Thinking of having a relaxing holiday in New Zealand to prepare yourself for the onslaught of the Christmas mania. You will want to know what the New Zealand weather in December is likely to be.
New Zealand Christmas Tree - Pohutukawa
December officially starts summer in New Zealand. Christmas holidays are just around the corner, and most New Zealanders are wondering what the weather in December will bring. The average temperatures are still coolish, even though the days tend to be getting longer as we head towards the longest day.
New Zealand Weather In December
Note:- The data provided below is based on monthly mean results and does not reflect daily peeks and lows.
city | monthly temps (Celsius) | monthly sunshine (hrs) | monthly rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
Whangarei | 14 - 23° | 210 | 96 |
Auckland | 14 - 22° | 197 | 93 |
Rotorua | 12 - 21° | 216 | 114 |
Napier | 14 - 23° | 234 | 54 |
Wellington | 12 - 19° | 223 | 84 |
Nelson | 12 - 21° | 241 | 84 |
Christchurch | 11 - 21° | 220 | 50 |
Lake Tekapo | 7 - 19° | 234 | 52 |
Dunedin | 10 - 17° | 168 | 80 |
Milford Sound | 9 - 18° | | 700 |
Queenstown | 8 - 20° | 224 | 75 |
Hokitika | 11 - 18° | 189 | 297 |
* Note:- the above information is based on data provided by NIWA.
"Quick conversion from Celsius to Fahrenheit (Celsius) x 2 then add 32"
While other countries in the world traditionally have Roast Turkey and Ham for Christmas dinner, we here in New Zealand are getting the "Barbie" Bar-B-Que fired up and wearing shorts and tee shirts.
Milford Sound and the West Coast of the South Island are having the traditional high rainfall, it is a rain forest region after all, and it is not uncommon to have rain throughout the country on Christmas Day. Despite officially being summer it has tended to be a little later in the last few years.
Hi Mark, It looks like Whangarei and Napier are the places to go for that little bit of extra heat! I’m planning a month-long trip to New-Zealand so this information has come in really handy. Thanks!
Tina, thank you for your comment. A month long trip will allow you time to appreciate this great country. You may also like to check the road rules before coming to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday.
If I can be of any further assistance please contact me.
Mark