Queenstown in December
In December, Queenstown averages 19°C (67°F) during the day and 11°C (51°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 19 days of the month see precipitation (121 mm total).
High seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
December offers comfortable temperatures in Queenstown, with some rain to plan around.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Queenstown
December is one of the warmest months in Queenstown (3rd of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (6th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 6°C above the annual average (14°C). December runs 3°C warmer than November (16°C) and warms a further 1°C into January (21°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Queenstown
Times shown for Queenstown 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 Queenstown — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Queenstown's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Queenstown 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 (High season) and Queenstown's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Queenstown
This is a busy month in Queenstown — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Queenstown
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.
Queenstown in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21°C / 69°F | 12°C / 53°F | 123 mm | 18 | — |
| February | 20°C / 68°F | 12°C / 53°F | 104 mm | 16 | — |
| March | 18°C / 65°F | 11°C / 51°F | 93 mm | 17 | — |
| April | 14°C / 58°F | 7°C / 45°F | 106 mm | 18 | — |
| May | 11°C / 51°F | 5°C / 41°F | 149 mm | 19 | — |
| June | 7°C / 44°F | 2°C / 36°F | 99 mm | 17 | — |
| July | 6°C / 43°F | 1°C / 34°F | 130 mm | 20 | — |
| August | 7°C / 45°F | 2°C / 35°F | 95 mm | 19 | — |
| September | 10°C / 51°F | 3°C / 38°F | 131 mm | 18 | — |
| October | 13°C / 56°F | 5°C / 41°F | 128 mm | 21 | — |
| November | 16°C / 61°F | 8°C / 46°F | 124 mm | 20 | — |
| December | 19°C / 67°F | 11°C / 51°F | 121 mm | 19 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Queenstown in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Queenstown in December?
In December, Queenstown averages a high of 19°C (67°F) and a low of 11°C (51°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Queenstown in December?
December is quite rainy in Queenstown, with about 19 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Queenstown?
December is mild and pleasant but on the rainy side. 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 Queenstown 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 Queenstown for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.