December · New Zealand
Best time to visit Nelson in December Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Nelson in December
Average temperature 15°C, 83 mm of rain, about 31 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 78% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
December score
8.7/10
Ranked #3 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 15°C
- Rainfall
- 83 mm
- Humidity
- 78%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 31
- Crowd Density
- Peak Tourist Rush
- Average Expenses
- $$$ · Peak Season Rates ($$$)
December in Nelson scores 8.7/10 for nature and wildlife travel - one of the top 12-month picks (#3). Expect around 15°C, 83 mm of rain, and roughly 31 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Nelson sits at the top of the South Island, with a long beach, gardens and Abel Tasman National Park nearby.
December in Nelson — one of the year's strongest windows (3rd)
Temperatures hover around 15°C (58°F) — the kind of month where neither heat nor cold forces the schedule.
Budget for roughly 83 mm of rain this month — a flexible day or two helps — with about 31 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 15 hours of daylight to work around it.
On our climate-comfort scale this is one of the strongest months of the year for Nelson at 8.7/10 (3rd of 12), just behind January at 9.3/10.
Pack layers you can shed by midday plus one warm layer for the evening, a packable rain layer, footwear you can get muddy.
Budget for peak pricing, and this is one of the busiest months here. You are paying the year's highest rates for the year's best conditions — book early or shift a few weeks either side.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Nelson in December?
- In December, Nelson averages 15°C, 83 mm of rain, and about 31 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 8.7/10.
- Is December a good time to visit Nelson?
- December earns a 8.7/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Nelson in December?
- Expect about 83 mm of rain in December. Average humidity is 78% and there are about 31 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
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