Weather · December

New Zealand weather in December

Temperature, rain, what to pack, this month's events and prices

New Zealand

December in New Zealand: changeable weather. Roughly 14h 58m of daylight, with light from about 04:52 to 19:50. December isn't peak season in New Zealand. The upside: quiet and cheaper. The downside: weather that needs flexibility.

The weather in detail

New Zealand in December

Average temp-
Rain this month-
Daylight15 h
Sun04:52-19:50
Seasonshoulder/low season, better prices
What to do

December in New Zealand, what works

Match the plan to the forecast — a mix of indoor sights and outdoor time keeps it flexible.

What to pack: Check the forecast close to your trip and pack layers accordingly.

What's on in December

Holidays & events in New Zealand

  • 25 DecemberChristmas Day
  • 26 DecemberBoxing Day
  • 28 DecemberBoxing Day (substitute day)

On public holidays banks and offices close, some sites change hours and transport shifts, but it's also the best way to see living tradition.

Questions & answers

December in New Zealand, FAQ

Does it snow in New Zealand in December?
No. Temperatures are well above freezing.
How many hours of daylight in New Zealand in December?
About 14h 58m of daylight. The sun rises around 04:52 and sets around 19:50. Plan sightseeing around the light.
Is December a good time to visit New Zealand?
December isn't peak season in New Zealand. The upside: quiet and cheaper. The downside: weather that needs flexibility.
Plan the trip

New Zealand — flights & hotels

Check prices for your dates. Booking early is well below the last-minute price.

Check flight prices to New Zealand, every airline at once.

Rates in New Zealand shift daily. See what your night costs now.

← NovemberNew Zealand, all yearJanuary →

About this page

Written and checked by the Around the World team. We compare prices across the major providers, cross-check official sources, and update when something changes. We have no stake in any one provider — links are affiliate links, and the price is the same for you.

Sources: Climate: Open-Meteo 1991-2020 · Daylight: astronomical calculation · Holidays: date-holidays dataset