Invercargill Weather in December
December in Invercargill sees daytime temperatures around 18°C (64°F) and lows of 10°C (50°F) at night. With around 120 mm (4.7 in) of rainfall expected, it's worth packing a rain jacket.
Rainfall in Invercargill in December
Records from the past 30 years suggest around 18 days of rain, with 120 mm (4.7 in) average for the month. This month brings frequent, heavy showers. Both the number of wet days and the rainfall totals are on the high side.
Temperature in Invercargill in December
December in Invercargill sees highs of 18°C (64°F) and lows of 10°C (50°F) overnight. Temperatures can feel cooler in the morning and evening, so layering is often the best approach. With overnight lows of 10°C (50°F), nights are cold. The cold air does make for deep, comfortable sleep if you have enough blankets.
Sunshine in Invercargill in December
The month enjoys around 192 hours of sunshine, creating mostly sunny days with good weather conditions.
Wind Speed in Invercargill in December
December has wind speeds averaging 5 m/s (10 knots). You can expect gentle to moderate winds that move small trees and make flags wave steadily on typical days. Conditions typically range from light breezes to moderate winds.
Average water temperature in December
The water sits at 12°C (54°F) this month, which is well below what most people consider swimmable. Wetsuits help, but expect it to still feel cold.So this is a great month to visit if you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit New Zealand, check out our Invercargill's climate page.
Invercargill Temperature in December
Min Temperature
10°C (50°F)
Max Temperature
18°C (64°F)
Water Temperature
12°C (54°F)
Chance of Rain
61%
Precipitation
120 mm (4.7 in)
Rainy days
18 days
Humidity
78%
Windspeed
5 m/s (10 knots)
Sunshine
192 hours
Percentage Sunshine
40%
Daily Historical Temperatures
48-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Invercargill typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 18°C (64°F). Nights are cool, with lows around 9°C (48°F).
Average temperatures in December
Historical weather for Invercargill in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for Invercargill spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Invercargill historical weather extremes in December
The extremes listed below come from historical weather data collected in Invercargill from 1997 through 2025.
- Invercargill recorded its highest December temperature of 29°C (84°F) on December 29, 2018.
- The lowest daytime temperature in December was 8°C (46°F), recorded on December 14, 2002.
- The lowest overnight temperature recorded in December was 1°C (34°F) (December 9, 2010).
- The wettest December day on record brought 49 mm (1.9 in) of precipitation to Invercargill (December 31, 2004).
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
What to Wear in Invercargill in December
Pleasant temperatures in December mean you can pack light but flexibel pieces. Think cotton t-shirts, comfortable walking shorts, and one warmer layer for evenings. A light sweater or denim jacket works well. Prepare for significant rainfall with proper waterproof clothing and shoes. The water temperature sits at about 12°C (54°F), which is too chilly for most people to enjoy swimming. Leave the swimsuit at home unless you love cold water. And with plenty of sunshine hours, don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe a sun hat.What To Do in Invercargill in December
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit New Zealand, check out our Invercargill's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Invercargill climate overview or explore weather in New Zealand.
