Wellington Weather in December
During December, Wellington experiences moderate daytime temperatures of 17°C (63°F) and cooler nights around 13°C (55°F). Expect quite a bit of rainfall. Around 68 mm (2.7 in) is typical.
Rainfall in Wellington in December
Rain is expected on roughly 13 days, totalling around 68 mm (2.7 in) for the month. Neither particularly heavy nor particularly frequent, the rain this month is about average. A light jacket should be enough on most wet days.
Temperature in Wellington in December
Expect highs of 17°C (63°F) in Wellington in December, with nights dropping to around 13°C (55°F). The difference between afternoon and evening temperatures is usually noticeable. With lows of 13°C (55°F), nights are cool. If you're out after dark, an extra layer will keep you comfortable. The cooler air at night is also great for getting a good rest.
Sunshine in Wellington in December
The city usually sees around 222 hours of sunlight, indicating many sunny days — a great month for sightseeing.
Wind Speed in Wellington in December
December has wind speeds averaging 7 m/s (14 knots). You can expect generally windy conditions with strong breezes affecting daily routines on typical days. As an average, some days have moderate strong winds while others feature more intense gusts that make walking and movement challenging.
Average water temperature in December
The water is 15°C (59°F) this month — cool enough to feel refreshing on a warm day, but cold enough that most people won't stay in for long without a wetsuit.For Wellington itself, January, February and March generally stand out with the best circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.
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 Wellington's climate page.
Wellington Temperature in December
Min Temperature
13°C (55°F)
Max Temperature
17°C (63°F)
Water Temperature
15°C (59°F)
Chance of Rain
42%
Precipitation
68 mm (2.7 in)
Rainy days
13 days
Humidity
80%
Windspeed
7 m/s (14 knots)
Sunshine
222 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Wellington typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 17°C (63°F). Nights are cool, with lows around 14°C (57°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 for Wellington in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for Wellington spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Wellington historical weather extremes in December
Based on 33 years of weather observations in Wellington between 1992 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes.
- The hottest December day on record in Wellington reached 29°C (84°F) (December 25, 2012).
- On December 17, 2011, Wellington saw its coldest December day with temperatures maxing out at 12°C (54°F).
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to 7°C (45°F) on December 2, 2020, marking the coldest December night on record.
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 →
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What to Wear in Wellington in December
For Wellington 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. The water temperature sits at about 15°C (59°F), which is too chilly for most people to enjoy swimming. Leave the swimsuit at home unless you love cold water. Don't forget sun protection, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. These are all good ideas with this much sunshine.What To Do in Wellington 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 Wellington's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Wellington climate overview or explore weather in New Zealand.
