Last updated: August 31, 2025
Experience the charming December weather of Hokitika, New Zealand, where temperatures typically soar to a pleasant maximum of 22°C (73°F), with an inviting average of 15°C (60°F) and a refreshing minimum of 7°C (45°F). This coastal gem sees a share of precipitation, with 339 mm (13.3 in) falling over 17 days, creating a vibrant and lush landscape. With humidity levels hovering around 84%, the air is often filled with the fresh, invigorating scents of New Zealand’s natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring the stunning coastline or enjoying local culture, December in Hokitika offers a delightful backdrop for adventure and relaxation.
In December, Hokitika, New Zealand, experiences a delightful transition into summer, with temperatures gradually rising from the cooler months. The month begins with a mild minimum of 7°C (45°F) and reaches a pleasant maximum of 22°C (73°F), making it an ideal time for outdoor adventures. The average temperature settles around 15°C (60°F), showcasing a comfortable warmth that encourages both locals and visitors to embrace the vibrant landscapes. Compared to the earlier months, December marks a noticeable increase in warmth, building on the slight warming trend seen since November. This inviting climate provides the perfect backdrop for exploring Hokitika's stunning beaches and lush rainforests.
December in Hokitika, New Zealand, showcases a striking precipitation pattern, with 339 mm (13.3 in) of rain falling over 17 days. This marks a slight decrease from the previous month, where the rainfall peaked at 383 mm, yet December still ranks as one of the wetter months in the year. Following the trend of increasing rainfall from late spring into early summer, it becomes apparent that Hokitika experiences a seasonal shift where precipitation is notably high, particularly between November and March. Despite the decline from November, December's rainfall remains significant, enhancing the region's lush landscape and contributing to its vibrant ecosystem. As the year wraps up, residents and visitors alike can expect a lush, green environment as the persistent rain continues to nourish this beautiful part of New Zealand.
In December, Hokitika experiences a humidity level of 84%, a slight decrease from the previous month but still consistent with the trend observed throughout the year. Overall, humidity in Hokitika tends to remain relatively high, peaking in the colder months of May, June, and July at 87%. As the seasons transition from spring to summer, we notice a gradual decline in humidity, with December aligning closely with the autumn months of October and November. This moderate humidity throughout the year contributes to Hokitika's lush landscapes and vibrant atmosphere, making it a captivating destination regardless of the month.
As December rolls in, Hokitika experiences a notable shift in UV Index, reaching a significant 12, which falls into the extreme exposure category and signals a burn time of just 10 minutes. This marks a trend of heightened UV levels carried over from the preceding summer months, with both January and February also recording similar extreme values at 13. Following this peak, the UV Index gradually tapers off in the cooler months, where values drop to a more moderate range of 4 to 6 from April to September. However, as the year ends, December's strong UV reading serves as a friendly reminder of the sun’s intensity even in the lead-up to summer. For further insight, check out the comprehensive details at Hokitika UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
If you're seeking December sunshine in Hokitika, New Zealand, you're in for a treat! With an impressive 314 hours of sunlight, December shines brighter than any other month of the year. This vibrant burst of sunshine contrasts sharply with the winter months, where daylight dips to just 172 hours in June. As the year progresses towards the end, the trend is clear—sunlight hours increase significantly from the dreariness of May, culminating in a splendid December that invites both locals and visitors to bask in the warmth. Experience the joy of outdoor adventures and picturesque sunsets as Hokitika welcomes the festive season with its sunniest promise.
In Hokitika, New Zealand, the likelihood of sunny days in December is relatively low, sitting at just 21%. This marks a noticeable decline compared to the months leading up to December, where the probability of sunshine generally hovers around the mid-30s. Interestingly, as winter approaches, the chance of sun tends to dip further, peaking in May at 40% before gradually falling towards the year's end. Thus, those planning a visit in December should prepare for the possibility of overcast skies, as the warm summer months of January and February, known for increased sunshine rates of over 34%, lie just ahead.
In Hokitika, New Zealand, the daylight duration experiences a dynamic shift throughout the year, peaking in December with an impressive 15 hours of sunlight. As the days grow longer from the winter months, which offer only 9 hours of daylight in June and July, the transition into spring heralds a gradual increase. By the end of the year, the city of Hokitika basks in the warmth of extended daylight, a stark contrast to the 10 hours seen in April. This pattern showcases a natural rhythm, with winter keeping the days shorter and summer extending them towards the year's end, culminating in a festive December that invites both locals and visitors to enjoy the abundant daylight.
As December unfolds in Hokitika, the gentle breezes of earlier months begin to pick up, showcasing an average wind speed of 3.0 m/s (7 mph). This notable increase from the steady 2.7 m/s in November hints at the arrival of summer, as the winds become slightly more spirited. Throughout the year, the winds have remained relatively calm, oscillating between 2.2 m/s and 3.2 m/s, but December marks a subtle shift towards livelier gusts that invite exploration of the stunning coastal landscapes. The gradual progression of wind speeds suggests an underlying rhythm in Hokitika's climate, where the transition from late spring to early summer brings an invigorating freshness to the air.
Weather in Hokitika varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Hokitika, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
December and January present somewhat similar weather patterns, but with notable differences. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 22°C (73°F), with an average temperature of 15°C (60°F). This month experiences higher precipitation levels, totaling 339 mm (13.3 in) across 17 days, accompanied by humidity at 84%. In contrast, January features slightly milder temperatures, with lows of 6°C (44°F) and highs reaching 25°C (77°F), averaging at 16°C (61°F). Additionally, January sees reduced precipitation at 256 mm (10.1 in) over 14 days, while humidity decreases to 81%. For a detailed look at weather specifics, you can refer to Hokitika weather in January.
December and February both offer mild temperatures, but February tends to be slightly warmer and drier. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 22°C (73°F), with an average of 15°C (60°F), while February sees temperatures rise to a minimum of 8°C (46°F) and a maximum of 26°C (79°F) with an average of 16°C (61°F). Precipitation is also more abundant in December, with 339 mm (13.3 in) over 17 days, compared to February's 280 mm (11.0 in) over 13 days. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly higher in December at 84%, while they decrease to 79% in February. For more detailed information, you can check Hokitika weather in February.
In December, the weather is marked by a slightly warmer temperature range, with minimums around 7°C (45°F) and maximums reaching 22°C (73°F). The month experiences substantial precipitation, totaling 339 mm (13.3 in) over about 17 days, alongside high humidity levels at 84%. In contrast, March offers a similar average temperature of 16°C (60°F), but slightly warmer maximums of 24°C (75°F) and minimal precipitation at 295 mm (11.6 in) over 15 days, leading to a more comfortable humidity level of 81%. For more detailed insights into March weather, you can check Hokitika weather in March.
December and April present contrasting weather patterns, with December experiencing warmer temperatures, averaging 15°C (60°F) compared to April's 13°C (55°F). While December features a higher maximum temperature of 22°C (73°F), April sees a slightly lower maximum of 21°C (69°F). Both months are relatively humid, with humidity levels hovering around 84%. In terms of rainfall, December receives more precipitation at 339 mm (13.3 in) over 17 days, while April has 289 mm (11.4 in) over 15 days, indicating that December is typically wetter. For a more detailed look at April's weather, you can check Hokitika weather in April.
In December, the weather is notably milder with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 22°C (73°F). This month experiences a higher precipitation level of 339 mm (13.3 in) over 17 days, contributing to a humidity of 84%. In contrast, May sees cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 1°C (34°F) and a maximum of 18°C (64°F), along with a slightly lower total precipitation of 294 mm (11.6 in) over the same number of days. The humidity in May is marginally higher at 87%. For more detailed insights, you can check Hokitika weather in May.
In December, the weather is generally warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 22°C (73°F) and an average of 15°C (60°F). The month is also characterized by significant precipitation, totaling 339 mm (13.3 in) over 17 days, with a high humidity level of 84%. Conversely, June experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 0°C (33°F) and a maximum of 17°C (62°F), averaging at 8°C (48°F). Despite being drier, June still has considerable precipitation of 155 mm (6.1 in) spread across 11 days and a slightly higher humidity of 87%. For a detailed look at June weather specifics, visit Hokitika weather in June.
When comparing the weather in December and July, it's clear that December offers warmer temperatures, with daily averages reaching around 15°C (60°F) and maximums of up to 22°C (73°F), compared to July’s cooler averages of 8°C (46°F) and maximums of 15°C (59°F). Precipitation levels are relatively similar, with December seeing 339 mm (13.3 in) over 17 days and July experiencing 317 mm (12.5 in) over 15 days; however, December's weather tends to be slightly more humid at 84% compared to July's 87%. For more detailed information on July's climate, you can visit Hokitika weather in July.
When comparing the weather in December and August, we see notable differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. December typically enjoys warmer temperatures, with averages ranging from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 22°C (73°F), while August features cooler temperatures, peaking at only 16°C (61°F) with a minimum dropping to -1°C (31°F). Precipitation is also notable, with December experiencing 339 mm (13.3 in) over 17 days, compared to August's 270 mm (10.6 in) over 19 days. Both months display high humidity, with December at 84% and August slightly higher at 85%. For a closer look at Hokitika's weather specifics in August, visit Hokitika weather in August.
When comparing the weather in December and September, it's clear that December is significantly warmer, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 22°C (73°F), compared to September's cooler range of 1°C (35°F) to 16°C (60°F). Both months experience considerable precipitation, with December receiving 339 mm (13.3 in) over 17 days, while September has slightly less at 325 mm (12.8 in) across 16 days. Humidity levels are quite similar, with December at 84% and September at 85%. For more detailed insights, check out Hokitika weather in September.
When comparing the weather in December and October, December typically offers warmer temperatures, with averages around 15°C (60°F) compared to October's average of 11°C (52°F). However, while December sees a higher maximum temperature of 22°C (73°F), it also experiences slightly more precipitation, totaling 339 mm (13.3 in) over 17 days, compared to October's 309 mm (12.2 in) over 19 days. Interestingly, both months maintain the same high humidity level of 84%. For more detailed insights into October weather, you can visit Hokitika weather in October.
In comparing the weather of November and December, December shows slightly warmer temperatures with an average of 15°C (60°F) compared to November's 13°C (56°F). The minimum temperature in December is also a bit higher at 7°C (45°F) versus November's 5°C (41°F). However, December experiences more precipitation, totaling 339 mm (13.3 in) over 17 days, whereas November records 383 mm (15.1 in) over just 16 days. Humidity levels are comparable, with December at 84% and November at 82%. For more specific details about November's weather, check out Hokitika weather in November.
As December rolls into Hokitika, the weather paints a vibrant picture of warmth and humidity, setting it apart from the cooler months preceding it. With temperatures that peak pleasantly and a lush, green landscape fueled by significant rainfall, the month stands out as one of the more dynamic times of the year. Although the precipitation may seem abundant, it nurtures the region's rich flora, creating a blooming paradise. This blend of warmth and moisture underpins the holiday spirit and outdoor adventures, making December a delightful month to explore. For more insights into the changing weather patterns, check out Hokitika Climate.