New Zealand in december: average Weather, Temperature and Climate, Where to go?
Weather in New Zealand in december 2025
Here, find the the weather forecast for the month of december for most popular cities in New Zealand. These forecasts are probabilities for december from weather reports for many years. The percentage indicates the probability of having the weather mentioned.
Average weather in december in Auckland
good weather
Weather at 6am
63°F
Partly Cloudy
34% of time
27%
19%
12%
Weather at 12pm
70°F
Clear/Sunny
36% of time
23%
22%
15%
Weather at 6pm
67°F
Clear/Sunny
44% of time
19%
19%
13%
Weather at 3am
61°F
29%
29%
18%
16%
Where to go in New Zealand in december?
Where to go in New Zealand in december: destination map
Where to go in each region in december?
| North Island (Auckland, Wellington, Rotorua...) | 63°F to 72°F | 3 à 8 days | 61°F to 68°F | good weather |
| South Island (Queenstown, Christchurch, Dunedin...) | 56°F to 68°F | 3 à 12 days | 56°F to 63°F | good weather* |
Where should you go in New Zealand in december when it comes to the weather?
Remember:
The climate in New Zealand in december ranges from good to tolerable depending on the region and city.
Since December is the wettest month of the year, it is expected to have rain in New Zealand - regardless of the destination chosen. As the intensity of the rains varies from region to region, the weather in New Zealand throughout December can be pleasant as in Christchurch and Wellington, suitable as in Oakland or unfavorable like Hokitika.
December in the North of North Island
From the outset, the weather in the north of the country seems to be dominated by the relatively abundant rainfall. In fact, by totaling the sunny days and the cloudy but dry days, we have several pleasant days - suitable for outdoor activities. Since temperatures between 16° C and 22° C favor a mild atmosphere, climatic conditions in the north of the country are acceptable.
December in the South of the North Island
The geographical location of Wellington keeps the city free from humidity and this translates into very few rainy days. As a result, the weather is dominant over the other climatic conditions and it is therefore pleasant throughout December in New Zealand. All the more so as the mild temperatures are suitable to recharge under nice conditions.
December on the Southern Coast and the West Coast of the South Island
Apart from the locality of Hokitika which faces the alternation of showers and torrential rains, the rest of the localities located on the western coast and the southern coast of the South Island enjoy a climate throughout December in Nova Scotia, New Zealand that is fairly lenient. The fresh atmosphere blends perfectly with the gentle sun to promote a feeling of well-being.
December on the East Coast of South Island
Like Wellington, the location of Christchurch allows to benefit from pleasant climatic conditions. For this reason in December, due to the low intensity of the rains, the sun makes the days already comfortable. Due to the temperatures varying between 12° C and 20° C, the days are characterized by a fresh atmosphere.
Climate in New Zealand in december
Climate in Auckland in december
In the month of december, the mean temperature in Auckland is 67°F (maximum temperature is 70°F and minimum temperature is 63°F). The climate quite good around this city in the month of december. With 4.2in over 5 days, rainfall can happen during your holidays. But this is reasonably and it is only of temporary showers.
With proper weather, the month of december is okay (but not good month) for traveling in that area.
| December | |||
| Average temperature | 67°F | ||
| Highest temperature | 70°F | ||
| Lowest temperature | 63°F | ||
| Sea temperature | 66°F | ||
| Rainfall | 4.2in | ||
| Number of days with rainfall | 5 day(s) (17%) | ||
| Humidity | 86% | ||
| Daily sunshine hours | 13 | ||
| Cloud cover | 41% | ||
| Length of day | 14:40 | ||
| Our opinion at whereandwhen.net | good |
Climate in Christchurch in december
In the month of december, the mean temperature in Christchurch is 61°F (maximum temperature is 68°F and minimum temperature is 56°F). The climate nice there in december. With about 2.1in over 3 days, rainfall is infrequent for your journey.
With a good climate, the month of december is an advisable month to go in this city.
| December | |||
| Average temperature | 61°F | ||
| Highest temperature | 68°F | ||
| Lowest temperature | 56°F | ||
| Sea temperature | 58°F | ||
| Rainfall | 2.1in | ||
| Number of days with rainfall | 3 day(s) (10%) | ||
| Humidity | 83% | ||
| Daily sunshine hours | 15 | ||
| Cloud cover | 39% | ||
| Length of day | 15:24 | ||
| Our opinion at whereandwhen.net | good |
Climate in Dunedin in december
In the month of december, the mean temperature in Dunedin is 56°F (maximum temperature is 59°F and minimum temperature is 54°F). The climate is rather cool here in december, but it is tolerable by dressing warm. With 3.4in over 5 days, rain may occur for your vacations. But this is pretty moderate and you will not be too bothered by it.
With a correct weather, the month of december is okay (but not the best time) for traveling in this city.
| December | |||
| Average temperature | 56°F | ||
| Highest temperature | 59°F | ||
| Lowest temperature | 54°F | ||
| Sea temperature | 55°F | ||
| Rainfall | 3.4in | ||
| Number of days with rainfall | 5 day(s) (17%) | ||
| Humidity | 84% | ||
| Daily sunshine hours | 16 | ||
| Cloud cover | 43% | ||
| Length of day | 15:43 | ||
| Our opinion at whereandwhen.net | tolerable |
Climate in Queenstown in december
In the month of december, maximum temperature is 65°F and minimum temperature is 47°F (for an average temperature of 56°F). The climate is quite cool in that locality in the month of december, but it is endurable by dressing hot. With 5.6in over 8 days, you risk getting wet slightly throughout your holidays. But this is rather moderate and it is only of temporary showers.
With a correct climate, december is okay (but not good time) for traveling in this locality.
| December | |||
| Average temperature | 56°F | ||
| Highest temperature | 65°F | ||
| Lowest temperature | 47°F | ||
| Rainfall | 5.6in | ||
| Number of days with rainfall | 8 day(s) (25%) | ||
| Humidity | 89% | ||
| Daily sunshine hours | 16 | ||
| Cloud cover | 43% | ||
| Length of day | 15:36 | ||
| Our opinion at whereandwhen.net | tolerable |
Climate in Rotorua in december
In the month of december, maximum temperature is 72°F and minimum temperature is 56°F (for an average temperature of 63°F). The climate quite comfortable there in the month of december. With 5.9in over 8 days, you risk getting wet slightly during your vacations. But this is pretty reasonably and it will not be continuous.
With a correct climate, the month of december is okay (but not good time) for traveling in this city.
| December | |||
| Average temperature | 63°F | ||
| Highest temperature | 72°F | ||
| Lowest temperature | 56°F | ||
| Rainfall | 5.9in | ||
| Number of days with rainfall | 8 day(s) (24%) | ||
| Humidity | 93% | ||
| Daily sunshine hours | 13 | ||
| Cloud cover | 52% | ||
| Length of day | 14:48 | ||
| Our opinion at whereandwhen.net | good |
All cities in New Zealand in december
| Auckland in december | good weather |
| Christchurch in december | good weather |
| Dunedin in december | tolerable weather |
| Queenstown in december | tolerable weather |
| Rotorua in december | good weather |
| Wellington in december | good weather |
| Tauranga in december | good weather |
| Abel Tasman National Park in december | good weather |
| Akaroa in december | good weather |
| Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in december | tolerable weather |
| Cape Reinga in december | good weather |
| Castlepoint in december | good weather |
| Cathedral Cove in december | good weather |
| The Catlins in december | good weather |
| Coromandel in december | good weather |
| Franz Josef / Waiau in december | tolerable weather |
| Haast in december | tolerable weather |
| Hamilton in december | good weather |
| Hobbiton in december | good weather |
| Hokitika in december | tolerable weather |
| Invercargill in december | good weather |
Weather data for New Zealand in december:
Weather data for New Zealand in december is derived from an average of the weather forecast since 2009 in New Zealand. There is a margin of error and these forecasts are to be considered as general information only. The weather in New Zealand can vary slightly from year to year, but these predictions should limit surprises. So you can pack your bags and check when is the best time to go to New Zealand.