📷 Unsplash / Devin Avery
December Weather Across NZ
| Region | Average high | Rain days | Sea temp | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland / Northland | 23C | 10 days | 18C | Warm and humid, occasional thunderstorms |
| Bay of Plenty / Rotorua | 24C | 9 days | 20C | Excellent, reliably warm |
| Wellington | 18C | 11 days | 17C | Can be windy, spring vibe more than summer |
| Nelson / Marlborough | 23C | 8 days | 18C | Best sunshine in NZ, consistently fine |
| Christchurch / Canterbury | 22C | 8 days | 17C | Great, warm and mostly settled |
| Queenstown / Wanaka | 22C | 10 days | 16C | Spectacular, long days, all activities open |
| West Coast | 19C | 14 days | 15C | Beautiful but rainiest coast in NZ |
Early December (1st-19th) — The Sweet Spot
- Summer weather arrives but schools are still in — crowds are 60-70% of peak January levels
- Campervan availability is good and prices are 15-20% below peak January rates
- Most NZ attractions are fully operational with no spring closures
- NZ long daylight hours already at maximum (6am-9pm+) — maximum time to sightsee
- Beach water is warm enough for swimming in Northland, Bay of Plenty, and Coromandel by mid-December
- Book at least 6-8 weeks ahead for holiday parks or popular activities
Late December (20th-31st) — Peak Season
- School holidays start around December 20th — crowds surge immediately
- Christmas week (20-25 Dec) is busy but not as extreme as New Year
- New Year's week (27 Dec-3 Jan) is the single most expensive and crowded period in NZ
- Queenstown and Bay of Islands are packed — accommodation prices at annual peak
- Book New Year accommodation 4-6 months in advance minimum
- Christmas Day: most attractions and many supermarkets closed — plan meals ahead
- Boxing Day (26 Dec) is a public holiday — most attractions open again
Best Destinations in December
- Nelson / Abel Tasman — NZ's sunniest region. Abel Tasman beaches are at their best in December. Not yet as crowded as January. Book water taxi 3+ weeks ahead.
- Coromandel — Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove are sublime in December. Arrive before 9am for Hot Water Beach to avoid crowds.
- Bay of Islands — warm water, dolphin cruises at their best. More accessible than January as roads are less jammed.
- Rotorua — all geothermal parks in full operation. Farm shows running daily. Great shoulder-peak choice.
- Wanaka — one of NZ's most beautiful December destinations. Roy's Peak has maximum daylight. Lake swimming possible by mid-December.
What to Book Now for December
- Campervans (4-berth family vans): book 3-4 months ahead for early December, 5-6 months for late December
- Hobbiton Movie Set: sells out for Christmas/New Year period — book when you commit to dates
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves: timed entry books up — reserve 3-4 weeks ahead
- Abel Tasman water taxis: 2-3 weeks ahead minimum in December
- Bay of Islands dolphin cruises: popular departures book out — reserve when you know your dates
- New Year's Eve accommodation near Queenstown or Rotorua: book 6+ months ahead
December Tips for NZ Families
- UV is extreme in December — SPF50+ every day, reapply every 2 hours. Kids burn in 12-15 minutes without protection.
- Sandflies are worst in December on the West Coast and Fiordland. DEET-based repellent is essential.
- Pack lighter clothes than you think — December in NZ is genuinely hot. A hoodie is enough for evenings.
- Long daylight hours (6am-9:30pm) means kids won't sleep until late — pack blackout blinds for campervans.
- Book Christmas Day dinner ahead — most NZ restaurants are closed Christmas Day.
Other NZ Month Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit NZ with kids?
Early December (before school breaks around 15–20 December) is excellent — full summer has arrived but the holiday crowds haven't yet. After the school break starts, expect peak season prices and crowds at popular spots. Book accommodation by June for December stays.
What are NZ summer holiday dates in December?
Schools typically break for summer in the second or third week of December (around 15–19 December for 2026). The 6-week summer holiday runs until late January. If you can travel in the first two weeks of December before the school break, you'll have summer weather with winter prices.
What is NZ weather like in December?
December is the start of summer. Auckland: 22–26°C, warm and humid with afternoon showers. Wellington: 18–22°C. Christchurch: 20–25°C. Queenstown: 18–24°C — long daylight hours until 9pm. Water temperatures are 17–20°C — swimmable at most beaches.
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