Arthur's Pass Weather in December

Arthur's Pass in December averages 15°C (59°F) during the day and 6°C (43°F) at night. December is part of the rainy season, so frequent rainfall is typical.

Rainfall in Arthur's Pass in December

Arthur's Pass is in the rainy season in December, with rain on around 18 days and an average of 275 mm (11 in). With high rainfall totals spread across the month, individual showers can be very heavy. Waterproof gear is strongly recommended.

Temperature in Arthur's Pass in December

In December, Arthur's Pass sees moderate temperatures, with highs of 15°C (59°F). Nights drop to around 6°C (43°F). Even when the weather is stable, mornings and evenings can still feel distinctly cool. With overnight lows of 6°C (43°F), nights are cold. The cold air does make for deep, comfortable sleep if you have enough blankets.

Sunshine in Arthur's Pass in December

Expect sunny days throughout the month, with an estimated 197 hours of sunshine. Despite being the rainy season, it could still be a nice time to visit. Rain often arrives later in the day, keeping most of the days sunny.

Our weather planner can help you explore other travel destinations worldwide.

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 Arthur's Pass's climate page.

Arthur's Pass Temperature in December

Min Temperature 6°C (43°F)  

Max Temperature 15°C (59°F)  

Chance of Rain 61%  

Precipitation 275 mm (11 in)  

Rainy days 18 days  

Humidity 82% *  

Sunshine 197 hours *  

Percentage Sunshine *  

* Data from: Hokitika, New Zealand (53 KM, 33 Miles).

What to Wear in Arthur's Pass in December

Pack for changing conditions in Arthur's Pass in December. Bring a mix of short and long sleeves, a warm layer like a hoodie or light jacket, and comfortable pants. The key is being able to add or remove layers as the days goes by. Heavy rain is guaranteed, please bring a good poncho and waterproof everything! Don't forget sun protection, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. These are all good ideas with this much sunshine.

What To Do in Arthur's Pass in December

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

Swimming

5/10

Cycling

5/10

Walking

5/10

Camping

3/10

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 Arthur's Pass's climate page.

More climate data for Arthur's Pass

Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity

See the full Arthur's Pass climate overview or explore weather in New Zealand.