The Tongariro Crossing in New Zealand
It is called the most beautiful walk in New Zealand, the Tongariro Crossing. The official hiking season starts late October until end of April.
Motueka Weather in December
Thinking of visiting Motueka in December? Expect pleasant temperatures reaching 19°C (66°F) during the day, dropping to 13°C (55°F) at night, and note that quite a bit of rainfall is likely.
Rainfall in Motueka in December
You can expect rain on around 11 days based on historical patterns, with 133 mm (5.2 in) average for the month. Individual showers can be quite heavy this month. A proper umbrella or rain jacket is worth having.
Temperature in Motueka in December
Temperatures in Motueka in December top out at 19°C (66°F) and drop to 13°C (55°F) overnight. Even when the weather is stable, mornings and evenings can still feel distinctly cool. Nights cool down to 13°C (55°F), so a light jacket or extra layer is useful once the sun goes down. On the plus side, the cooler nights make for comfortable sleeping conditions.
Sunshine in Motueka in December
Enjoy a sunny month with about 251 hours of sunshine, the clear skies make Motueka even more beautiful.If you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures, February typically offers 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.
Motueka Temperature in December
Min Temperature
13°C (55°F)
Max Temperature
19°C (66°F)
Chance of Rain
38%
Precipitation
133 mm (5.2 in)
Rainy days
11 days
Sunshine
251 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Motueka Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Motueka - and find the best time to visit.
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Motueka typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 19°C (66°F). Nights are cool, with lows typically ranging from 12°C (54°F) to 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 records for Motueka in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for Motueka spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Motueka historical weather extremes in December
Based on 33 years of weather observations in Motueka between 1992 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes.
- On December 3, 2025, temperatures climbed to 30°C (86°F), marking the warmest December day on record.
- The lowest daytime temperature in December was 13°C (55°F), recorded on December 7, 1993.
- The coldest night in December in Motueka was on December 19, 2004, with a minimum of 5°C (41°F).
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
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).
What to Wear in Motueka in December
For Motueka 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. Don't forget sun protection, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. These are all good ideas with this much sunshine.
What To Do in Motueka in December
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
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Cycling9/10 -
Walking9/10 -
Camping6/10 -
Outdoor sports9/10
Motueka 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for Motueka
See the full Motueka climate overview or explore weather in New Zealand.
Popular in December
Where to go in December - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Bucket list
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
The Tongariro Crossing in New Zealand
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