How Hot is New Zealand in December?
New Zealand is a stunningly beautiful country, known for its stunning mountains and lakes, unique culture and unique flora and fauna. During the summer months, the country can become quite hot, with temperatures reaching up to 30 degrees Celsius in some areas. Many people flock to New Zealand during the summer months for a chance to experience the warm weather and take in the breathtaking sights. But what about the winter months? How hot is New Zealand in December?
In general, New Zealand is a relatively moderate climate, and the temperature in December usually takes a cooling turn as the winter season begins. In the northern region of the country, temperatures usually range between 10 and 16 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the southern area is usually slightly cooler and can be expected to hover around 11-14 degrees Celsius. However, temperatures can vary widely depending on the time of month, time of day, and specific region, so it is always best to consult the local weather forecasts for exact details.
Although temperatures in New Zealand usually do not remain above 20 degrees Celsius in December, there are days when the temperatures do rise a bit. On some days, especially in the mid-north area, the mercury can reach up to 25 or even 30 degrees Celsius. Usually these hot days occur during a particular weather system, called a ‘northwesterly’, when hot winds can blow in from Australia and make temperatures in New Zealand much higher than usual.
Despite the unusually warm days that can occur in December, New Zealand usually sees relatively mild winter temperatures overall. Some parts of the country, particularly in the South Island, can even see temperatures drop down to 0 or even occasionally below-freezing. This can make outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice-skating popular in winter.
For people looking to get away from the cold, New Zealand is a great place to visit in December! Due to the country’s temperate climate, there are plenty of options for outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking and more. Temperatures stay relatively chilly (average temperatures of between 8 to 16 degrees Celsius), so it’s a great time to get outdoors and explore the country. For those looking for an even warmer experience, a few hours’ drive southward can take you to some of the more temperate pockets of New Zealand, where temperatures can reach up to 25 or even 30 degrees Celsius.
Rainfall
New Zealand can experience quite a lot of rainfall in December, with some areas getting up to 250 millimetres of precipitation. This is the result of the combination of cold, moist airflow from the north intermingled with warm, humid air from the south. The period from November to April is New Zealand’s traditional ‘rainy season’, and although December experiences less rainfall than other months in this period, it is still important to take rain gear along when travelling in New Zealand during this time.
Humidity
Humidity levels tend to be quite high in New Zealand during December, at around 70-80%. This is due to the combination of warm air from Australia and moisture from the north, which can make for quite muggy conditions. However, this also makes for relatively pleasant temperatures.
Sun
December is usually the sunniest month in New Zealand, with some regions receiving an average of 8-10 hours of sunshine per day. This is primarily due to a phenomenon known as the ‘Antipodes Effect’, which is when the sun’s rays travel from the northern hemisphere to the southern hemisphere in a straight line, resulting in much higher levels of sunshine.
Activities
Due to the mild temperatures and abundant sunshine, December is a great month for outdoor activities in New Zealand. Popular activities to enjoy in December include cycling, kayaking, rock climbing, sailing, and even wild swimming! For Adrenaline junkies, there is also plenty to do, including jet-boating, bungee jumping and skydiving.
Conclusion
In conclusion, temperatures in New Zealand during December usually range between 10 to 16 degrees Celsius, with some days even reaching up to 30 degrees Celsius. The country also experiences plenty of rainfall and around 70% humidity. The sun shines plenty, and outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, sailing, and swimming are popular activities during this time. Overall, New Zealand is a great place to visit in December, and it provides a unique combination of warmth and chill.
