Wellington in December
In December, Wellington averages 18°C (64°F) during the day and 14°C (57°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 16 days of the month see precipitation (77 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
December is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Wellington. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Wellington
December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Wellington (4th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (16°C). December runs 2°C warmer than November (16°C) and warms a further 2°C into January (20°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Wellington
Times shown for Wellington 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 Wellington — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Wellington's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Wellington 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 Wellington's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Wellington
Wellington 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 Wellington
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.
Wellington in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20°C / 67°F | 15°C / 59°F | 46 mm | 14 | — |
| February | 19°C / 67°F | 15°C / 59°F | 80 mm | 12 | — |
| March | 18°C / 65°F | 14°C / 58°F | 78 mm | 15 | — |
| April | 16°C / 62°F | 13°C / 55°F | 96 mm | 16 | — |
| May | 15°C / 59°F | 12°C / 53°F | 100 mm | 18 | — |
| June | 13°C / 56°F | 10°C / 49°F | 100 mm | 17 | — |
| July | 12°C / 54°F | 9°C / 47°F | 102 mm | 19 | — |
| August | 12°C / 54°F | 9°C / 48°F | 103 mm | 19 | — |
| September | 13°C / 55°F | 9°C / 49°F | 88 mm | 19 | — |
| October | 15°C / 58°F | 11°C / 51°F | 66 mm | 17 | — |
| November | 16°C / 61°F | 12°C / 54°F | 88 mm | 18 | — |
| December | 18°C / 64°F | 14°C / 57°F | 77 mm | 16 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Wellington in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Wellington in December?
In December, Wellington averages a high of 18°C (64°F) and a low of 14°C (57°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Wellington in December?
December is quite rainy in Wellington, with about 16 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Wellington?
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 Wellington 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 Wellington for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.