Wanaka Weather in December
December in Wanaka brings moderate temperatures, with daytime highs of 16°C (61°F) and nights around 7°C (45°F). It's also the wettest month of the year, so an umbrella is a must.
Rainfall in Wanaka in December
Prepare for the wettest month with an umbrella to protect yourself from frequent rain. You can expect rain on roughly 11 days based on historical data, averaging 147 mm (5.8 in) for the month. Individual showers can be quite heavy this month. A proper umbrella or rain jacket is worth having.
Temperature in Wanaka in December
Daytime highs in Wanaka in December reach 16°C (61°F), with nights around 7°C (45°F). December is in the summer season. A light jacket or extra layer can be useful, especially outside the warmest hours of the day. With lows around 7°C (45°F), nights are cold. The upside is that cool, crisp nights are often the best for a deep sleep.
Sunshine in Wanaka in December
Expect a lot of sunshine this month, with about 212 hours of sun. These sunny conditions add to the overall experience.Our weather planner can help you find worldwide destinations with pleasant weather during this period. January and February typically offer the best weather for Wanaka.
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 Wanaka's climate page.
Wanaka Temperature in December
Min Temperature
7°C (45°F)
Max Temperature
16°C (61°F)
Chance of Rain
35%
Precipitation
147 mm (5.8 in)
Rainy days
11 days
Sunshine
212 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
31-year average (1995-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Wanaka typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 16°C (61°F). Nights are cool, with lows around 8°C (46°F).
Average temperatures in December
Daily Historical Precipitation
31-year average (1995-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in December
Historical weather for Wanaka in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for Wanaka spanning 32 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Wanaka historical weather extremes in December
Based on 28 years of weather observations (1997-2025), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in Wanaka.
- On December 25, 2012, temperatures climbed to 30°C (86°F), marking the warmest December day on record.
- The lowest daytime temperature in December was 8°C (46°F), recorded on December 18, 2004.
- The lowest overnight temperature recorded in December was -1°C (30°F) (December 1, 2006).
- The heaviest December precipitation occurred on December 28, 2010, when 40 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation fell.
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 Wanaka 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. And with plenty of sunshine hours, don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe a sun hat.What To Do in Wanaka 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 Wanaka's climate page.
See the full Wanaka climate overview or explore weather in New Zealand.
