December weather forecast
New Zealand

December in New Zealand signals the arrival of full summer, with all parts of the country witnessing a notable escalation in temperatures. On the North Island, cities such as Auckland and Wellington experience average temperatures around 20°C (68°F), a marked contrast to the milder temperatures seen in spring. Simultaneously, regions on the South Island, including Christchurch and Dunedin, revel in the summer warmth with average temperatures hovering around 16°C (60.8°F).

The far north of the North Island fully embraces its sub-tropical climate in December, with temperatures rising significantly. Similarly, areas on the South Island, notably Central Otago and Canterbury's interior, bask in the warmth of the summer season, marking a complete departure from the cooler months.

When compared to November, December in New Zealand is defined by even longer daylight hours and further elevations in temperature, confirming the full onset of summer. Daily sunshine extends to about seven hours, creating a conducive environment for a host of outdoor activities.

Snowfall during December is largely absent, except for the highest peaks. The lower altitudes and plains are now under the full effect of the summer climate, with frost occurrences being quite rare.

Sea temperatures in December range from 18°C (64.4°F) to 21°C (69.8°F), marking an appreciable increase from the colder months and offering ideal conditions for various water activities. Tropical cyclones, although rare, can make an occasional appearance during this period.

January continues the trend set by December, with increased warmth, prolonged daylight hours, and an overall vibrant landscape brought about by the full swing of the summer season.

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• Auckland - December »
  December has the longest days of the year in Auckland with an average of 14h and 36min of daylight. In Auckland, in December, during 14.5 rainfall days, 57mm (2.24") of precipitation is typically accumulated.
• Wellington - December »
  The months with the highest humidity in Wellington are February through April and December, with an average relative humidity of 80%. In Wellington during December, the rain falls for 11.8 days and regularly aggregates up to 37mm (1.46") of precipitation.
• Christchurch - December »
  With an average of 15h and 24min of daylight, December has the longest days of the year in Christchurch. In Christchurch in December, it is raining for 10.2 days, with typically 27mm (1.06") of accumulated precipitation.
• Hamilton - December »
  The month with the longest days in Hamilton is December, with an average of 14h and 42min of daylight. In Hamilton, in December, during 10.5 rainfall days, 101mm (3.98") of precipitation is typically accumulated.
• Tauranga - December »
  The month with the longest days in Tauranga is December, with an average of 14h and 42min of daylight. In Tauranga during December, the rain falls for 17.5 days and regularly aggregates up to 70mm (2.76") of precipitation.
• Napier - December »
  December has the longest days of the year in Napier with an average of 14h and 54min of daylight. On the first day of December in Napier, New Zealand, sunrise is at 5:39 am and sunset at 8:23 pm.
• Dunedin - December »
  December in Dunedin marks the commencement of summer offering warmer temperatures, more sunshine, and longer days. January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 4, are months with the highest UV index in Dunedin.
• Palmerston North - December »
  In Palmerston North, New Zealand, in December, during 11.1 rainfall days, 88mm (3.46") of precipitation is typically accumulated. The high-temperature in Palmerston North during December is 20.9°C (69.6°F) and the low-temperature is 11.5°C (52.7°F).
• Nelson - December »
  In Nelson during December, the rain falls for 8.6 days and regularly aggregates up to 84mm (3.31") of precipitation. With an average of 15h and 6min of daylight, December has the longest days of the year in Nelson, New Zealand.
• Rotorua - December »
  The month with the most rainfall in Rotorua is December, when the rain falls for 18.7 days and typically aggregates up to 82mm (3.23") of precipitation. Rotorua in December serves as a vibrant culmination of the city’s annual climate cycle, packaging the extremes of the past months into a memorable summer experience.
• New Plymouth - December »
  In New Plymouth in December, it is raining for 9.5 days, with typically 113mm (4.45") of accumulated precipitation. On the first day of December in New Plymouth, New Zealand, sunrise is at 5:51 am and sunset at 8:33 pm.
• Whangarei - December »
  In Whangarei, New Zealand, in December, during 12.5 rainfall days, 62mm (2.44") of precipitation is typically accumulated. January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 5, are months with the highest UV index in Whangarei, New Zealand.