Last updated: August 31, 2025
In December, Taupo, New Zealand welcomes the start of summer with average temperatures hovering around a pleasant 16°C (61°F). Daily highs can reach a maximum of 26°C (79°F), creating ideal conditions for outdoor adventures, though nights can be cool, dipping to a minimum of 5°C (41°F). Visitors should brace for potential showers, as the month sees around 118 mm (4.7 in) of precipitation, experienced over approximately 15 days. With a humidity level of 66%, the air remains refreshingly crisp, making this a captivating time to explore the natural beauty of the region.
In December, Taupo, New Zealand, experiences a delightful warm-up as summer approaches, with temperatures reflecting a steady ascend from the cooler months. The minimum temperature hovers around 5°C (41°F), providing enough chill for a brisk start, while the average settles comfortably at 16°C (61°F). As the day unfolds, the mercury can rise to a maximum of 26°C (79°F), creating the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures. This month's temperatures show a trend of warmth, particularly when compared to the preceding months, making December an ideal time for enjoying the stunning landscapes and vibrant activities that the region has to offer.
In December, Taupo experiences a notable increase in precipitation, with 118 mm (4.7 in) falling over about 15 days. This positions December among the wetter months, reflecting a gradual uptick in rainfall as the year draws to a close. The pattern reveals a consistent trend throughout the year, where precipitation typically rises from the drier early months, peaking towards the mid-winter and early spring. Interestingly, December's rainfall is slightly lower than the two preceding months, yet it remains a significant contributor to the region's lush landscape, setting the stage for the upcoming summer season. Overall, December serves as a bridge between the wetter months of winter and the dry warmth of summer in Taupo.
December in Taupo, New Zealand, marks a notable dip in humidity, dropping to 66%. This decline contrasts sharply with the trend of increasing humidity seen in the preceding months, particularly the peak levels of 86% during the chillier winter months of July. Following a gradual rise through the autumn, where humidity reached 74% in November, December welcomes summer with a refreshing reduction in moisture in the air. This shift signifies a transition toward warmer, drier conditions, making it a delightful time for outdoor activities amidst the beautiful landscapes of Taupo.
In Taupo, New Zealand, December marks a continuation of the intense summer sun, showcasing an impressive UV Index of 13, which falls into the extreme exposure category. This means that sunburn can occur in as little as 10 minutes of unprotected exposure. Following the trend from November, where the UV Index was also extreme, December signals a peak in UV activity that typically lasts until early March. As the year transitions from lush summer days to the cooler months, the UV Index gradually declines, providing a stark contrast with values falling to as low as 3 during the winter. For those planning outdoor activities in December, it’s crucial to take protective measures to safeguard against the sun's rays. For more detailed insights, check out Taupo UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
December in Taupo, New Zealand is truly a sun-seeker's paradise, boasting an impressive 305 hours of sunshine. This marks a radiant culmination of the year, with daylight peaking compared to the cooler months. Following a steady climb from 190 hours in May to November's 273 hours, December shines brightest, outpacing its summer predecessors like January and February. This delightful trend not only sets the stage for outdoor adventures and holiday celebrations but also signals the arrival of summer's warmth, inviting both locals and tourists to bask in the sun-soaked beauty of Taupo’s stunning landscapes. As the year winds down, December's golden rays paint the perfect backdrop for cherished memories.
Taupo, New Zealand, experiences an interesting trend in its December weather, with a 28% chance of sunny days. This marks a slight dip compared to the sunnier summer months of January and February, which boast probabilities of 44% and 40% respectively. As the year winds down into the warmer season, December offers a moderate likelihood of sunshine, aligning with the overall pattern of fluctuating weather in the region. While it may not guarantee clear skies, there remains hope for those looking to enjoy the outdoors, as December still offers a better chance than the dreary winter months of June and July, where the sun rarely makes an appearance.
In Taupo, New Zealand, December delights with 14 hours of daylight, matching the brightness of January and November. This pattern reflects the long, sun-drenched days characteristic of the Southern Hemisphere's summer. As the year progresses from December to June, daylight gradually decreases, reaching a low point of 9 hours during the winter months of June and July. Thankfully, this dreariness is short-lived, as daylight begins to increase again in August, culminating in a beautiful resurgence by November. Overall, the trend showcases Taupo's vibrant seasonal transitions, inviting both locals and visitors to enjoy its summer glow before the sun retreats for winter's embrace.
As December rolls into Taupo, New Zealand, the winds begin to pick up, averaging 3.0 m/s (7 mph), providing a gentle but invigorating backdrop to the summer landscape. Over the preceding months, there has been a noticeable increase in wind speeds, particularly from the earlier spring months, with November recording a similar pace. This trend hints at the shift towards a breezier summer, which can enhance outdoor activities and water sports in the stunning lakes of Taupo. With December's winds smoothly continuing from November’s breezy vibe, residents and visitors alike can expect a refreshing wind that complements the warm summer days, inviting everyone to embrace the natural beauty of this picturesque region.
Weather in Taupo varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Taupo, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
December weather shows a diverse range of temperatures, with minimums around 5°C (41°F), averaging 16°C (61°F), and reaching a maximum of 26°C (79°F). The month experiences relatively high precipitation, totaling 118 mm (4.7 in) over 15 days, resulting in a humidity level of 66%. In contrast, January offers a slight increase in average temperature, peaking at 28°C (83°F) while maintaining the same minimum of 5°C (41°F) and an average of 17°C (63°F). Precipitation in January decreases to 70 mm (2.8 in) over just 8 days, leading to a marginally higher humidity of 69%. For more detailed insights into January weather, you can check Taupo weather in January.
In comparing the weather of December and February, we notice several key differences. December experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with an average of 16°C (61°F) compared to February's average of 17°C (63°F). February also has higher maximum temperatures, reaching up to 28°C (83°F) versus December's 26°C (79°F). Precipitation is another notable distinction; December sees more rain, accumulating 118 mm (4.7 in) over 15 days, while February has less, with 97 mm (3.8 in) over only 9 days. Humidity remains fairly consistent, resting at 66% in December and slightly increasing to 69% in February. Overall, February tends to be warmer and drier, making it a more favorable month for outdoor activities. For more detailed insights on February weather, check out Taupo weather in February.
December and March exhibit similar temperature ranges, with both months experiencing maximum temperatures around 26°C (79°F). December has a slightly higher average temperature, averaging 16°C (61°F) compared to March's 15°C (60°F). Precipitation levels are also comparable, with December receiving 118 mm (4.7 in) over 15 days, while March has 110 mm (4.3 in) over 12 days. Notably, March features a higher humidity level at 71%, compared to December's 66%. For more detailed insights, you can check out Taupo weather in March.
In December, temperatures in Taupo range from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F), with an average temperature of 16°C (61°F). The month experiences about 118 mm (4.7 in) of rainfall over 15 days, and humidity hovers around 66%. In contrast, April sees cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 2°C (37°F) and a maximum of 22°C (71°F), resulting in an average of 12°C (55°F). Although April has slightly higher precipitation at 135 mm (5.3 in), it falls over just 11 days, and humidity increases to 74%. For more detailed insights, check out Taupo weather in April.
In December, the weather tends to be warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F), averaging around 16°C (61°F). This month also sees a relatively moderate level of precipitation at 118 mm (4.7 in), occurring over about 15 days. The humidity level is comfortably at 66%, making for pleasant conditions overall.
In contrast, May experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 0°C (32°F) and a maximum of 18°C (65°F), resulting in an average temperature of only 10°C (50°F). Although May has a higher total precipitation of 126 mm (5.0 in), it occurs over fewer days at just 10, leading to a higher humidity level of 83%. This combination of lower temperatures and increased humidity may feel quite different from the warmth of December. For more detailed information, check out Taupo weather in May.
When comparing the weather in December and June, notable differences emerge. In December, temperatures are significantly warmer, ranging from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F) with an average of 16°C (61°F). The month also experiences moderate rainfall of 118 mm (4.7 in) over 15 days, with a humidity level of 66%. In contrast, June has cooler conditions, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of -1°C (31°F) and only reaching a maximum of 15°C (60°F), averaging at 8°C (47°F). Precipitation in June is slightly lower at 105 mm (4.1 in) across 12 days, but humidity is higher at 85%. For a more detailed look at the conditions during this period, you can refer to Taupo weather in June.
When comparing the weather in December and July, substantial differences emerge. December boasts a more moderate climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F), accompanied by an average temperature of 16°C (61°F). In contrast, July experiences significantly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -2°C (28°F) and a maximum of 14°C (57°F), leading to an average of just 7°C (45°F). Both months see their share of precipitation, with December recording 118 mm (4.7 in) across 15 days and July slightly wetter at 146 mm (5.8 in) over 14 days; however, July also has a higher humidity level at 86%, compared to December's 66%. For a closer look at what to expect in July, check out Taupo weather in July.
When comparing the weather of December and August, it is clear that December is significantly warmer, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F). In contrast, August experiences much cooler temperatures, with a range from 0°C (31°F) to 14°C (58°F). Precipitation levels are fairly similar, with December receiving 118 mm (4.7 in) over 15 days, while August has a slightly higher total of 136 mm (5.4 in) over 16 days. Additionally, December's humidity averages 66%, which is notably lower than the 83% humidity experienced in August. For more detailed insights into the August weather conditions, check out Taupo weather in August.
In comparing the weather between December and September, December offers notably warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and an average high of 26°C (79°F), while September sees a cooler range with a minimum of 0°C (32°F) and a maximum of 17°C (63°F). Despite December having slightly less precipitation at 118 mm (4.7 in) compared to September's 132 mm (5.2 in), both months experience rainfall on approximately 15 days. Additionally, while December's humidity averages around 66%, September is generally more humid with an average of 78%. For a deeper look at September's climate, you can check Taupo weather in September.
When comparing the weather in December and October, several differences are evident. December typically features a milder temperature range, with minimums around 5°C (41°F) and maximums reaching 26°C (79°F), while October is noticeably cooler, starting at a minimum of 1°C (34°F) and peaking at 22°C (72°F). Despite October having slightly lower total precipitation at 113 mm (4.5 in) compared to December's 118 mm (4.7 in), both months share a similar number of rainy days, averaging around 15. However, October experiences higher humidity levels at 77%, compared to 66% in December. For those interested in a more detailed look at October weather, you can check out Taupo weather in October.
In comparing the weather between November and December, December tends to be milder, with minimum temperatures rising to 5°C (41°F) and average highs reaching 26°C (79°F), compared to November's minimum of 2°C (36°F) and maximum of 28°C (82°F). While December experiences slightly more precipitation at 118 mm (4.7 in) over 15 days, November has a lesser total of 106 mm (4.2 in) across 13 days of rain. Interestingly, November also showcases a higher humidity level at 74% compared to December's 66%. For more detailed information, you can check Taupo weather in November.
As December unfolds in Taupo, the weather becomes notably warmer and more vibrant compared to other months, with daytime temperatures reaching pleasant highs. The average temperature rises, making outdoor activities more enticing, yet evenings can still bring a refreshing coolness. While the humidity lingers around a comfortable level, December also welcomes a fair share of rain, with several days of precipitation contributing to the region's lush landscape. This blend of warmth and moisture sets the perfect stage for exploring Taupo's natural beauty. For more insights on seasonal changes, check out Taupo Climate.