Auckland in December

In December, Auckland averages 22°C (72°F) during the day and 14°C (57°F) at night, with around 10 days of rain (85 mm total).

Peak season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

December offers comfortable temperatures in Auckland, with some rain to plan around.

22°C
Avg high
14°C
Avg low
10
Rain days
85 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Auckland

4th
warmest month of the 12
9th
wettest month of the 12
7%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
14 h 40 min
daylight on the 15th

December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Auckland (4th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C above the annual average (19°C). December runs 2°C warmer than November (20°C) and warms a further 2°C into January (24°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Auckland

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:55 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
8:35 PM
Day length
14 h 40 min

Times shown for Auckland local time (Pacific/Auckland), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Auckland — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Auckland's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:55 AM – 5:35 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:35 AM – 6:35 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
7:55 PM – 8:55 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
8:55 PM – 9:35 PM

📅 When to book — Auckland in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Peak season) and Auckland's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-5 months
Flight prices are near their annual peak. Watch fare-alert tools, book directly when you see a fare under the typical range for this city.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
3-5 months
Reasonable selection still available at 3-4 months out, but central locations vanish first.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Auckland

Peak season

Auckland is in peak season during this month — expect bigger crowds at famous sights, higher hotel and flight prices, and longer queues. Restaurant reservations a few days out are advisable, and any boutique hotels you have your eye on should be booked weeks ahead. The trade-off: most attractions, restaurants, and seasonal services are fully open, the weather is at its most reliable, and the city feels at its most alive.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Auckland

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.5
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●○○
Moderate
Active mosquito season. DEET 25-30% repellent recommended, especially at dawn/dusk.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Auckland in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 24°C / 75°F 16°C / 61°F 75 mm 9
February 24°C / 75°F 17°C / 63°F 65 mm 7
March 23°C / 73°F 15°C / 59°F 85 mm 9
April 20°C / 68°F 13°C / 55°F 100 mm 11
May 17°C / 63°F 11°C / 52°F 125 mm 14
June 15°C / 59°F 9°C / 48°F 140 mm 16
July 14°C / 57°F 8°C / 46°F 145 mm 17
August 15°C / 59°F 9°C / 48°F 120 mm 16
September 17°C / 63°F 10°C / 50°F 100 mm 14
October 18°C / 64°F 11°C / 52°F 100 mm 13
November 20°C / 68°F 12°C / 54°F 85 mm 11
December 22°C / 72°F 14°C / 57°F 85 mm 10

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Auckland in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Auckland in December?

In December, Auckland averages a high of 22°C (72°F) and a low of 14°C (57°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Auckland in December?

December can be fairly wet in Auckland, with about 10 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Auckland?

December is mild and pleasant. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Auckland in December?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Auckland for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Auckland on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.