The month in detail
What to expect in December
In December, Wellington sees 64°F during the day with 7.0h of sunshine per day. Expect rain on 32% of days — a light raincoat in the bag is recommended. Not the best window, but acceptable if dates are constrained. February (7.8/10) is significantly better if possible.
December ranks 4 out of 12 months in Wellington. Compared to November: +2°F daytime.
This month's conditions
What it's like in December
UV index
8 · high
sunscreen and hat advised
Feels like
comfortable
12°
Sea
17°C
cold, for the brave
Daylight
15.0h of daylight
Air quality
excellent
AQI 17
Compare
Is December the right month?
The best month in Wellington is February (7.8/10), 0.5 pt higher than December.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Wellington
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
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Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Wellington
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
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 · 68°F
❄️Coolest monthJuly · 54°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘJune · 45%
🏖️ 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
New ZealandNew ZealandAucklandNew ZealandTaupoNew ZealandRotoruaNew ZealandBay of IslandsNew Zealand
Location
Where is Wellington ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
New ZealandTemperate oceanic climate with a 7.8 → 4.1 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
41.29°S · 174.78°E
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Wellington?
January is the best month with 68°F highs, 59°F lows, 7.5h of sunshine and 22.0% rainy days. The months of January & February offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Wellington get in January?
Wellington averages 7.5 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 Wellington?
May is the most unfavourable month with May has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Wellington in January?
In January, overnight lows reach 59°F, while afternoon highs average 68°F.
Is Wellington good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Wellington 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 Wellington?
May is the most difficult month to visit Wellington, with May has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Wellington in December?
In December, the sea averages 62°F in Wellington: cold, for the brave. Best left to hardened swimmers or those with a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Wellington in December?
The average UV index reaches 8 in December in Wellington (high), with about 15.0h of daylight. Sunscreen and hat advised.