Aruba by month
Aruba in December
December splits clean in two: the first half catches the tail end of shoulder pricing and lighter crowds, then Christmas week hits and the island slams into full holiday mode — resorts packed, restaurants booked solid, Palm Beach humming with energy, and prices spiking 30–40%. New Year's Eve brings island-wide fireworks and the year's biggest party atmosphere. If you want Aruba hot and festive with zero chance of cold weather back home ruining your plans, this is it. Book early or pay for it.
Updated June 2026
Temperature
82°F average — hot sun, steady breeze, classic Aruba comfort with no humidity
Wind
Trade winds steady at 15–20 mph, keeping the heat manageable and windsurfers happy
Rain
Minimal — maybe one brief evening shower the whole trip, if that
Crowds & prices
Early December still offers some shoulder-season breathing room and better rates, but the week before Christmas through New Year's is the island's absolute peak: every major resort is fully booked, beach chairs at Palm Beach fill early, dinner reservations vanish weeks out, and hotel rates hit their annual high. You're paying top dollar for guaranteed sun and serious holiday energy. If crowds stress you out, avoid the last two weeks; if you love a festive vibe and don't mind paying for it, this is Aruba at maximum voltage.
When to book
Book flights and hotels 4–6 months out if you're coming for Christmas or New Year's — inventory disappears fast and prices climb weekly as December approaches. Early December trips can get away with 8–12 weeks' lead time and better deals.
Our getting-there guide has every nonstop route to Aruba plus a cheapest-fare-by-month table to sanity-check December flight prices.
What to do
What December is made for.
On the calendar
- Christmas week — island-wide holiday buzz, packed resorts, festive restaurant menus
- New Year's Eve fireworks across the island starting around 9pm, with major celebrations at Palm Beach
Pack for December
- Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ — December sun is relentless even with the breeze
- Light layers for air-conditioned restaurants (some get cold inside)
- Festive resort wear if you're here for Christmas or New Year's — many places lean into the holiday vibe
- Water shoes for rockier snorkel spots
- A hat that won't blow off — the trade winds don't take December off
Know before you go
- If you're flexible, book the first two weeks of December for 20–30% savings over Christmas week with nearly identical weather
- Make dinner reservations for Christmas and New Year's weeks at least 2–3 weeks out — top spots fill fast
- Claim your Palm Beach chair early (7–8am) during the holiday crunch or head to calmer Eagle Beach
- New Year's Eve fireworks start around 9pm — stake out a Palm Beach spot early or book a sunset cruise for front-row views
- Flash hotel sales occasionally pop up for early December in late September/October — set alerts if you're hunting deals
- Avoid last-minute December bookings unless you enjoy paying double and scrambling for availability
- If you're traveling with kids during Christmas week, book activities (snorkel trips, island tours) before you arrive — they sell out
Going in December? Get a plan built around it.
The planner turns your dates, budget, and travel style into resort picks, restaurants, and a day-by-day rhythm — in about two minutes.