Last updated: August 31, 2025
In December, Whanganui, New Zealand experiences a mild and invigorating climate, with daily temperatures ranging from a pleasant 9°C (49°F) at night to a maximum of 23°C (74°F) during the day, resulting in an average temperature of 17°C (63°F). Visitors can expect a mix of sunshine and rain, as the region sees 133 mm (5.2 in) of precipitation spread across approximately 14 days, contributing to a relatively high humidity level of 81%. This blend of temperature and moisture creates a lush, vibrant environment, ideal for those keen to explore Whanganui's stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
In Whanganui, New Zealand, December marks the arrival of summer with a delightful increase in temperatures. The month typically starts with minimums around 9°C (49°F), while the average hovers at a comfortable 17°C (63°F). As the days progress, the maximum temperatures can reach up to 23°C (74°F), providing plenty of warm sunshine for outdoor activities. This steady climb from the cooler months of spring showcases a gradual shift to warmer weather, setting the stage for a vibrant summer. Overall, December offers a pleasant climate, perfect for enjoying the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures that Whanganui has to offer.
In December, Whanganui experiences notable precipitation, with an average of 133 mm (5.2 in) over 14 days, making it one of the wetter months of the year. This uptick in rainfall follows a general trend where the region sees an increase in precipitation during the latter part of the year, particularly from October to April. The festive month stands out not only for its contribution to the yearly total but also for creating a vibrant, lush landscape, as the rain nurtures the local flora amidst the warm summer temperatures. With each drop, December heralds the season of growth and vitality, setting the stage for the lush surroundings that characterize Whanganui.
In Whanganui, New Zealand, December brings a moderate humidity level of 81%, a slight dip from the cooler months. Throughout the year, humidity levels exhibit a gradual increase, peaking during the winter months of June and July at 86%. As we transition from the crisp winter into the warmer summer, humidity slightly decreases in December after peaking in the autumn months. Consistently high levels from March to November—hovering between 79% and 84%—underscore Whanganui's maritime climate, making it a charming destination for those who appreciate a lush, verdant environment.
In Whanganui, New Zealand, December brings one of the year's highest UV Index readings at 13, which falls into the extreme exposure category, necessitating caution as the burn time is a mere 10 minutes. This trend of heightened UV exposure is notable as both January and February also display an extreme index of 13. Following these peak months, the UV Index gradually lessens, dropping to 9 in March and further to 7 in April, where the burn times start to extend, indicating a shift towards safer sun exposure. As the seasons change, the UV levels continue to fluctuate, reaching a low of 2 in June before climbing back up into moderate and high categories towards the year's end. For those planning outdoor activities during December, it is essential to take precautions, as the significant UV rays during this time can quickly lead to sunburn. For more detailed insights, visit Whanganui UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In December, Whanganui, New Zealand, basks in an impressive 330 hours of sunshine, marking the peak of a radiant trend that begins in spring. As the year closes, the days grow longer and brighter, showcasing an upward trajectory from 303 hours in November. This month not only signifies a festive spirit but also embraces a delightful transition; with each passing month, the sunlit hours gradually increase from the cooler weeks of winter, which peak at a low of 177 hours in June. By December, the warmth becomes palpable, inviting both locals and visitors to enjoy the abundant outdoor activities against a backdrop of stunning sunsets and vibrant summer skies.
In Whanganui, New Zealand, the likelihood of sunny weather in December shows a noticeable dip to 33%, suggesting that the month is not as bright as earlier in the year. An analysis of the preceding months reveals a pattern: the chance of sunshine generally decreases from a peak in January at 50% and remains relatively consistent through the fall, before plunging in the late spring to early summer months. This trend highlights that while December might still offer some sunny days, residents and visitors may want to prepare for a mix of weather as the festive season approaches, with higher chances of cloud cover compared to earlier summer months.
In Whanganui, New Zealand, December shines brightly with an impressive 14 hours of daylight, mirroring the long, sunlit days of January and November. This month symbolizes the peak of summer, where the days gradually shorten as the year progresses. Interestingly, daylight hours begin to decrease after December, transitioning through February's 13 hours and March's 12 hours, heralding the arrival of autumn. From April to August, the hours of daylight dip to a low of 9 hours, creating a stark contrast to the vibrant summer months. As spring approaches, daylight starts to return, providing 10 hours in August and progressively increasing again through October and November, ultimately leading back to those bright December days. This rhythmic cycle highlights the dynamic nature of Whanganui’s daylight throughout the year.
In Whanganui, New Zealand, the December winds follow a familiar rhythm, with an average speed of 6.0 m/s (13 mph), mirroring the gentle breezes of the preceding months. As the holiday season approaches, the winds remain relatively stable compared to the slight fluctuations noted throughout the year. May and August boast the highest averages at 6.6 m/s (15 mph), while February registers the calmest moments with 4.4 m/s (10 mph). Interestingly, the progression from September's more robust winds at 7.1 m/s (16 mph) heralds the approach of summer, suggesting that while December’s breezes are mild, they are part of a dynamic wind pattern that provides Whanganui with a unique and ever-evolving coastal climate.
Weather in Whanganui varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Whanganui, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In December, the weather is quite warm, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 23°C (74°F) and an average temperature of 17°C (63°F). This month experiences a significant amount of precipitation, totaling 133 mm (5.2 in) over about 14 days, along with a high humidity level of 81%.
In contrast, January tends to be slightly warmer, with minimum temperatures of 11°C (52°F) and maximums reaching 24°C (75°F), averaging around 18°C (64°F). The precipitation decreases notably to 61 mm (2.4 in) over 10 days, and humidity slightly dips to 79%. For more detailed information about the weather in Whanganui, you can check out Whanganui weather in January.
December and February both offer relatively mild temperatures, but February is slightly warmer overall. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 23°C (74°F), with an average temperature of 17°C (63°F). The month sees 133 mm (5.2 in) of precipitation over about 14 days and has a humidity level of 81%. In contrast, February sees a minimum of 11°C (53°F) and a maximum of 26°C (79°F), with an average temperature of 18°C (65°F). The rainfall is less significant, with 79 mm (3.1 in) spread over just 8 days, and humidity is slightly lower at 79%. For a more detailed overview of February weather, you can check out Whanganui weather in February.
December and March exhibit similar average temperatures, hovering around 17°C (63°F), with maximums reaching 23°C (74°F) in both months. However, December tends to be slightly cooler at night, with a minimum temperature of 9°C (49°F) compared to March's 11°C (52°F). Precipitation levels are higher in December, with 133 mm (5.2 in) spread over 14 days, while March sees a reduction to 96 mm (3.8 in) over 10 days. Additionally, December has a humidity level of 81%, modestly higher than March's 79%. For more detailed weather insights, you can refer to Whanganui weather in March.
In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 23°C (74°F), with an average temperature of 17°C (63°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, totaling 133 mm (5.2 in) over approximately 14 days, and maintains a high humidity level of 81%. In contrast, April sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (47°F) and a maximum of 22°C (71°F), averaging 15°C (60°F). Rainfall in April is a bit higher at 143 mm (5.6 in), spread over 13 days, accompanied by a slightly lower humidity of 80%. For more detailed information, visit Whanganui weather in April.
In December, Whanganui experiences a warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 23°C (74°F) and an average of 17°C (63°F). This month also sees higher precipitation levels at 133 mm (5.2 in) over approximately 14 days, contributing to a humidity level of 81%. In contrast, May is cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F) and an average of 14°C (57°F). May also has less precipitation at 88 mm (3.5 in) across about 11 days, leading to a slightly higher humidity level of 84%. For more details about the weather conditions during this month, check out Whanganui weather in May.
In December, the weather tends to be warmer with a minimum temperature of 9°C (49°F) and an average high of 23°C (74°F), while June sees cooler temperatures, starting at a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and peaking at 17°C (63°F). December experiences more significant warmth and occasional rain, with 133 mm (5.2 in) of precipitation over 14 days, compared to June's 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain over 15 days. The humidity is slightly lower in December at 81%, while June has a higher humidity level at 86%. For more detailed insights on the June weather, you can check Whanganui weather in June.
Overall, December offers warmer weather compared to July, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 23°C (74°F), while July has a cooler average with temperatures between a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of 16°C (61°F). Although both months experience significant rainfall, December sees an average precipitation of 133 mm (5.2 in) over 14 days, whereas July records 118 mm (4.6 in) across 16 days. Additionally, the humidity is slightly lower in December at 81%, compared to July's humidity level of 86%. For a detailed look at July weather specific to Whanganui, you can visit Whanganui weather in July.
In comparing the weather of December and August, it becomes clear that December is generally warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 23°C (74°F), while August's temperatures are cooler, with a minimum of 5°C (40°F) and a maximum of 16°C (61°F). Additionally, December experiences slightly higher precipitation at 133 mm (5.2 in) over 14 days, compared to August's 120 mm (4.7 in) over 16 days. Humidity levels are also marginally different, with December at 81% and August at 83%. For more detailed insights about weather conditions during August, you can check out Whanganui weather in August.
In comparing the weather of December and September, December tends to be warmer, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 23°C (74°F), while September's temperatures are cooler, averaging between 6°C (42°F) and 17°C (62°F). Both months experience similar levels of precipitation, with December recording 133 mm (5.2 in) over 14 days and September slightly less at 114 mm (4.5 in) over the same number of days. Humidity levels are also similar, with December at 81% and September at 83%. For more detailed information on September weather specifically, you can visit Whanganui weather in September.
December tends to be warmer and slightly wetter than October, with average temperatures reaching a comfortable 17°C (63°F) compared to October's 13°C (56°F). The maximum temperature in December can rise to 23°C (74°F), while October peaks at 19°C (66°F). Precipitation also increases in December, totaling 133 mm (5.2 in) over 14 days, compared to October's 99 mm (3.9 in) during the same number of days. Humidity levels are comparable, with December at 81% and October at 82%. For more details, check out Whanganui weather in October.
December weather is generally warmer and wetter compared to November. The average temperature in December reaches 17°C (63°F), with a maximum of 23°C (74°F), whereas November has a slightly lower average of 15°C (59°F) and a maximum of 20°C (69°F). Precipitation also increases in December, totaling 133 mm (5.2 in) over 14 days, compared to 85 mm (3.4 in) across 13 days in November. Both months experience similar humidity levels, with December at 81% and November at 82%. For a more detailed overview, check Whanganui weather in November.
As December unfolds in Whanganui, the weather shifts into a more vibrant and warmer realm compared to the cooler months preceding it. With an average temperature climbing up to a comfortable 17°C, it invites residents and visitors alike to enjoy the outdoors. However, December is also characterized by a noticeable increase in precipitation, with rain showers making their presence felt over about half the month. The higher humidity levels add to the tropical feel, creating a unique atmosphere that sets December apart. For those wishing to explore more about the climate specifics, check out Whanganui Climate.