Gisborne
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Gisborne Weather in December

December in Gisborne brings high temperatures, with daytime highs of 22°C (72°F) and nights around 14°C (57°F). Quite a bit of rainfall is expected, around 71 mm (2.8 in), so pack an umbrella.

Rainfall in Gisborne in December

Typically, about 10 days will experience rainfall, with an average of 71 mm (2.8 in) for the month. The rain this month tends to fall in heavier spells rather than light drizzle. When it rains, showers can be significant.

Temperature in Gisborne in December

Gisborne has excellent weather in December, with days reaching 22°C (72°F) and nights cooling to 14°C (57°F). This month falls in the summer season. This gives the month a fairly typical daily rhythm, with warmer afternoons and more comfortable nights. At 14°C (57°F) overnight, it can feel quite a bit cooler after dark. Worth packing something warmer for evenings, but the cooler temperatures are ideal for sleeping.

Sunshine in Gisborne in December

The month enjoys around 231 hours of sunshine, creating mostly sunny days with good weather conditions.

Wind Speed in Gisborne in December

Average wind speeds reach 3 m/s (6 knots) in December, creating light breezes that feel pleasant throughout the day. Some days are calmer, while others bring slightly more active breezes.

Average water temperature in December

At 17°C (63°F), the water is cool but manageable for those who don't mind a bit of a shock getting in. Most people adjust after a few minutes.

If you're inclined towards comfortable temperatures and drier conditions, December is a good time to visit Gisborne.

Gisborne Temperature in December

Min Temperature
14°C (57°F)
Max Temperature
22°C (72°F)
Water Temperature
17°C (63°F)
Chance of Rain
33%
Precipitation
71 mm (2.8 in)
Rainy days
10 days
Humidity
73%
Windspeed
3 m/s (6 knots)
Sunshine
231 hours
Percentage Sunshine
54%

Gisborne Weather by Month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Gisborne - and find the best time to visit.

Daily Historical Temperatures

50-year average (1976-2025)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Gisborne typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 22°C (72°F). Nights are cool, with lows typically ranging from 13°C (55°F) to 15°C (59°F).

Average temperatures in December

Daily Historical Precipitation

50-year average (1976-2025)

Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.

Average precipitation in December

Historical weather records for Gisborne in December

Browse day-by-day weather records for Gisborne spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.

Gisborne historical weather extremes in December

Based on weather observations in Gisborne between 1992 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes during December.

  • Gisborne recorded its highest December temperature of 31°C (88°F) on December 27, 2000.
  • The coldest December day was on December 21, 1992, with a maximum of 13°C (55°F).
  • Gisborne registered its coldest December night on December 5, 1993, with temperatures dropping to 5°C (41°F).

Best Places in New Zealand in December

Find out more about the weather in New Zealand and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of New Zealand in December →

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

What to Wear in Gisborne in December

For Gisborne in December, you'll want flexible clothing. It's wise to pack cotton shirts, comfortable shorts, and a pair of jeans for cooler evenings. A light sweater or jacket is useful for air-conditioned spaces (like buses) or unexpected cool moments. Rain is likely on several days, so bring a good rain jacket. Expect water temperatures of around 17°C (63°F), which is definitely too cold for comfortable swimming. Your luggage space is better used for other items. Don't forget sun protection, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. These are all good ideas with this much sunshine.

What To Do in Gisborne in December

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

  • Cycling
    9/10
  • Walking
    9/10
  • Barbeque
    8/10
  • Camping
    8/10
  • Outdoor sports
    9/10

Gisborne 3-Day Forecast

Popular in December

Where to go in December - average daytime high across popular destinations.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.