Month guide · Wellington · New Zealand
Wellington in December
What December is really like in Wellington: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
December is one of the best months to visit Wellington. Expect average highs of 19°C (66°F), lows of 12°C (54°F), about 9 rainy days and roughly 15.1 hours of daylight. Early summer with long evenings and Christmas events on the waterfront; busy before the holidays.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 19°C (66°F) / 12°C (54°F)
- Rainy days
- About 9
- Daylight
- About 15.1 hours
- Sea temperature
- 15°C (59°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in December
December is the 4th-warmest month in Wellington: days average 19°C (66°F) against a yearly average high of 16°C (61°F), and nights fall to about 12°C (54°F). Rain falls on roughly 9 of its 31 days. Compared with November (17°C (63°F)), December is warmer; by January highs stay near 20°C (68°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 05:42
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 20:50
- Daylight
- About 15.1 hours
- Sea
- 15°C (59°F)
Autumn (March–May). Often calm, mild early autumn days in March, becoming cooler and wetter by May; CubaDupa in March.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 4 for crowds (the peak is January at 4) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in December
December has no major recurring festival in Wellington, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in December
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Garden · Kelburn
Wellington Botanic Garden
Spread over a hillside between Kelburn and Thorndon, the garden combines native forest, exotic trees, playgrounds and the Lady Norwood Rose Garden, which blooms from about November to April.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Nature
- Kids
Nature · Karori
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
Book a guided night tour for the best chance of seeing kiwi; daytime visitors should go early when the birds are most active.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Nature
- Kids
- Outdoors
- After dark
Viewpoint · Mount Victoria
Mount Victoria Lookout
The summit lookout, about 196 metres above the harbour, gives a 360-degree view over the city, harbour, airport and Cook Strait.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
- Couples
Waterfront · Oriental Bay
Waterfront walk to Oriental Bay
Walk it on a calm evening and stop for ice cream or fish and chips at Oriental Bay.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Couples
- Views
What to pack
For highs near 19°C, lows near 12°C and 9 wet days: layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Wellington?
One of the best months to visit Wellington. The other best months are January–March. Compare every month.
Wellington in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Wellington?
It is one of the best months to visit Wellington. Early summer with long evenings and Christmas events on the waterfront; busy before the holidays.
+How warm is Wellington in December?
Average highs are around 19°C (66°F) and lows around 12°C (54°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Wellington in December?
Expect rain on about 9 days of the month.