New Plymouth Weather in December
December in New Plymouth brings pleasant temperatures around 19°C (66°F) during the day, dropping to 14°C (57°F) at night, with quite a bit of rainfall expected, averaging around 156 mm (6.1 in) for the month.
Rainfall in New Plymouth in December
You can expect rain on roughly 13 days based on historical data, averaging 156 mm (6.1 in) for the month. Rainfall intensity is on the higher side this month. Expect more substantial showers rather than light, passing rain.
Temperature in New Plymouth in December
In December, expect pleasant temperatures in New Plymouth, with highs of 19°C (66°F) and lows of 14°C (57°F) at night. This creates a mild day-to-night pattern that is generally easy to manage with the right clothing. With overnight lows of 14°C (57°F), evenings can feel noticeably cooler than the daytime. An extra layer is a good idea, though the cool air makes for a good night's sleep.
Sunshine in New Plymouth in December
Expect sunny days throughout the month, with an estimated 214 hours of sunshine. This makes it a pleasant time to visit New Plymouth.
Wind Speed in New Plymouth 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 temperature is 16°C (61°F) — chilly, but perfectly fine for a swim if you're not too sensitive to cold water. A short wetsuit can make longer sessions more comfortable.Our weather planner can help you find worldwide destinations with pleasant weather during this period. January, February and March typically offer the best weather for New Plymouth.
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 New Plymouth's climate page.
New Plymouth Temperature in December
Min Temperature
14°C (57°F)
Max Temperature
19°C (66°F)
Water Temperature
16°C (61°F)
Chance of Rain
42%
Precipitation
156 mm (6.1 in)
Rainy days
13 days
Humidity
81%
Windspeed
5 m/s (10 knots)
Sunshine
214 hours
Percentage Sunshine
50%
Daily Historical Temperatures
49-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in New Plymouth typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 19°C (66°F). Nights are cool, with lows around 13°C (55°F).
Average temperatures in December
Daily Historical Precipitation
49-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in December
Historical weather for New Plymouth in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for New Plymouth spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
New Plymouth historical weather extremes in December
Based on 23 years of weather observations in New Plymouth between 2002 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes.
- The hottest December day on record in New Plymouth reached 27°C (81°F) (December 24, 2012).
- New Plymouth experienced its chilliest December day on December 18, 2004, reaching only 13°C (55°F).
- New Plymouth registered its coldest December night on December 3, 2014, with temperatures dropping to 6°C (43°F).
- The wettest December day on record brought 92 mm (3.6 in) of precipitation to New Plymouth (December 31, 2011).
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
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tolerable
unpleasant
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What to Wear in New Plymouth in December
For New Plymouth 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. Also bring a poncho, it will rain a lot! Waterproof everything you can. The water temperature sits at about 16°C (61°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 New Plymouth 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 New Plymouth's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full New Plymouth climate overview or explore weather in New Zealand.
