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Auckland, New Zealand · Temperate oceanic

Auckland in December: go or not?

Good time. Auckland in December gets 7.5/10.

📅 Updated August 2026 🛰️ ERA5 · 10 years 📍 36.85°S · 174.76°E
⚡ This month's verdict
Go for it
Auckland · December
7.5
16–22°
Temperature
45%
Rain
6h
Sun
🌊 Seaside☀️ Bright🍴 Gastronomy
Photo : Mark Thompson via Unsplash
The month in detail

What to expect in December

Even in winter, Auckland enjoys 22.0°F. A real asset for escaping the European cold. Expect rain on 45.0% of days — a light raincoat in the bag is recommended. A good balance between weather and crowds, even if January (7.8/10) remains theoretically better.

December ranks 4 out of 12 months in Auckland. Compared to November: +5°F daytime.

This month's conditions

What it's like in December

UV index
8 · very high
protection essential
Feels like
comfortable
14°
Sea
22°C
cool, invigorating
Daylight
14.5h of daylight
Air quality
excellent
AQI 19
Compare

Is December the right month?

The best month in Auckland is January (7.8/10), 0.3 pt higher than December.

See January →See all 12 months →
Context

Our verdict

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city: 1.7 million inhabitants (1/3 of the country), "City of Sails" (1 sailboat for 4 inhabitants), built on 50 dormant volcanoes. January-February are my favorite months (8.2-8.3/10): 64-73°F, 39-40% rain, austral summer, swimming at the East Coast beaches (Mission Bay, Takapuna).

Read Gilles' full review →

Book

Plan your trip

Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.

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Stay
Hotels & rentals · Auckland
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Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
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Flights
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🎟️ Activities & tours · Auckland

GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation

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Practical info

What you need to know before you go

Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach trip.

Country · New Zealand

🗣️LanguageEnglish
💶CurrencyNew Zealand Dollar ($)
🚗DrivingLeft-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘModerate · 3/5

🌡️ Climate

🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthJanuary · 73°F
❄️Coolest monthAugust · 57°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘSeptember · 51%

🏖️ Beach trip

📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
Explore

Other destinations in December

If December doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.

Similar climate
RotoruaNew ZealandTaupoNew ZealandWellingtonNew ZealandNew ZealandNew ZealandBay of IslandsNew Zealand
Nearby
Bay of IslandsNew Zealand189 kmChristchurchNew Zealand764 kmQueenstownNew Zealand1043 kmQueenstown SkiNew Zealand1043 km
Other top picks
La PalmaSpain7.5AlicanteSpain7.4CadizSpain7.4CasablancaMorocco7.4HarareZimbabwe7.6
← NovemberJanuary →
🗺️ See all 754 destinations on the map
Location

Where is Auckland ?

Global position + regional geographic context.

🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
New Zealand
Temperate oceanic climate with a 7.8 → 4.1 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
36.85°S · 174.76°E
Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Auckland?
January is the best month with 73°F highs, 64°F lows, 7.8h of sunshine and 39.0% rainy days. The months of January & February offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Auckland get in January?
Auckland averages 7.8 sunshine hours per day in January. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.3/10.
What is the rainiest month in Auckland?
July is the most unfavourable month with July has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Auckland in January?
In January, overnight lows reach 64°F, while afternoon highs average 73°F.
Is Auckland good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Auckland scores 7.2/10 on average — Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains January with a score of 7.3/10.
When should you avoid Auckland?
July is the most difficult month to visit Auckland, with July has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Auckland in December?
In December, the sea averages 71°F in Auckland: cool, invigorating. Swimming is possible but brisk; sensitive swimmers may prefer a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Auckland in December?
The average UV index reaches 8 in December in Auckland (very high), with about 14.5h of daylight. Protection essential.