Weather in New Zealand in December

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Visiting New Zealand in December

December is one of the best months to visit New Zealand for the best beach weather. It has the most sunshine and best sunbathing and swimming conditions of the year.

The weather in December is warmer than the previous month and temperatures continue to rise slightly into January. December has average maximum temperatures of 20°C (68°F) which is not that warm but sunbathing may be possible on some clear days. The sunshine percentage is 51.4% making it quite sunny but with occasional periods of cloudy and overcast skies. There are 7.6 hours of sunshine per day.

December has total rainfall of 4.3cm (1.7inches) making it mostly dry but with short lived occasional showers. There are only 13.7 days with some rainfall so you can still enjoy the beach on the majority of days.

Sea temperatures are a cold 16°C (61°F). December is too cold for swimming in New Zealand for any length of time, unless you have a wetsuit. The sea temperature in December is marginally warmer than the previous month and temperatures continue to rise into January.

Also consider visiting New Zealand in one of the other best months of January, February, March, for the best beach weather. Also consider one of our other suggestions for December.

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Can you sunbathe in New Zealand in December?

No, December is not a good time for sunbathing in New Zealand.

December has average maximum temperatures of 20°C (68°F) which is not that warm but sunbathing may be possible on some clear days. The sunshine percentage is 51.4% making it quite sunny but with occasional periods of cloudy and overcast skies. There are 7.6 hours of sunshine per day. December has total rainfall of 4.3cm (1.7inches) making it mostly dry but with short lived occasional showers. There are only 13.7 days with some rainfall so you can still enjoy the beach on the majority of days.

More about December temperature and sunshine.

Can you swim in New Zealand in December?

No, December is too cold for swimming in New Zealand for any length of time, with the sea water at 16°C (61°F), unless you have a wetsuit.

More about December sea temperatures.

Is December a good time to holiday in New Zealand?

Yes, December is a good time for a holiday in New Zealand.

December has average maximum temperatures of 20°C (68°F) which is not that warm but sunbathing may be possible on some clear days. The sunshine percentage is 51.4% making it quite sunny but with occasional periods of cloudy and overcast skies. There are 7.6 hours of sunshine per day. December has total rainfall of 4.3cm (1.7inches) making it mostly dry but with short lived occasional showers. There are only 13.7 days with some rainfall so you can still enjoy the beach on the majority of days. Sea temperatures are a cold 16°C (61°F). December is too cold for swimming in New Zealand for any length of time, unless you have a wetsuit.

More about the December temperatures and sunshine.

Is New Zealand warm in December?

Yes, New Zealand is not that warm but sunbathing may be possible on some clear days in December.

The average maximum temperature in New Zealand in December is 20°C (68°F). The average maximum temperature is 18°C (64°) in the previous month and 21°C (71°F) in the next month.

The average temperature in New Zealand in December is 16°C (61°F). The average temperature is 14°C (57°F) in the previous month and 17°C (63°F) in the next month.

More info about the December temperatures and sunshine.

How sunny is New Zealand in December?

The average day light hours per day in New Zealand in December are 14.8. The sunshine percentage is 51.4% making it quite sunny but with occasional periods of cloudy and overcast skies. There are 7.6 hours of sunshine per day.

More about December sunshine.

Temperature in New Zealand in December

The weather in December is warmer than the previous month and temperatures continue to rise slightly into January. The average maximum temperature in New Zealand in December is 20°C (68°F). The average maximum temperature is 18°C (64°F) in the previous month and 21°C (71°F) in the next month.

The average temperature in New Zealand in December is 16°C (61°F). The average temperature is 14°C (57°F) in the previous month and 17°C (63°F) in the next month.

The average minimum temperature in New Zealand in December is 14°C (56°F). The minimum temperature is 11°C (52°F) in the previous month and 14°C (58°F) in the next month.

Sunshine in New Zealand in December

The days in December are longer than the previous month. December has a slightly more hours of sunshine than the previous month. During December the average day light hours are 14.8 per day in New Zealand. The sunshine percentage is 51.4% making it quite sunny but with occasional periods of cloudy and overcast skies. There are 7.6 hours of sunshine per day.

The ultraviolet index in New Zealand in December is typically 12.3 during December. An ultraviolet index reading above 11 indicates an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Unprotected skin risks burning in less than 10 minutes. Take all precautions because unprotected skin and eyes can burn in minutes. Tanning will be safest before 10am and after 4pm but only with a good application of sun screen. For those with sensitive skin stay in the shade and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days. Watch out for relections from water that may increase ultraviolet exposure.

Sea Temperature in New Zealand in December

The average sea water temperature in New Zealand in December is 16.1°C (61.0°F) which is cool for swimming, shorty wetsuit may help you extend your time in the water. The sea temperature in December is marginally warmer than the previous month and temperatures continue to rise into January.

Rainfall in New Zealand in December

December weather is slightly wetter than the previous month. December has a few more days of rain than the previous month. The average total rainfall in New Zealand in December is 4.3cm (1.7inches) and on average there are 13.7 rainy days in December making it a pretty wet time to visit the beach.

Humidity in New Zealand in December

The maximum dew point (an indicator of humidity) in New Zealand in December is 10°C (51°F) which is very comfortable. The dew point is 9°C (48°F) in the previous month and 11°C (11°F) in the next month.

The average maximum relative humidity in New Zealand in December is typically 59.4%. The maximum relative humidity is 58.1% in the previous month and 57.3% in the next month.

The average relative humidity in New Zealand in December is typically 49.8%. The average relative humidity is 48.4% in the previous month and 46.8% in the next month.

Wind Speed in New Zealand in December

The average maximum wind speed in New Zealand in December is typically 18KM/H (11MPH). The average maximum wind speed is 19KM/H (12MPH) in the previous month and 18KM/H (11MPH) in the next month.

The average wind speed in New Zealand in December is typically 11KM/H (7MPH). The average wind speed is 11KM/H (7MPH) in the previous month and 10KM/H (6MPH) in the next month.

The average wind direction in New Zealand in December is from the South-Southwest.

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Monthly Averages

Suggested Beaches in December

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Beaches recommended for you today, this weekend, in the next 2 weeks or in any month of the year.

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Need Inspiration?

Beaches recommended for you today, this weekend, in the next 2 weeks or in any month of the year.