Cool
Average highs are around 20°C, so pack for cooler days.
December verdict
New Zealand in December
Weather score38Poor
Poor for holiday weather
Average highs are around 20°C, so pack for cooler days. Sunshine averages 6.3h per day, enough for a balanced month. Rainfall averages 136mm, so some wet days are possible.
December weather
Monthly averages
Temp
20°C
Rain
136mm
Sun
6.3h
Sea
15°C
Weather score
38
Poor
Seasonal climate calendar
TemperatureTemp
RainRain
SunSun
SwimSwim
Weather scoreWeather score
Trip feel
Showers
Rainfall averages 136mm, so some wet days are possible.
Some sun
Sunshine averages 6.3h per day, enough for a balanced month.
Cool sea
Sea temperatures average 15°C, so the water can feel cool.
Map
Weather map
Compare New Zealand with nearby places by weather score, rain, sun, temperature, and swim conditions.
Temperature
December20°C average high
December sits in the warmer part of the year, so midday sightseeing can feel heavier than in cooler months.
Warmest monthsJanuary to March and December
This stretch sets the upper range for average daytime heat.
Rain
December136mm average rain
December is wetter than New Zealand's yearly average, so flexible plans matter more.
Driest monthsJanuary to February and November
This is the drier part of the year, when outdoor plans usually need less weather flexibility.
Sun
December6.3 hours average sun
December is brighter than New Zealand's yearly average, though the strongest sunshine usually sits closer to the peak months.
Brightest monthsJanuary to February and November to December
This stretch has the strongest sunshine in the monthly averages.
Sea temperature
December15°C average sea
December is close to New Zealand's yearly sea-temperature average, so swimming comfort is fairly typical.
Warmest seaJanuary to March
Sea temperatures are usually near 16°C in this stretch, so swimming comfort is at its strongest.
Weather score
December38 weather score
December scores above New Zealand's yearly average, so the overall weather mix is stronger than most months.
Best weather monthsJanuary to February
These months have the strongest weather score in the monthly averages.