deals on airfare and lodging since the tourism industry has not reached its high season yet.
December is also a month where many of the locals celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve, when prices will begin to pick up, but visitors can experience the culture and traditions of the island.
When choosing what to do on the island, visitors can go snorkeling or scuba diving, take a sunset cruise, or explore one of the many natural wonders around the island.
Aruba Decembers are also the best time to visit because of the perfect weather and festive atmosphere.
Does it Rain in Aruba in December?
Yes, rainy season in Aruba is set from October to January. However, there is still only an average rainfall of about 18 inches of rainfall per year.
Even during the rainy season, you’ll likely only see spurts of rainfall in the late afternoon, evenings, or during the night. A little won’t stop you from having the perfect vacation in Aruba in December!
When is Rainy Season in Aruba?
What is rainy season in Aruba? Rainy season in Aruba and its sister islands, Bonaire and Curacao, runs officially from October to January. But even in the rainiest months, Aruba typically doesn’t see more than 2-3 inches of rain!
Average Rainfall in Aruba in December
Average rainfall varies from 1-3 inches in December.
Is December Hurricane Season in Aruba?
No, Aruba hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June to November, though it tends to see some rain in December.
When is Hurricane Season in Aruba?
Hurricane season is officially from June to November, but Aruba uniquely sits outside of the hurricane belt.
This means that hurricanes are very rare and you don't need to worry about them when planning your trip! If you're heading to Aruba, even during the Caribbean's hurricane season, you're more likely to experience great weather and beautiful sunny days!
Average High and Low Temperature of Aruba in December
The average high is about 83-87 degrees F and the average low is around 75-80 degrees F. As you can see, the weather is beautiful all day long in Aruba in December!
What is the Weather Like in Aruba in December?
Most people think of Aruba as a hot, sandy desert island. And while it's true that the average temperature hovers around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the weather in Aruba in December is actually one of the cooler months.
You'll still need to pack cool clothing for days spent lounging on the beach, but you may also want to bring a light jacket or sweater for breezy evenings.
The water is warm year-round, so you can enjoy a comfortable dip in the ocean any time of year.
Just be aware that the trade winds can pick up in December, making it feel cooler on the beach than it actually is!
Other Caribbean Islands to Visit in December:
7 Day St John Itinerary / Is St Croix Worth Visiting?
St John vs St Croix
Average Monthly Temperatures in Aruba
| January | 80 °F |
| February | 81 °F |
| March | 81 °F |
| April | 82 °F |
| May | 84 °F |
| June | 84 °F |
| July | 84 °F |
| August | 85 °F |
| September | 85 °F |
| October | 84°F |
| November | 83 °F |
| December | 81 °F |
Can You Swim in Aruba in December?
Yes, December is a great time to go swimming in Aruba. The average temperature of the ocean water in December is about 81 °F and is considered to be a refreshing time to take a dip in the Caribbean sea!
Things to Do in Aruba in December
- Explore off-road Aruba with an ATV Tour
- For a romantic night out: dining experience for two at the California Lighthouse
- Visit the famous Natural Pool and Caves around the island and the Arikok National Park with a Jeep tour. You can go swimming and snorkeling through these natural wonders!
- Take a sunset sail in the Caribbean sea.
- Take a day trip hopper plane to Curacao or Bonaire.
More December Destinations:
Aruba vs Belize / Is Punta Cana Worth Visiting
What Should You Pack for Aruba in December?
The most important thing to remember is to pack light and not bring too many valuables.
➡️ Light, cool clothing and lots of bathing suits, of course!
➡️ Light sweater for breezy evenings
➡️ Sand-resistant Turkish Towel easy drying and transport. I recommend the Sand Cloud towel. Not only is the quality great, but they are committed to marine conservation as well.
➡️ Breathable Sports Gator to keep the winds and dirt dust out of your face. This brand keeps my face warm during ski season and cool during hiking season!
Full Caribbean Packing List + Free PDF checklist
What NOT to do in Aruba in December
There are lots of things not to do in Aruba, here are a few:
- Sunburn
- Overpacking, packing nice clothes and accessories
- Wandering around at night (especially alone)
- Visiting Arikok National Park without an off-road vehicle
- Seasickness
- Tour scams
- Bug bites
Best Time to Visit Aruba
While the weather in Aruba is great all year round, the best time to visit Aruba is between January through August. This is when temperatures are at their highest and there is the least amount of rainfall.
Aruba is also outside of the hurricane belt, so visitors don't have to worry about severe weather any time of year.
Worst Time to Go to Aruba
The worst time to go to Aruba depends on your preferences:
💰 For budget travelers, the worst time to go to Aruba is January-March, when prices are highest. But this is true for all Caribbean islands, like the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos.
☀️ For travelers that enjoy the cooler and breezier beach weather, March-August is the worst time due to the highest yearly temperatures and longest hours of sunshine. That may be okay for just 3 days in Aruba, but for anything more, opt for the cooler months.
🌧️ For those that hate the rain, September-January brings the most amount of rainfall, on average.
Again, because there's not a "real hurricane season" in Aruba, the weather is incredible year-round.
Holidays in Aruba in December
The Dande Festival: Around December 27 and 28, the Dande celebrations begin in Aruba, which is a music and festival that welcomes the New Year!
If you're a fan of Caribbean celebrations, you'll want to check out Aruba in January and February, when festival season is in full swing and events are happening three to four times a week!
The locals living in Aruba love celebrating with the island's visitors this time of year!
Where to Stay in Aruba in December
Palm Beach and Eagle Beach are the most popular tourist areas. Palm Beach is the most lively area in Aruba, and it's most convenient (and fun!) to stay in this area. Eagle Beach is a little quieter and a little farther off from the main strip of high-rise resorts. North of Palm Beach, Noord is a quieter area but will require a car to get around.
13 Best Aruba Resorts for Your Honeymoon (or couples trip!)💑
How to Get Around Aruba
There is no Uber in Aruba, but it's very easy to get around by rental car or taxis!
While taking taxis is quiet easy to get around the popular areas of the island, it can be more difficult to hit off-the-beaten-path beaches and hikes around the island without a rental car. Should you rent a car in Aruba?
Conclusion: Should You Visit Aruba in December?
If you're looking for a sunny escape from the cold winter weather, visiting Aruba in December is a great choice.
The Aruba weather in December may get more rain than other months, but even on rainy days, the temperature rarely dips below 80 degrees Fahrenheit. So you can expect sunny skies and warm water throughout your stay.
Plus, Aruba is a popular destination for holiday Travelers, so you'll find plenty of festive activities and events to enjoy. All in all, December is an excellent time to visit Aruba if you're looking for some sun and fun.
