Last updated: August 31, 2025
In Heretaunga, New Zealand, December brings a delightful blend of warm temperatures and occasional rainfall, making it a unique time of year. With a maximum temperature reaching 23°C (73°F) and an average temperature of 16°C (61°F), the climate is ideal for outdoor activities. However, residents can expect a minimum of 7°C (45°F) during cooler nights. December averages about 104 mm (4.1 in) of precipitation over 14 days, contributing to the region's lush greenery. The high humidity level of 81% adds a refreshing feel, emphasizing the vibrant, seasonal character of Heretaunga as it embraces the summer month.
In Heretaunga, New Zealand, December marks the beginning of summer, bringing a delightful rise in temperatures. With a minimum of 7°C (45°F) and a pleasant average of 16°C (61°F), the region experiences its warmest conditions yet as it heads towards the holiday season. The maximum temperature can soar to 23°C (73°F), inviting both locals and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities and the region's stunning natural beauty. Compared to the cooler months preceding it, December stands out as a vibrant time, characterized by a clear warming trend that heralds the joys of summer in this picturesque part of the world.
In December, Heretaunga experiences its highest precipitation of the year, with 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain falling over 14 days. This marks a notable increase compared to preceding months, reflecting a seasonal shift towards warmer and wetter weather as summer approaches. With rainmaking its presence felt almost half the month, the vibrant landscape thriving in lush green hues is a testament to this December deluge. Interestingly, as the year progresses, we observe a consistent upward trend in both precipitation amounts and rainy days, peaking in December. This trend underscores the region’s transition from the dry spell of spring to the more humid conditions of summer, making December not only a pivotal month for hydration but also a time of renewal for the local flora and fauna.
In Heretaunga, New Zealand, December experiences an average humidity of 81%, marking a slight dip from the more humid conditions of the preceding months. Following a trend of increasing humidity from May to July, where levels peaked at 86%, December's rate aligns closely with the conditions seen in the earlier summer months of January and February at 79%. This gradual decline subtly hints at the transition towards the cooler months, with humidity bouncing back to 82% in November. Overall, this steady fluctuation showcases Heretaunga’s characteristic maritime climate, where humidity plays a pivotal role in shaping the seasonal experience.
In Heretaunga, New Zealand, December ushers in one of the year's most intense UV Index readings, standing at an extreme level of 13, with a swift burn time of just 10 minutes. Following a trend from the preceding months, we see a shift from the very high indices of 10 in November and 9 in October, which reflect increasing sun intensity as the summer season approaches. As the sun’s rays become more potent in December, it's crucial for residents and visitors alike to remain vigilant about sun protection. This month mirrors the UV levels of January and February, showing a consistent pattern of extreme sun exposure during the peak of the summer months. For more detailed information on the UV Index trends throughout the year, you can visit Heretaunga UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
As December rolls in, Heretaunga, New Zealand basks in a remarkable 336 hours of sunshine, marking the pinnacle of its sun-drenched summer season. This vibrant month stands out not only as the sunniest of the year but also as an enticing prelude to the warmth that Australia experiences in January. Following a steady decline from the earlier months—where sunshine hours dipped from 287 in January to 237 in April—the region sees a resurgence, with hours steadily climbing back up. November sets the stage with an impressive 311 hours, leading seamlessly into December's golden glow. The overall trend illustrates a delightful contrast between the cooler, darker winter months and the sun-soaked vibrancy of late spring and early summer, inviting residents and visitors alike to embrace the warm embrace of the sun.
In Heretaunga, New Zealand, the likelihood of sunny weather in December is relatively modest at 35%, marking a subtle dip compared to the sunniest months of January and February, which boast chances of 56% and 49% respectively. As the year progresses, a noticeable trend emerges: the sunniest months cluster in the summer, while the late spring and early winter months, including December, see a decline in sunshine opportunities. November, with its 37% chance, sets the stage for the summer glow but still pales in comparison to the peak sunniness experienced at the year's beginning. This pattern highlights a gradual transition from vibrant summer days to more capped sunshine as the region prepares for the cooler months ahead.
In Heretaunga, New Zealand, December marks a peak in daylight duration, basking in a generous 15 hours of sunlight. This abundant light follows a gradual increase from the shorter days of winter, with daylight stretching from 9 hours in mid-winter months of May, June, and July. As spring approaches, daylight begins to build, reaching 14 hours by November. The trend showcases a significant increase, reflecting the transition into summer as days continue to lengthen. Following December, daylight begins to decrease again, leading into the cooler months. This rhythmic ebb and flow of daylight creates a vibrant seasonal cycle that is emblematic of Heretaunga’s unique charm.
In Heretaunga, New Zealand, December welcomes a light but invigorating breeze, with an average wind speed of 5.8 m/s (13 mph). This month typically showcases a gentle uptick in windiness compared to the preceding winter months, but it remains less blustery than the spring peak of 6.8 m/s (15 mph) in September. Overall, the trend across the year reveals a consistent pattern, where the winds are relatively calm in the heat of January and February, gradually intensifying through the winter before settling back into a mellow rhythm in the summer months. As residents bask in the warmth of December, the breezes add a refreshing touch to the festive atmosphere, making it a delightful time to be outdoors.
Weather in Heretaunga varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Heretaunga, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In December, the weather is characterized by mild temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C (45°F) and a maximum reaching 23°C (73°F), averaging around 16°C (61°F). It sees a fair amount of rainfall, totaling 104 mm (4.1 in), spread over 14 days, and the humidity is relatively high at 81%. In contrast, January experiences slightly warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures of 9°C (48°F) and maximums of 26°C (79°F), averaging 17°C (63°F). This month enjoys considerably less rainfall, amounting to just 41 mm (1.6 in) over 7 days, while humidity remains a bit lower at 79%. For more details on the weather in January, you can visit Heretaunga weather in January.
December and February share a mild climate, but notable differences exist between the two months. December experiences slightly higher humidity at 81% and more frequent precipitation, with 104 mm falling over 14 days. Temperatures range from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 23°C (73°F), creating a warm environment for outdoor activities. In contrast, February sees a slight rise in average temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (47°F) and a maximum of 24°C (75°F), while precipitation decreases to 63 mm over just 7 days. This makes February a bit drier and more pleasant overall. For a closer look at weather specifics, check out Heretaunga weather in February.
In December, the weather is typically warm, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 23°C (73°F) and an average of 16°C (61°F). The month sees significant rainfall, accumulating around 104 mm (4.1 in) across 14 days, contributing to a relatively high humidity level of 81%.
In contrast, March experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (47°F) and a maximum of 22°C (72°F), while still averaging 16°C (61°F). Precipitation decreases to 71 mm (2.8 in) over 10 days, leading to a drop in humidity to 79%. Overall, while both months share similar average temperatures, December is wetter and more humid compared to the drier conditions of March. For more detailed information, you can check Heretaunga weather in March.
In December, the weather is generally warmer compared to April, with average temperatures reaching 16°C (61°F) and maximums of up to 23°C (73°F). The month experiences slightly higher precipitation levels, accumulating 104 mm (4.1 in) over approximately 14 days, while humidity hovers around 81%. In contrast, April has a cooler average temperature of 14°C (58°F) and maximums of 21°C (70°F). Precipitation is marginally less, totaling 97 mm (3.8 in) across 11 days, with humidity slightly lower at 80%. For more detailed insights about weather nuances in April, check out Heretaunga weather in April.
In December, the weather is generally warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 23°C (73°F), while May features cooler temperatures, with lows of 4°C (40°F) and highs of 19°C (66°F). December also sees higher average temperatures of around 16°C (61°F) compared to May's average of 12°C (55°F). Precipitation is relatively higher in December, with 104 mm (4.1 in) over 14 days, compared to May's 81 mm (3.2 in) spread over 11 days. Both months exhibit high humidity levels, with December at 81% and May slightly higher at 84%. For a closer look at weather patterns in May, you can check Heretaunga weather in May.
December weather typically showcases warmer temperatures, with minimums around 7°C (45°F) and averages peaking at 16°C (61°F), while June is cooler, featuring minimums of 4°C (39°F) and an average of only 11°C (51°F). Precipitation is relatively consistent across both months, with December receiving slightly more at 104 mm (4.1 in) over 14 days compared to June's 90 mm (3.6 in) over 11 days. Additionally, humidity is notably high in both months, with December at 81% and June slightly higher at 86%, which can make the cooler June temperatures feel a bit more brisk. For more specific details about June weather, check Heretaunga weather in June.
In December, the weather features a milder range of temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C and an average of 16°C, peaking at a maximum of 23°C. The humidity level sits at 81%, and the month experiences around 104 mm of precipitation over 14 days. In contrast, July temperatures are cooler, ranging from a minimum of 2°C to an average of 10°C and a maximum of 15°C. Despite the cooler conditions, July sees nearly the same amount of rainfall, with 103 mm over 13 days and a slightly higher humidity of 86%. For more detailed insights, you can check Heretaunga weather in July.
When comparing the weather in December and August, a noticeable difference in temperatures and precipitation emerges. December experiences milder conditions, with averages ranging from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 23°C (73°F), while August sees cooler averages, with temperatures fluctuating between 3°C (38°F) and 15°C (59°F). In terms of precipitation, December is slightly wetter, receiving 104 mm (4.1 in) over 14 days compared to August’s 84 mm (3.3 in) across 13 days, though humidity levels are quite similar, at 81% in December and 83% in August. For more details about August's climate, you can check Heretaunga weather in August.
When comparing the weather in December and September, December generally boasts milder temperatures, with average highs reaching up to 23°C (73°F), while September's temperatures peak at 16°C (61°F). The minimum temperature in December is also warmer at 7°C (45°F), compared to September's chilly 3°C (38°F). Although both months experience significant humidity, December's average humidity is slightly lower at 81% compared to September's 83%. In terms of precipitation, December has a bit more rain, with 104 mm (4.1 in) falling over 14 days, while September receives 92 mm (3.6 in) over 13 days. For a more detailed look at September weather, you can check this link: Heretaunga weather in September.
When comparing the weather in December and October, December tends to be warmer, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 23°C (73°F), while October has cooler temperatures that range from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F). Additionally, December experiences more precipitation, totaling 104 mm (4.1 in) over 14 days, compared to October's 77 mm (3.0 in) over 12 days. Humidity levels are fairly similar, with December at 81% and October slightly higher at 82%. For a detailed look at October's weather patterns, you can refer to Heretaunga weather in October.
In comparing the weather between November and December, December tends to be slightly warmer, with average temperatures rising from 14°C (57°F) in November to 16°C (61°F) in December. The maximum temperatures also climb, reaching up to 23°C (73°F) in December compared to November's 20°C (68°F). However, December experiences more precipitation, totaling 104 mm (4.1 in) over 14 days, compared to November's 81 mm (3.2 in) over 11 days. Despite the increase in rainfall, the humidity remains relatively stable, with December at 81% and November at 82%. For further details on weather in November, you can visit Heretaunga weather in November.
As December unfolds in Heretaunga, the weather showcases a delightful shift towards warmer and more vibrant days, feeling a world apart from the chilly grips of winter. With maximum temperatures reaching up to 23°C, the average warmth invites residents and visitors alike to embrace the outdoors, while the humidity levels hover at 81%, contributing to that refreshing summer ambiance. Though one can expect some precipitation over approximately 14 days, this adds to the lushness of the landscape rather than dampening spirits. For a deeper dive into how December weather compares to the rest of the year, explore our comprehensive guide here: Heretaunga Climate.