Gold Coast in December

In December, Gold Coast averages 27°C (81°F) during the day and 21°C (69°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 19 days of the month see precipitation (113 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

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

27°C
Avg high
21°C
Avg low
19
Rain days
113 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Gold Coast

3rd
warmest month of the 12
4th
wettest month of the 12
11%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
13 h 54 min
daylight on the 15th

December is one of the warmest months in Gold Coast (3rd of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C above the annual average (24°C). December runs 1°C warmer than November (26°C) and stays flat into January.

December sunrise & sunset in Gold Coast

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
4:44 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:38 PM
Day length
13 h 54 min

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

Photography light in Gold Coast — December

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
3:44 AM – 4:24 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
4:24 AM – 5:24 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:58 PM – 6:58 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:58 PM – 7:38 PM

📅 When to book — Gold Coast 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 (Shoulder) and Gold Coast's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.
⚠ 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 Gold Coast

Shoulder

Gold Coast is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Gold Coast

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.9
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

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.

Sea temperature in Gold Coast — December

24.1°C (75°F)
warm
comfortable for extended swimming

Across the year Gold Coast's sea swings from 20.2°C (July) to 26.4°C (February) — December sits at 24.1°C.

Gold Coast in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 27°C / 81°F 22°C / 71°F 103 mm 22
February 27°C / 81°F 22°C / 71°F 175 mm 20
March 27°C / 80°F 21°C / 70°F 163 mm 24
April 25°C / 76°F 19°C / 65°F 67 mm 18
May 22°C / 72°F 16°C / 61°F 78 mm 13
June 20°C / 69°F 14°C / 57°F 61 mm 13
July 20°C / 68°F 13°C / 55°F 42 mm 10
August 21°C / 70°F 13°C / 56°F 42 mm 12
September 23°C / 73°F 15°C / 59°F 44 mm 14
October 24°C / 76°F 17°C / 63°F 89 mm 16
November 26°C / 78°F 19°C / 66°F 71 mm 17
December 27°C / 81°F 21°C / 69°F 113 mm 19

Other cities with similar December weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Gold Coast in December?

In December, Gold Coast averages a high of 27°C (81°F) and a low of 21°C (69°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Gold Coast in December?

December is quite rainy in Gold Coast, with about 19 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Gold Coast?

December is warm but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Gold Coast in December?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Gold Coast for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Gold Coast on the interactive map

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