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Weather Comparison

Auckland vs Wellington

Side-by-side weather comparison for December

Auckland: 21°CWellington: 17°C493 km apart

December Weather: Auckland vs Wellington

MetricAucklandWellingtonBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer21°C (70°F)17°C (63°F)Auckland
Average LowHigher is milder15°C (59°F)14°C (57°F)Auckland
Rain DaysFewer is drier11 days11 daysTie
PrecipitationLess is drier93 mm68 mmWellington
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier11h/day12h/dayWellington
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer99Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better25 km/h31 km/hAuckland

Which City is Better in December?

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Wellington edges ahead as the better destination in December. Wellington offers 12 hours of daily sunshine with only 11 rain days, while Auckland sees 11 sunshine hours and 11 rain days.

Auckland sits in the comfortable travel range at 21°C. Wellington is also comfortable at 17°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, both cities are equally dry in December. Wellington receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Temperature Comparison in December

Auckland reaches an average high of 21°C (70°F) and drops to 15°C (59°F) at night during December. The daily temperature range is 6°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Wellington averages 17°C (63°F) for the high and 14°C (57°F) for the low, with a daily range of 3°C. The 4°C difference is noticeable but not dramatic.

Both cities are in the Southern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in December.

Rainfall Comparison in December

Auckland receives approximately 93 mm of rainfall across 11 rain days during December. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Wellington sees 68 mm over 11 rain days. Both cities are equally rainy this month.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.

What to Pack: Auckland vs Wellington

Packing for Auckland in December

Highs of 21°C, lows of 15°C, 11 rain days

  • light layers
  • a light jacket for evenings
  • sunscreen
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes

Packing for Wellington in December

Highs of 17°C, lows of 14°C, 11 rain days

  • warm layers
  • a mid-weight jacket
  • long trousers
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes

Pack for both: waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes. These items are useful in either destination during December.

Year-Round Comparison: Auckland vs Wellington

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.December is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthAucklandWellington
HighRainHighRain
Jan22°C9d18°C8d
Feb23°C9d19°C7d
Mar21°C8d18°C8d
Apr19°C10d16°C10d
May17°C12d14°C10d
Jun15°C12d12°C12d
Jul14°C14d11°C12d
Aug14°C15d12°C13d
Sep15°C14d13°C12d
Oct17°C12d14°C12d
Nov18°C11d15°C10d
Dec21°C11d17°C11d
21°

Auckland Weather in December

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

17°

Wellington Weather in December

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Auckland warmer than Wellington in December?
Yes. In December, Auckland is warmer with an average high of 21°C (70°F) compared to Wellington at 17°C (63°F), a difference of 4°C.
Which city gets more rain in December, Auckland or Wellington?
Both cities average 11 rain days in December with similar precipitation levels.
Is it better to visit Auckland or Wellington in December?
It depends on your preferences. Auckland averages 21°C and 11 hours of daily sunshine with 11 rain days. Wellington averages 17°C with 12 sunshine hours and 11 rain days. If you prefer warmer weather, choose Auckland. For fewer rain days, both are equal.
How far apart are Auckland and Wellington?
Auckland and Wellington are approximately 493 km (306 miles) apart. Auckland is located in New Zealand (Oceania) while Wellington is in New Zealand (Oceania).
What is the best month to visit Auckland and Wellington?
For Auckland, January tends to be the best month with 12 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 22°C. For Wellington, January is typically ideal with 12 sunshine hours and 18°C highs.

Compare Auckland and Wellington in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Auckland coordinates: -36.85°N, 174.76°E | Wellington coordinates: -41.29°N, 174.78°E