Last updated: August 31, 2025
December in Kaikoura, New Zealand showcases a delightful blend of mild temperatures and refreshing coastal breezes. With maximum temperatures reaching a comfortable 24°C (75°F) and an average hovering around 15°C (60°F), the pleasant climate invites both locals and visitors to explore the stunning landscapes. However, be prepared for some rain, as the region sees approximately 106 mm (4.2 in) of precipitation over 12 days, contributing to the lush scenery. The humidity level sits at a moderate 75%, enhancing the vibrant coastal atmosphere. Whether you're walking along the beach or hiking through the hills, December offers a captivating experience in this beautiful part of New Zealand.
In Kaikoura, New Zealand, December marks the beginning of summer, bringing a delightful warmth to this coastal paradise. Temperatures during this month typically range from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), with an average temperature of 15°C (60°F). This upward trend in warmth is a welcome change from the cooler months, as December enjoys significantly higher highs compared to the preceding months. The shift from the cooler autumn temperatures, where averages hover around 12°C (53°F) in May and drop to about 9°C (49°F) in June and July, highlights the arrival of sunny days and outdoor adventures. With the comfortable warmth, December provides the perfect backdrop for exploring Kaikoura's stunning marine life and breathtaking landscapes.
In December, Kaikoura experiences a notable surge in rainfall, accumulating 106 mm (4.2 in) over 12 days. This precipitation marks a significant increase compared to the milder January levels, underscoring the onset of a wetter season as summer approaches. As the year winds down, December's rainfall paves the way for a lush landscape, likely benefiting the region's flora and fauna. While other summer months may experience occasional showers, December stands out for its higher rainfall, hinting at a dynamic weather pattern that sets the stage for the lush, vibrant surroundings Kaikoura is known for.
In December, Kaikoura experiences a humidity level of 75%, reflecting a slight decline from the wetter months preceding it. This marks a transition as the region moves away from the increasingly humid winter months of June and July, which peak at 84% and 85%, respectively. Following this peak, humidity levels gradually stabilize from October to November, hovering between 77% and 79%. While December showcases a decrease, it retains a comfortable moisture content that contributes to the lush, vibrant landscapes Kaikoura is known for. The trend suggests that as summer approaches, the environment begins to breathe a bit easier, setting the stage for enjoyable outdoor adventures.
In December, Kaikoura, New Zealand experiences a UV Index of 13, categorizing it as extreme and signifying a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. This trend of high UV exposure is consistent with the preceding months of January and February, which also share the same index and exposure category. Notably, as the year progresses into the cooler months, the UV Index sees a decline, dropping to a moderate 4 in May before leveling out to a low 2 from June to July. The resurgence of higher values in the spring months, peaking again in December, highlights the significant variability in UV radiation throughout the year. For more insights on the UV Index in this stunning coastal town, check out Kaikoura UV Index.
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In December, Kaikoura basks in vibrant sunshine, welcoming an impressive 345 hours of sunlight. This marks a significant increase compared to previous months, showcasing a clear trend where daylight hours peak at the end of the year. As the year transitions from November's already generous 314 hours to December's warm embrace, the region invites visitors to enjoy its breathtaking landscapes and rich marine life under radiant skies. The gradual decline in sunlight during autumn and winter months underscores the allure of December, where long, sun-kissed days create the perfect backdrop for exploration and relaxation. With each passing month, it's evident that Kaikoura's summer season shines the brightest, making December an ideal time to soak in the beauty of this stunning coastal gem.
In Kaikoura, New Zealand, the likelihood of sunny weather in December mirrors a broader trend of fluctuating sunshine throughout the year. With only a 36% chance of sun, December sits among the cloudier months, notably lower than the peaks seen from April's 57% and September's 54%. As the year winds down, this percentage highlights a notable dip compared to the sunnier summer months that follow, where January boasts a 50% chance of sun. This pattern suggests that while December may not be the sunniest month to visit, it still occasionally offers glimpses of warmth before the arrival of the colder winter months.
In Kaikoura, New Zealand, the daylight hours experience a notable seasonal transformation throughout the year. As December rolls in, sunlight graces the region for an impressive 15 hours, marking the peak of summer. This extended daylight is a stark contrast to the shorter days of winter, where from May to July, residents and visitors alike enjoy a mere 9 hours of sunlight. Following the summer solstice, daylight starts to wane gradually, with November and January also boasting 14 hours of sunshine each. As the year progresses into autumn and winter, daylight diminishes steadily, reflecting the natural ebb and flow of the seasons in this picturesque coastal town.
In December, Kaikoura experiences a gentle average wind speed of 3.9 m/s (9 mph), mirroring the breezy conditions of January and February. This trend suggests a consistent wind pattern during the summer months, providing a refreshing backdrop for visitors enjoying the stunning coastal views. Interestingly, the autumn months see a slight dip in speeds, with March and April both recording lower averages of 3.5 m/s (8 mph). As the seasons transition, the wind picks up again in May and June, peaking at 4.2 m/s (9 mph) by August. Overall, December's winds are part of a harmonious cycle that offers both calm and invigorating moments, perfect for outdoor adventures in this picturesque corner of New Zealand.
Weather in Kaikoura varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Kaikoura, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
December and January present a mild transition in weather conditions. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), with an average of 15°C (60°F). The month sees a higher precipitation of 106 mm (4.2 inches) spread over 12 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 75%. In contrast, January experiences slightly warmer temperatures, with lows of 9°C (49°F) and highs reaching 27°C (81°F), averaging 17°C (62°F). Precipitation drops significantly to 49 mm (1.9 inches) over just 7 days, and the humidity levels remain relatively stable at 72%. For a more detailed look at January weather, check out Kaikoura weather in January.
December and February present distinct weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), with an average of 15°C (60°F). It sees higher precipitation levels at 106 mm (4.2 in) spread over 12 days, contributing to a humidity level of 75%. In contrast, February experiences slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and a maximum of 25°C (77°F), averaging 17°C (62°F). Additionally, February has lower precipitation at 73 mm (2.9 in) over just 7 days and slightly lower humidity at 72%. For more detailed insights, visit Kaikoura weather in February.
In December, the weather features a range of temperatures with a minimum of 8°C (47°F), averaging at 15°C (60°F), and peaking at a comfortable 24°C (75°F). The month sees around 106 mm (4.2 in) of precipitation over 12 days, combined with a humidity level of 75%. In contrast, March shares similar temperature metrics, also ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F) with an average of 15°C (60°F). However, March is drier, with only 74 mm (2.9 in) of rainfall over just 10 days, while the humidity slightly increases to 77%. For more detailed information about weather conditions during this month, you can visit Kaikoura weather in March.
When comparing the weather in December and April, we can observe some notable differences and similarities. December typically experiences slightly warmer temperatures, with an average of 15°C (60°F) compared to April's 13°C (56°F). However, the maximum temperatures are fairly close, reaching 24°C (75°F) in December and 21°C (70°F) in April. Both months see comparable levels of precipitation, with December receiving 106 mm (4.2 in) over 12 days and April slightly higher at 110 mm (4.3 in) over 10 days. Humidity is also similar, with December at 75% and April slightly higher at 77%. For those interested in more detailed information, visit Kaikoura weather in April.
In December, the weather is generally warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F) and an average of 15°C (60°F). This month experiences about 106 mm (4.2 in) of precipitation over roughly 12 days, while humidity sits at a comfortable 75%. In contrast, May brings cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 4°C (40°F) and a maximum of 19°C (66°F), averaging around 12°C (53°F). The precipitation is slightly less at 81 mm (3.2 in) over approximately 10 days, and humidity increases to 82%. For more detailed insights into seasonal weather, check out Kaikoura weather in May.
December and June weather in Kaikoura exhibit notable differences. In December, temperatures range from a mild 8°C (47°F) to a comfortable 24°C (75°F), with an average of 15°C (60°F), making it one of the warmer months. The humidity sits around 75%, and while there are 12 days of precipitation, the total rainfall is 106 mm (4.2 in). In contrast, June sees cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 4°C (40°F) and a maximum of only 16°C (61°F), averaging 9°C (49°F). The humidity increases to 84%, and this month experiences slightly more rain, amounting to 117 mm (4.6 in) over 14 days. For more information about the weather during June, you can visit Kaikoura weather in June.
December and July present contrasting weather patterns. In December, temperatures are notably warmer, ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), with an average of 15°C (60°F). This month also experiences higher precipitation levels at 106 mm (4.2 in) over 12 days, while humidity sits at 75%. In contrast, July is much cooler, with temperatures fluctuating between 3°C (37°F) and 14°C (58°F), averaging 9°C (48°F). The month sees slightly less rainfall, totaling 91 mm (3.6 in) across 13 days, but with a higher humidity of 85%. For a more detailed look at July's weather, check out Kaikoura weather in July.
When comparing the weather in December and August, it is evident that December offers milder temperatures with a minimum of 8°C (47°F) and an average of 15°C (60°F), compared to August’s cooler temperatures, which see a minimum of 3°C (38°F) and an average of 9°C (48°F). December also experiences higher maximum temperatures, reaching up to 24°C (75°F), while August peaks at 15°C (58°F). Although both months have similar precipitation days (12 days), December receives significantly more rainfall at 106 mm (4.2 in) compared to 68 mm (2.7 in) in August. The humidity is relatively high in both months, with December at 75% and August slightly higher at 82%. For more detailed insights into August weather, you can visit Kaikoura weather in August.
In December, the weather tends to be warmer and more humid compared to September. With temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), December averages around 15°C (60°F), while September offers cooler temperatures with a range from 3°C (37°F) to 17°C (62°F) and an average of 10°C (50°F). Precipitation in December is slightly higher at 106 mm (4.2 in) over 12 days compared to September's 76 mm (3.0 in) over 11 days. Additionally, humidity is notably lower in December, sitting at 75%, whereas September experiences a higher humidity level of 82%. For more details, check out Kaikoura weather in September.
In comparing the weather of December to October, December shows milder temperatures, with minimums of 8°C (47°F) and averages of 15°C (60°F), compared to October's cooler minimum of 4°C (40°F) and average of 11°C (53°F). The maximum temperatures in December reach up to 24°C (75°F), slightly surpassing October's 21°C (69°F). Precipitation in December is also higher, with 106 mm (4.2 in) over 12 days, although October experiences slightly less rain at 84 mm (3.3 in) across 15 days, leading to a marginally higher humidity level of 79%. For more details, you can check Kaikoura weather in October.
In comparing the weather patterns of December and November, December tends to be slightly warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), compared to November's range of 7°C (45°F) to 22°C (72°F). The average temperature in December is also higher at 15°C (60°F) compared to November’s 13°C (56°F). However, December sees increased precipitation, with 106 mm (4.2 in) over 12 days, while November has 76 mm (3.0 in) across 11 days. Humidity levels are relatively similar, at 75% for December and 77% for November. For more detailed insights, you can explore Kaikoura weather in November.
As December unfolds in Kaikoura, the weather signals a vibrant transition into summer, showcasing warmer temperatures compared to other months. With an average of 15°C (60°F) and maximums reaching 24°C (75°F), it's the ideal time for outdoor adventures and enjoying the stunning coastal scenery. However, this vibrant month also brings higher humidity at 75% and noticeable precipitation, averaging 106 mm (4.2 in) over approximately 12 days, which can lead to occasional rain showers. This combination of warmth and moisture not only enhances the lush landscapes but also sets the stage for unique wildlife encounters. To delve deeper into the climatic nuances and how December stacks up against the rest of the year, visit Kaikoura Climate.