Stay in Aruba in December
2 hotels in the Trip.com pool for Aruba, from US$114 a night.
Opens Trip.com on Fri 4 Dec to Sun 6 Dec 2026; change the dates there.
December in Aruba is, above all, a commitment to spending more than you would any other month of the year. Hotels along the high-rise strip in Palm Beach and the low-rise corridor near Eagle Beach fill their Christmas-to-New-Year blocks months in advance, and rates climb to their annual ceiling. You're competing for space with travelers from the northeastern United States, Canada, and the Netherlands, all chasing 29.4°C (85°F) afternoons on sand beaches while their home cities sit below freezing.
The weather delivers on that price tag. Nighttime temperatures hold near 25.9°C (79°F), and the northeast trade winds blow steadily at 15 to 25 km/h, carrying the salt-spray smell of the Caribbean and keeping the air from feeling thick despite 72% humidity. December sits at the transition between Aruba's wetter months and its dry season. You'll likely see brief showers on about half the days, but most pass in under 20 minutes and arrive after 15:00. Mornings tend to dawn clear. Aruba sits south of the hurricane belt at latitude 12°N, so cyclone risk is not a factor here, not in December, not ever.
The cultural calendar picks up as the month progresses. Oranjestad decorates its Main Street with holiday lights and opens evening markets along the waterfront. After Christmas Day, Dande groups begin their rounds through neighborhoods in Noord and Santa Cruz, singing traditional songs door to door with drums and cuatros. New Year's Eve draws crowds to the waterfront near Renaissance Marina for fireworks. It's a small island. About 32 km by 10 km, roughly 112,000 residents. Fort Zoutman, built in 1798 and still standing as the island's oldest structure, hosts the weekly Bon Bini Festival every Tuesday evening. In peak December weeks, you notice how compact everything is.
Why visit in December
- Steady northeast trade winds between 15 and 25 km/h moderate the tropical heat at Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, keeping midday temperatures comfortable even near 29°C. The constant breeze is strong enough to feel on your skin without blowing sand off the beach.
- Aruba sits at 12°N latitude, south of the hurricane belt. No cyclone risk in December or any other month, a guarantee no other major Caribbean beach destination can match with the same certainty.
- December rainfall tends to arrive as brief afternoon showers that clear within 20 minutes. Morning and evening hours are typically dry, and the monthly total sits well below November's 83mm peak.
- The holiday season activates the full depth of Aruba's restaurant and nightlife scene. The Oranjestad waterfront, the Palm Beach strip, and Savaneta's local dining spots all operate at extended hours through New Year's, with seasonal menus appearing at many kitchens.
Worth knowing
- Hotel rates along Palm Beach and Eagle Beach reach their annual peak during the Christmas-to-New-Year corridor. Beachfront properties booked after September have limited availability, and last-minute deals are essentially nonexistent.
- Popular beaches fill early during holiday weeks. Palapas and shaded spots at Eagle Beach are typically claimed by 8 AM, and the high-rise hotel beach sections at Palm Beach feel dense by mid-morning.
- Restaurants in Oranjestad and the Palm Beach hotel strip require reservations during the last two weeks of December. Walk-in waits can exceed 45 minutes at popular spots between December 20 and January 2.
- The north coast becomes unsafe for swimming when December trade winds strengthen. Andicuri Beach and Boca Grandi see strong currents and rough surf that limit those stretches to wave-watching and photography.
Best for
Think twice if
December marks the pivot between Aruba's wetter season and its dry months. The northeast trade winds run steadily, strong enough to bend the island's signature divi-divi trees along the southern coast. Showers arrive mostly in the late afternoon, rarely last beyond 20 minutes, and give way to clear, warm evenings. The wind keeps the air feeling drier than you might expect for a Caribbean island, though stepping out of the breeze into a sheltered alley in Oranjestad reveals the moisture immediately. North coast beaches see noticeably rougher surf from the December winds, while the sheltered southwestern shores stay calm enough for swimming and snorkeling. Sunrise comes around 06:45 and sunset near 18:20, giving you a solid 11.5 hours of daylight.
Seasonal caution
- The UV index at Aruba's 12°N latitude typically reaches 10 to 11 during midday in December, classified as very high by the WHO. The steady trade winds cool exposed skin and mask the intensity of the sun, leading to severe sunburns among visitors who skip frequent sunscreen reapplication. Reapply every 90 minutes, especially after swimming.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29 | 25 | 40 |
| Feb | 29 | 25 | 35 |
| Mar | 29 | 25 | 31 |
| Apr | 30 | 26 | 22 |
| May | 31 | 27 | 32 |
| Jun | 31 | 27 | 35 |
| Jul | 31 | 27 | 34 |
| Aug | 31 | 27 | 41 |
| Sep | 32 | 28 | 33 |
| Oct | 32 | 27 | 56 |
| Nov | 30 | 26 | 83 |
| Dec | 29 | 26 | 53 |
Holidays and festivals in December
Public holidays
- Christmas Day(Eerste Kerstdag)25 December 2026
- St. Stephen's Day(Tweede Kerstdag)26 December 2026
Best things to do in December
Snorkeling at Malmok Beach
water sportsShallow reef snorkeling starting from shore, with brain coral, parrotfish, and sea fans in 2 to 4 meters of clear water. The reef runs parallel to the beach for several hundred meters. Worth noting that Malmok's rocky entry means water shoes are not optional.
December's transition from wet to dry season tends to improve underwater visibility along the leeward coast. Calmer western waters contrast with the rough north coast, concentrating marine life along these sheltered reefs.Booking tipNo booking needed for shore entry. Gear rental available at beachside operators, but bringing your own mask and fins saves both money and fitting time.
Hiking Arikok National Park
outdoor adventureDesert trails through Aruba's protected interior, covering cacti-studded hills, the Fontein Cave with its Arawak petroglyphs, and the Natural Pool at Conchi, a rock-enclosed swimming hole on the northeast coast. The park spans roughly 18% of the island's total area.
December highs near 29°C are 2 to 3 degrees cooler than the August and September peaks, making the exposed, shade-free desert trails noticeably more comfortable for morning hikes.Booking tipThe Natural Pool requires a 4x4 vehicle or a guided UTV tour to reach. Book UTV tours at least a week ahead during December, as operators run at capacity.
Sunset catamaran sailing off the west coast
water sportsThree-hour sailing trips departing from Palm Beach, heading south past the Oranjestad coastline with an open bar and a snorkeling stop. The warm breeze, the smell of salt water, and the sound of the hull cutting through short chop are the sensory core of the experience.
December trade winds at 15 to 25 km/h provide ideal sailing conditions. The boats move under genuine wind power rather than motoring through the calmer air that sometimes settles over the island in September and October.Booking tipBook 5 to 7 days ahead for a sunset-window departure during peak season. Weekday sailings are slightly less crowded than Saturday or Sunday runs.
New Year's Eve celebrations at Renaissance Marina
nightlife and eventsIsland-wide fireworks concentrated along the Oranjestad waterfront, with street food vendors, live music stages, and crowds gathering from mid-evening. The sound of fireworks echoes off the low buildings along L.G. Smith Boulevard, and the smell of grilled meat mixes with the sea air.
December 31 only. Aruba's NYE celebration draws tens of thousands to the waterfront and is the single largest public gathering on the island's annual calendar.Booking tipWaterfront restaurants require NYE reservations weeks in advance. Alternatively, Eagle Beach offers open views of the fireworks without the density of the Oranjestad crowd.
Baby Beach lagoon day
beachA shallow, turquoise lagoon at the southeastern tip of the island, sheltered by a natural rock breakwater. The water depth stays under a meter for the first 30 to 40 meters from shore, warm as bathwater. The drive from Palm Beach takes about 25 minutes.
When December trade winds roughen the north coast and create chop at Palm Beach, Baby Beach's breakwater keeps the lagoon flat and swimmable. It becomes the most reliably calm water on the island during strong-wind days.Booking tipArrive before 10 AM to claim a shaded spot. There is limited palapa availability and no reservation system, so early arrival matters on holiday-week mornings.
Exploring the San Nicolas street art district
culture and artOver 40 murals painted on buildings throughout Aruba's second city, part of an ongoing art project that has turned formerly quiet blocks into an open-air gallery. The painted walls contrast with the industrial character of the surrounding neighborhood. You can walk the core circuit in about 45 minutes.
December's dry mornings and mild temperatures make walking the district comfortable before the afternoon heat builds. The art walk route has minimal shade, so the cooler December conditions are a practical advantage over July or August.Booking tipNo booking needed. Self-guided maps are available at shops near the main strip. Combine with a lunch stop in San Nicolas rather than driving back to the hotel corridor.
Visiting the California Lighthouse at sunset
sightseeingA 30-meter lighthouse at the island's northwestern tip, named after the steamship SS California that wrecked nearby in 1891. The surrounding dune landscape is sparse and wind-swept, and the panoramic view at sunset extends across the entire western coastline.
December's lower humidity compared to the wetter months occasionally clears the horizon enough to glimpse the Venezuelan coast 27 km to the south. The sunset angle in December drops the sun directly over the open ocean from this vantage point.Booking tipThe lighthouse itself can be climbed for a small fee. Arrive 30 to 40 minutes before sunset to secure a spot at the base, where the wind is strongest and a jacket feels welcome.
What to eat in December
On menus now
Keshi Yena
A hollowed Gouda cheese shell stuffed with spiced chicken, peppers, tomatoes, and olives, baked until the cheese melts around the filling. Year-round staple that appears on nearly every holiday table. The browned, bubbling cheese crust is the visual cue that it's ready.
What to drink
Ponche Crema
A thick holiday drink made from rum, eggs, condensed milk, vanilla, and freshly grated nutmeg. Homemade versions appear at family gatherings and house parties starting mid-December. Heavier and sweeter than eggnog, and stronger than most visitors expect.
Festival food
Ayaca
Aruba's holiday tamale, made from cornmeal dough filled with seasoned chicken or pork, raisins, olives, and capers, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. Families prepare large batches in the week before Christmas. The soft, steamy texture when you unwrap the leaf is half the experience.
Oliebollen
Fried dough balls dusted in powdered sugar, a Dutch New Year's Eve tradition that Aruba inherited from its colonial ties to the Netherlands. Bakeries in Oranjestad and Noord stock them during the last week of December. Warm from the fryer, they taste like a cross between a doughnut and a beignet.
Bolo di Cashupete
Dense, moist cake made from cashew nuts. It appears at holiday gatherings and New Year's celebrations across the island. The flavor is nuttier and earthier than almond cake, with a crumbly texture that holds up in the December heat without refrigeration.
Regular events in December
Bon Bini Festival
Weekly cultural performance at Fort Zoutman in Oranjestad, featuring traditional Aruban dance, steel pan music, local crafts, and food vendors. Draws a mix of tourists and residents. A small entry fee applies.
Every Tuesday evening, year-roundDandeFree
An Aruban folk tradition where groups of musicians travel door to door, singing and playing drums, cuatros, and other instruments to welcome the new year. The rounds move through residential neighborhoods across the island, with Oranjestad, Noord, and Santa Cruz as focal areas.
December 26 through January 1New Year's Eve fireworksFree
Island-wide fireworks displays centered on the Oranjestad waterfront and visible from Eagle Beach and Palm Beach. Street celebrations start in the evening and run past midnight, with food vendors and live music stages.
December 31San Nicolas Art WalkFree
Periodic guided and self-guided walks through the mural district of San Nicolas, Aruba's second-largest settlement. Local artists sometimes attend to discuss the work. Check local event listings for December dates, as the schedule varies.
Monthly, dates varyBest places this December
Baby Beach
beachA shallow turquoise lagoon at the southeastern tip of the island, sheltered by a natural breakwater. Water stays under a meter deep for the first 30 to 40 meters, making it one of the calmest swimming spots in the Caribbean. Snorkeling near the breakwater's edge reveals reef fish in slightly deeper water.
San NicolasArikok National Park
natureAruba's largest protected area, covering roughly 18% of the island. The terrain shifts from cactus desert to limestone caves with Arawak petroglyphs at Fontein Cave to the rock-enclosed Natural Pool at Conchi on the rugged northeast coast. Entry fee applies.
Santa CruzCalifornia Lighthouse
landmarkA 30-meter lighthouse at the island's northwestern tip, named after the SS California wreck of 1891. Surrounded by wind-shaped dunes and scrub. Panoramic views of the western coast and, on clear December days, the faint outline of Venezuela to the south.
NoordFort Zoutman and the Historical Museum
historicThe oldest structure on the island, built in 1798 as a coastal defense. Houses a small museum covering Aruba's colonial and indigenous history. The Bon Bini Festival takes place in its courtyard every Tuesday.
OranjestadEagle Beach
beachWide, white-sand beach lined with the wind-bent fofoti (divi-divi) trees that appear in every Aruba photograph. Lower-rise hotel setting than Palm Beach, slightly less dense even in peak December. The southern stretch near Manchebo tends to be the quietest section.
Eagle BeachMalmok Beach
beachA rocky-entry shore snorkeling site along Aruba's northwestern leeward coast, with shallow reef starting within meters of the waterline. Brain coral, sea fans, and parrotfish are common. Less of a lounging beach, more of a snorkeling destination.
NoordCasibari Rock Formations
natureLarge diorite boulders in Aruba's interior that you can climb via built-in steps for panoramic views of the island. The formations rise abruptly from flat scrubland. A 20-minute visit, worth combining with a drive to the nearby Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, the remnants of a 19th-century gold-processing site.
Santa Cruz
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Insider tips
Wind direction determines your beach day. When December's northeast trades blow at their strongest, the southwestern beaches from Eagle Beach down to Manchebo stay sheltered and calm. Check the morning wind speed before committing to a north coast trip.
Supermarkets along L.G. Smith Boulevard in Oranjestad stock the same drinks, snacks, and sunscreen that beachside vendors sell at the hotel strip, at a fraction of the markup. Stock up before heading to Palm Beach or Baby Beach.
The Bon Bini Festival at Fort Zoutman on Tuesday evenings is one of the few places to see traditional Aruban dance and steel pan performed for a mixed local-and-tourist audience rather than a resort-produced show. Arrive by 18:30 for the opening.
Skip the resort prix fixe menus on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Local restaurants in Savaneta and San Nicolas run their own holiday specials at a fraction of the hotel-strip price, with more traditional Aruban cooking. Ask your hotel's front desk staff where they eat, not where they recommend.
Avoid these mistakes
- Underestimating how quickly the trade winds cause sunburn. The breeze feels cooling and comfortable, but December UV at this latitude is intense. Travelers who skip reapplying sunscreen every 90 minutes often end up with second-degree burns by the end of day 2. This is the most common medical complaint among December visitors.
- Not booking a rental car early enough. The island has a limited fleet, and by late November most vehicles are reserved for the holiday period. Taxis exist but add up quickly when attractions are spread across the island and public bus service runs on a reduced holiday schedule.
- Planning a swim at a north coast beach without checking wind conditions first. December trade winds push currents and surf to dangerous levels along the exposed northern shoreline. Stick to the sheltered southwestern coast for swimming. The north coast is for photographs and wave-watching, not wading in.
Practical tips for December
Book hotels and rental cars at least 3 months ahead for the December 20 to January 2 corridor. The Aruban florin (AWG) trades at 1.79 to the US dollar, but most businesses on the tourist strip accept USD directly, often rounding in their favor. Tip 15% to 18% at sit-down restaurants. Many shops in Oranjestad close on December 25 and January 1, though hotel restaurants and beach operators stay open. The Arubus public bus system connects Oranjestad to Palm Beach, Eagle Beach, and San Nicolas, but runs on a reduced schedule during the holiday week between Christmas and New Year's. Restaurant reservations for the December 20 to January 2 window should be made 1 to 2 weeks before arrival for any popular spot. Dress codes are relaxed island-wide, though a few upscale Palm Beach restaurants expect collared shirts or resort-casual attire at dinner. Tap water in Aruba is desalinated and safe to drink.
FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Aruba?
Yes, the weather is warm, reliable, and comfortable, with steady trade winds that keep the heat from becoming oppressive. The main trade-off is cost. December is the most expensive month to visit, with hotel rates at their annual peak and high demand for rental cars and restaurant tables. If you have schedule flexibility, February through April offers similar weather with slightly lower pricing pressure and thinner crowds.
Is Aruba crowded in December?
December through mid-April is peak season, and the Christmas-to-New-Year corridor is the single busiest stretch of the year. Beach palapas at Eagle Beach fill by early morning, restaurants along the Palm Beach strip need reservations, and rental car fleets sell out weeks ahead. The island's compact size concentrates visitors into a few key areas along the western coast, which amplifies the sense of density even though the east coast and interior remain quiet.
How far in advance should I book hotels for December in Aruba?
For the Christmas-to-New-Year window, book 3 to 4 months ahead. Popular beachfront properties along Eagle Beach and Palm Beach fill by September. If your dates are flexible within December, the first two weeks see slightly lower demand and better availability than the holiday corridor. Rental cars should be reserved on the same timeline.
Does it rain a lot in Aruba in December?
Not by Caribbean standards. December sits at the transition between Aruba's wetter season and its dry season, with modest total rainfall spread across brief afternoon showers. Most pass in under 20 minutes, and mornings are typically clear. If you're comparing Caribbean islands for a December trip, Aruba is one of the driest options, and its position south of the hurricane belt eliminates cyclone risk entirely.
What should I wear in Aruba in December?
Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime. Cotton and linen work well. Evenings along the waterfront and on boat tours get breezy enough that a light windbreaker or long-sleeve layer is welcome. A few upscale restaurants expect resort-casual attire at dinner, but most of the island is relaxed about dress codes. Pack reef-safe sunscreen and a hat with a chin strap for the persistent trade winds.
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