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 perfect 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.

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

• January
• February
• March
• April

• May
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• August

• September
• October
• November
• December

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit New Zealand, check out our Gisborne's climate page.

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%  

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

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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

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Historical weather 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.

Historical weather Temperatures Precipitation

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‹ January February March April May June July August September October November December ›

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).

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

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

• January
• February
• March
• April

• May
• June
• July
• August

• September
• October
• November
• December

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit New Zealand, check out our Gisborne's climate page.

More climate data for Gisborne

Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp

See the full Gisborne climate overview or explore weather in New Zealand.