December is the start of peak summer tourism with warm weather, long days and busy coastal destinations. Bookings rise for popular beaches, national parks and inter-island travel during the holiday period.
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Average temperature across New Zealand in December.
Northern New Zealand
Autumn deepens with cooler nights and clearer skies; coastal towns like Russell and Kawakawa shine with crisp days that are perfect for harbour cruises and walking the Auckland volcanic cones. Rain events become more frequent and strong southerlies can make the sea choppy - ferry cancellations across the Hauraki Gulf increase. Pack thermal layers for evenings and a rainproof jacket for sudden showers.
Eastern North Island coast
Autumn deepens with cool mornings and calmer seas; this is a serene time to explore the peninsula’s coves and the Bay’s wineries with fewer crowds. Rainfall becomes more frequent than in high summer, but long settled periods allow for comfortable outdoor activities if you accept some variability. Bring a warm mid-layer for evening dining and a weatherproof jacket for coastal winds.
Autumn returns with crisp mornings and excellent visibility of the volcanic peaks; the reduction in midges near Rotorua makes outdoor dining more pleasant. Days are often splendid for tramping and mountain photography, but nights cool rapidly so insulating layers are important. It’s a quiet, scenic shoulder season with fewer crowds at both geothermal attractions and lakefront settlements.
Cook Strait region
Autumn deepens into crisp, cool days with gusty southerlies possible; Wairarapa’s harvests are being gathered and cellar doors quieten after summer. Wellington’s wind reputation means always packing a windproof layer and expecting brisk, dramatic skies that are great for photography. Road travel over hill passes may be occasionally slippery after rain, so leave extra time between towns.
South Island temperate rainforest
Autumn deepens with cooler nights and dramatic rainfall events that feed the region’s many waterfalls; the annual rhythm here prioritizes preparedness for wet conditions over any fixed ‘dry season.’ When the weather clears, the landscape rewards with crisp air and excellent mountain visibility. Carry a heavy-duty waterproof and allow extra days in your itinerary for weather-related delays.
East and south South Island
Autumn deepens into crisp, clear days and beautiful foliage, especially in Queenstown’s lakeside environs and Central Otago’s river valleys. The nor’wester still occasionally blows and can sour air quality with dust on very dry days, but overall it’s a rewarding season for photography, cycling and quiet wine touring. Pack a mix of warm layers for mornings and lighter shirts for sunny afternoons.
The December holidays and New Year period bring peak domestic and international travel from late December into January.
See how December compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.