Early summer · Weather & things to do
Queenstown in December
Queenstown warms up: highs climb to 66°F (19°C), from 62°F in November, with lows of 48°F (9°C) and about 4.7 in (120 mm) of rain.
December opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 76/100 (4th of 12).
- Avg high
- 66°F (19°C)
- Avg low
- 48°F (9°C)
- Rain
- 4.7 in (120 mm)
- Humidity
- 79%
- Cloud cover
- 73%
- Daylight
- ~15 h 25 min
- Comfort score
- 76/100 · Great
What December feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 66°F (19°C), good for long walks.
Nights cool to an average low of 48°F (9°C).
Expect regular rain: about 4.7 in (120 mm) falls in the month.
Long days help: there are roughly 15 h 25 min of daylight mid-month.
Plan around December
December is one of Queenstown's best months on the climate data.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, November – January.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: December – March.
- Longest days of the year, about 15 h 25 min of daylight.
- Comfort improves from 73/100 in November to 76/100.
- December sits inside the Nov – Mar window our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends.
What to pack for December
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 48°F
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes4.7 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Queenstown in December
December is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Kawarau Bridge Bungy
AJ Hackett's original 1988 commercial bungy site above the Kawarau River.
Why now December scores 76/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
TSS Earnslaw
1912 coal-fired steamship crossing the lake to Walter Peak high country farm.
Why now Highs near 66°F and 4.7 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Arrowtown
Gold-rush town with a restored Chinese miners' settlement and tree-lined main street.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Botswana Butchery
Steak and lamb restaurant in a historic cottage on the waterfront.
Gibbston Valley Winery
Central Otago pinot noir winery with tours of New Zealand's largest wine cave.
Nearby in December
- Milford Sound in December~44 mi · highs 62°F, 8.0 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Aoraki / Mount Cook in December~114 mi · highs 56°F, 7.8 in rain · 6°C (10°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Christchurch in December~222 mi · highs 72°F, 3.0 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~963 m to Queenstown's ~324 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Queenstown in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Queenstown?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 76/100. Expect highs of 66°F (19°C) and 4.7 in (120 mm) of rain. December is inside the Nov – Mar window our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends.
How hot is Queenstown in December?
Average highs are 66°F (19°C) and average lows 48°F (9°C), making it the 3rd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Queenstown in December?
Yes: about 4.7 in (120 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 50.4 in (1279 mm).
What should I pack for Queenstown in December?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 48°F), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (4.7 in of rain on average) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Queenstown
Routes in season in December
- South Island Alps & Fiords Nov – Mar
Planning Queenstown in December?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.