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.
Palmerston North Weather in December
In Palmerston North, December brings pleasant daytime temperatures around 20°C (68°F), with nights cooling to 12°C (54°F). Expect quite a bit of rainfall this month.
Rainfall in Palmerston North in December
Typically, about 12 days will experience rainfall, with an average of 112 mm (4.4 in) for the month. Individual showers can be quite heavy this month. A proper umbrella or rain jacket is worth having.
Temperature in Palmerston North in December
December in Palmerston North brings typical temperatures with highs around 20°C (68°F) and lows of 12°C (54°F). Temperatures can feel cooler in the morning and evening, so layering is often the best approach. Nights cool down to 12°C (54°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 Palmerston North in December
The area enjoys a moderate level of sunlight, with around 178 hours. It's a good balance between sunny and cloudy days.Our weather planner can help you find worldwide destinations with pleasant weather during this period. January, February and March typically offer the best weather for Palmerston North.
Palmerston North Temperature in December
Min Temperature
12°C (54°F)
Max Temperature
20°C (68°F)
Chance of Rain
41%
Precipitation
112 mm (4.4 in)
Rainy days
12 days
Humidity
76%
Sunshine
178 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Palmerston North Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Palmerston North - and find the best time to visit.
Daily Historical Temperatures
49-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Palmerston North typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 20°C (68°F). Nights are cool, with lows around 13°C (55°F).
Average temperatures in December
Daily Historical Precipitation
49-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 Palmerston North in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for Palmerston North spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Palmerston North historical weather extremes in December
The extremes listed below come from historical weather data collected in Palmerston North from 1992 through 2025.
- Palmerston North recorded its highest December temperature of 29°C (84°F) on December 22, 1995.
- On December 5, 2004, Palmerston North saw its coldest December day with temperatures maxing out at 12°C (54°F).
- Palmerston North registered its coldest December night on December 21, 1992, with temperatures dropping to 2°C (36°F).
- The wettest December day on record brought 71 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation to Palmerston North (December 14, 2021).
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 Palmerston North in December
Pleasant temperatures in December mean you can pack light but flexibel pieces. Think cotton t-shirts, comfortable walking shorts, and one warmer layer for evenings. A light sweater or denim jacket works well. Prepare for significant rainfall with proper waterproof clothing and shoes. Sunglasses could come in handy during the sunnier parts of your trip.
What To Do in Palmerston North in December
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
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Swimming6/10 -
Cycling9/10 -
Walking9/10 -
Camping6/10 -
Outdoor sports9/10
Palmerston North 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for Palmerston North
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Palmerston North 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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