When to go · December

New Zealand in December

A solid time to go

Domestic travel peaks from December 20; expect closures of small businesses between Christmas and New Year.

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Daytime high

22°C

72°F

Overnight low

15°C

59°F

Rainfall

85 mm

moderate

Crowd levels

high

busy

Prices

high

peak rates

What to expect in New Zealand in December

December brings warm weather to New Zealand, with daytime highs around 22°C (72°F) and overnight lows near 15°C (59°F). Skies are typically moderately wet, with about 85 mm of rainfall on average. Domestic travel peaks from December 20; expect closures of small businesses between Christmas and New Year..

December is one of New Zealand's busiest months, so book accommodation early and expect queues at the headline sights. Flights and hotels are at peak rates, so use our tracker below to spot any drops. Peak season runs December–February, for context.

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