2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Queenstown — December

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain. Recommended month to visit.

🌟 Climate Overview

December is an excellent time to visit Queenstown. Warm weather with highs of 20°C—great for outdoor activities. This is one of the wettest months—waterproof gear is essential. As peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists.

5.5
GoTripzi Score Good

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

20°C

Avg Low

11°C

Rainy days

16days

Daylight

15.6h

Rainfall

112mm

Sunshine

11.2h/day

Humidity

73%

Humid
Sun Strength

9.1

Very High
Wind

11 km/h (gusts 48)

Is December a good time to visit Queenstown?

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Busy
  • Travel Costs Peak Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

05:54

Sunset

21:29

15.6h daylight

Visiting Queenstown in December: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
  • Long daylight hours maximize sightseeing time
  • One of the best months to visit

Cons

  • Frequent rain may disrupt outdoor activities
  • Peak season — expect crowds and higher prices
  • Very high UV — sunscreen and shade essential

Things to Do in December

Recommended for This Weather

🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Queenstown Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 22°C 12°C 10d (99mm) 11.4h
70% Humid
9.2 Very High
Excellent
Feb 22°C 12°C 9d (98mm) 10.4h
72% Humid
8 Very High
Excellent
Mar 19°C 10°C 11d (89mm) 9.2h
76% Humid
6 High
Excellent
Apr 16°C 8°C 11d (96mm) 7.6h
81% Very Humid
3.9 Moderate
Good
May 12°C 5°C 13d (97mm) 5.8h
86% Very Humid
2.3 Moderate
Wet
Jun 8°C 3°C 12d (95mm) 4.4h
92% Very Humid
1.7 Low
Good
Jul 7°C 1°C 12d (114mm) 4.3h
92% Very Humid
2 Low
Good
Aug 9°C 3°C 13d (103mm) 6.5h
89% Very Humid
3.4 Moderate
Wet
Sep 10°C 3°C 18d (220mm) 8h
85% Very Humid
5.4 High
Wet
Oct 14°C 6°C 16d (161mm) 9.3h
79% Humid
7.1 Very High
Wet
Nov 18°C 9°C 14d (107mm) 10.6h
73% Humid
8.7 Very High
Wet
Dec Current 20°C 11°C 16d (112mm) 11.2h
73% Humid
9.1 Very High
Excellent

⚖️Find Your Ideal Month

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5
3
3
Your Best MonthMayScore: 6.7
1.May
6.72.Oct
6.73.Nov
6.64.Aug
5.85.Sep
5.86.Jan
4.77.Feb
4.78.Apr
4.79.Jun
4.710.Jul
4.711.Mar
4.312.Dec
3.8

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Queenstown – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Queenstown

Adventure capital, including bungee jumping, Milford Sound day trip and Skyline Gondola views, stunning lakes, and Southern Alps.

View Full Destination Guide

What to Pack for December

Dress in layers — a mix of long sleeves, light sweaters, and a versatile jacket works best for changeable conditions. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen — the sun is strong.

Cool Very Busy

🎒Personalized Packing List

Tell us about your trip and we'll create a custom packing list based on the weather.

Your Packing List

📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Queenstown?

🔥 Peak season — book early for best rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is December a good time to visit Queenstown?
December is typically excellent for visiting Queenstown, with average highs of 20°C and around 16 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Queenstown in December?
Nights in Queenstown during December are cool at around 11°C. Bring a jacket or sweater for evenings, especially if you plan to dine outdoors or take evening walks. The temperature drop from day to night can be noticeable.
What should I pack for Queenstown in December?
With highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C in December, we recommend: Warm layer for evenings, Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell, Water-resistant shoes. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Queenstown in December?
Queenstown typically sees around 16 rainy days in December. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in Queenstown in December?
In December, Queenstown gets approximately 15.6 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is December peak season in Queenstown?
Yes, December is peak season in Queenstown. Expect higher prices for accommodation and more crowds at popular attractions, but also the best weather conditions. Book hotels and major attractions in advance to secure availability and better rates.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Pacific/Auckland)

Last Updated: February 2026

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