Timaru Weather in December
December in Timaru sees daytime temperatures around 19°C (66°F) and lows of 11°C (52°F) at night. As the wettest month of the year, keep in mind that rainfall is at its highest.
Rainfall in Timaru in December
As the month with the highest rainfall, make sure to have an umbrella to manage the showers. This month experiences about 12 days of rain according to historical data, averaging 89 mm (3.5 in). The rain this month tends to fall in heavier spells rather than light drizzle. When it rains, showers can be significant.
Temperature in Timaru in December
Timaru in December gets highs of 19°C (66°F) during the day and drops to 11°C (52°F) at night. December marks the summer season. This creates a mild day-to-night pattern that is generally easy to manage with the right clothing. With overnight lows of 11°C (52°F), evenings can feel noticeably cooler than the daytime. An extra layer is a good idea, though the cool air makes for a good night's sleep.
Sunshine in Timaru in December
The month brings about 181 hours of sunlight, offering a comfortable mix of sun and overcast.Our weather planner can help you find worldwide destinations with pleasant weather during this period. January and February typically offer the best weather for Timaru.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit New Zealand, check out our Timaru's climate page.
Timaru Temperature in December
Min Temperature
11°C (52°F)
Max Temperature
19°C (66°F)
Chance of Rain
40%
Precipitation
89 mm (3.5 in)
Rainy days
12 days
Humidity
76%
Sunshine
181 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
36-year average (1990-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Timaru typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 19°C (66°F). Nights are cool, with lows typically ranging from 9°C (48°F) to 11°C (52°F).
Average temperatures in December
Daily Historical Precipitation
36-year average (1990-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in December
Historical weather for Timaru in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for Timaru spanning 49 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Timaru historical weather extremes in December
Based on 33 years of weather observations (1992-2025), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in Timaru.
- On December 21, 2010, temperatures climbed to 31°C (88°F), marking the warmest December day on record.
- The lowest daytime temperature in December was 11°C (52°F), recorded on December 5, 2004.
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to 1°C (34°F) on December 5, 1997, 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 →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Timaru 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. Sunglasses could come in handy during the sunnier parts of your trip.What To Do in Timaru in December
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit New Zealand, check out our Timaru's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Timaru climate overview or explore weather in New Zealand.
