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.
Nelson Weather in December
December in Nelson brings pleasant temperatures, with daytime highs of 19°C (66°F) and nights around 12°C (54°F). Quite a bit of rainfall is expected, around 133 mm (5.2 in), so pack an umbrella.
Rainfall in Nelson in December
Expect around 11 days of rain based on historical data, with 133 mm (5.2 in) average. Individual showers can be quite heavy this month. A proper umbrella or rain jacket is worth having.
Temperature in Nelson in December
December in Nelson brings pleasant temperatures, with highs of 19°C (66°F) and nights around 12°C (54°F). A light jacket or extra layer can be useful, especially outside the warmest hours of the day. Nights drop to around 12°C (54°F), which is noticeably cooler than the daytime. A light jacket for the evening is a sensible addition, and the cool nights tend to make sleeping comfortable.
Sunshine in Nelson in December
The month enjoys around 245 hours of sunshine, creating mostly sunny days with good weather conditions.If you prefer enjoying temperate temperatures and rain-free days, February and March typically offer 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.
Nelson Temperature in December
Min Temperature
12°C (54°F)
Max Temperature
19°C (66°F)
Chance of Rain
38%
Precipitation
133 mm (5.2 in)
Rainy days
11 days
Humidity
74%
Sunshine
245 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Nelson Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Nelson - and find the best time to visit.
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Nelson 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 Nelson in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for Nelson spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Nelson historical weather extremes in December
Our historical data for Nelson spans 1992 to 2025, revealing these weather extremes.
- The hottest December day on record in Nelson reached 30°C (86°F) (December 3, 2025).
- On December 7, 1993, Nelson saw its coldest December day with temperatures maxing out at 13°C (55°F).
- The coldest night in December in Nelson 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 Nelson in December
Comfortable temperatures call for an easy wardrobe in December. Pack summer basics like t-shirts and shorts, but include a light jacket for cooler moments. A pair of comfortable walking shoes is essential. Expect heavy rainfall, so bring good rain protection and waterproof bags. You'll definitely want to pack sunglasses and sunscreen. There will be plenty of bright sunshine this month.
What To Do in Nelson 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
Nelson 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for Nelson
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Nelson 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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