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Kaikoura Weather in December

In Kaikoura, December brings pleasant daytime temperatures around 19°C (66°F), with nights cooling to 11°C (52°F). Expect quite a bit of rainfall this month.

Rainfall in Kaikoura in December

You can expect rain on roughly 10 days based on historical data, averaging 90 mm (3.5 in) for the month. When showers do arrive, they tend to be on the heavier side. Worth being prepared even if rain days are not that numerous.

Temperature in Kaikoura in December

Daytime highs in Kaikoura in December reach 19°C (66°F), with nights around 11°C (52°F). The month of December belongs to the summer season. The difference between afternoon and evening temperatures is usually noticeable. With lows of 11°C (52°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.

For Kaikoura itself, January and February 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.

Kaikoura Temperature in December

Min Temperature

11°C (52°F)

Max Temperature

19°C (66°F)

Chance of Rain

35%

Precipitation

90 mm (3.5 in)

Rainy days

10 days

Kaikoura Weather by Month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Kaikoura - and find the best time to visit.

January

20°C (68°F)View January → February

20°C (68°F)View February → March

19°C (66°F)View March → April

16°C (61°F)View April → May

14°C (57°F)View May → June

11°C (52°F)View June → July

10°C (50°F)View July → August

11°C (52°F)View August → September

13°C (55°F)View September → This monthOctober

15°C (59°F)View October → November

17°C (63°F)View November → December

19°C (66°F)View December →

Best Time to Visit Kaikoura →

Historical weather records for Kaikoura in December

Browse day-by-day weather records for Kaikoura spanning 30 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.

Kaikoura historical weather extremes in December

Based on 28 years of weather observations in Kaikoura between 1997 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes.

The hottest December day on record in Kaikoura reached 32°C (90°F) (December 10, 2019).
Kaikoura experienced its chilliest December day on December 1, 2006, reaching only 10°C (50°F).
Nighttime temperatures dropped to 5°C (41°F) on December 18, 2004, 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 →

Conditions Temperatures Precipitation

Temperatures Precipitation

perfect weather

pleasant

tolerable

unpleasant

poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Marker color shows the average daytime high temperature in December: blue is cold, red is hot.

Marker color shows total monthly precipitation in December: pale blue is dry, deep blue is wet.

What to Wear in Kaikoura in December

For Kaikoura 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. High rain levels are expected, so pack waterproof gear and an umbrella or poncho.