New zealand weather in december
December is summer in New Zealand, and it's a great time to visit if you enjoy warm weather and outdoor activities. Here's what you can expect from the weather in New Zealand in December:
Temperatures:
- Daytime temperatures usually range from 22°C (72°F) to 25°C (77°F) in the north and 18°C (64°F) to 22°C (72°F) in the south.
- Nighttime temperatures can drop to around 15°C (59°F) to 18°C (64°F) in the north and 10°C (50°F) to 15°C (59°F) in the south.
Sunshine:
- December is one of the sunniest months in New Zealand, with an average of 9 hours of sunshine per day.
- The sun rises around 6:30 am and sets around 8:30 pm.
Rainfall:
- December is a relatively dry month in New Zealand, with an average of 60 mm (2.4 in) of rainfall along the west coast and 40 mm (1.6 in) in the east.
- The rainiest regions are the West Coast and Fiordland National Park, while the driest regions are the eastern coastal areas.
Regional Variations:
- North Island: The north of the North Island, including Auckland and the Bay of Islands, tends to be warmer and sunnier than the south.
- South Island: The South Island is generally cooler than the North Island, especially in the southern regions like Queenstown and Invercargill.
- Coastal vs. Inland: Coastal areas tend to be cooler than inland areas, especially at night.
Weather Events:
- Heatwaves: While rare, heatwaves can occur in December, especially in the north.
- Thunderstorms: Thunderstorms are more common in December, especially in the afternoon and evening.
- Cyclones: Tropical cyclones can affect New Zealand in December, but they are relatively rare.
Packing Essentials:
- Lightweight clothing for warm days
- Comfortable shoes for outdoor activities
- Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
- Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
- Rain gear (umbrella, waterproof jacket) for occasional rain showers
Overall, December is a great time to visit New Zealand if you enjoy warm weather and outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and surfing. Just be prepared for occasional rain showers and cooler evenings, especially in the south.