If you’re planning a trip to Invercargill for Christmas, you should expect mild summer weather instead of the snowy scenes people usually picture for the holiday.
Daytime temperatures hover near 18°C, and evenings cool down to about 10°C. The air feels fresh and comfortable, but you’ll want to be ready for frequent rain showers.
December days stretch long, with steady breezes and a mix of sunshine and clouds. Rainfall stays pretty high, so if you pack light layers and something waterproof, you’ll probably enjoy your time outdoors more.
Those pleasant temperatures and lively conditions make for a different kind of holiday vibe.
If you want to take in Southland’s natural beauty over the holidays, Invercargill’s weather gives you both chances and a few hurdles. There’s enough warmth for sightseeing and outdoor fun, but the rain and wind often keep you on your toes.
Overview of Invercargill Weather in December
December in Invercargill brings mild daytime warmth, cool nights, and frequent rain. Expect cloudy skies, light rain, and occasional sunny breaks, with breezes blowing through much of the time.
Typical December Climate Patterns
Daytime temperatures usually land between 16°C and 20°C, while nights dip to 8°C–11°C. The evenings feel chilly, so it’s smart to bring layers.
Rain shows up often, with about 20–22 wet days and 70–75 mm of precipitation on average. Showers tend to be light but stick around, so waterproof clothing really helps.
Despite the rain, you get 14–15 hours of daylight, which leaves plenty of time for outdoor plans.
Wind makes its presence known, too. Average speeds hit 20–25 km/h, and that can make the air feel cooler than the numbers suggest. Cloud cover is common, but when the sun breaks through, afternoons feel pretty nice.
Comparison to Other Months
Compared to the winter months—June, July, and August—December feels much milder and more welcoming. Winter highs barely reach 10°C, but in December, temperatures often climb to 18°C–20°C.
Nights stay warmer as well, and you’ll avoid the midyear frosts.
Rainfall stays high in December, but that’s par for the course in Invercargill. The difference is, December brings longer days and warmer air, so showers don’t disrupt travel or outdoor plans as much.
If you look at February, which is the warmest month, December comes in a bit cooler. February can hit 22°C, while December usually stays a few degrees below that.
Even so, December kicks off the peak travel season, thanks to its mild temperatures and those long daylight hours.
Southern Hemisphere Seasonal Context
December marks the start of summer in the Southern Hemisphere, so Invercargill gets longer days and rising temperatures.
Northern New Zealand cities might heat up, but Invercargill stays cooler, thanks to its southern spot and ocean winds.
The weather favors outdoor activities like hiking or coastal walks, as long as you’re willing to plan around the showers. Those long daylight hours give you more time to explore.
Since Invercargill sits at 46° south, the sun doesn’t climb as high as it does up north. This keeps the heat in check, even during summer.
Breezy conditions are the norm, and with the mix of wind and rain, you’ll want to prepare for changeable weather—even if the morning looks bright.
Average Temperature Around Christmas
Late December in Invercargill brings mild summer weather. Daytime highs feel comfortable, not hot, and nights get cool enough that you’ll probably want an extra layer.
Temperatures usually stay steady, but wind, rain, and cloud cover can nudge them up or down.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During Christmas, daytime highs in Invercargill usually reach 17–18°C (63–65°F). That counts as warm for the area, though it might feel cooler if you’re used to other parts of New Zealand.
You get over 15 hours of daylight, so outdoor activities are easy to fit in.
At night, temperatures drop to 10–11°C (50–52°F). Even in summer, evenings can feel brisk, especially when the coastal winds pick up.
If you plan to be out after sunset, a light jacket or sweater usually comes in handy.
The gap between day and night temperatures stands out, so layered clothing keeps you comfortable all day.
Temperature Fluctuations
Late December temperatures don’t swing wildly, but small changes happen. Cloudy skies and showers can shave a few degrees off the daytime high, while clear skies might warm things up a bit.
Wind matters a lot in Invercargill. On a breezy day, 18°C can feel much cooler. When it’s calm, the same temperature feels just right.
Rain falls frequently, with December averaging around 90–100 mm of precipitation. Rain rarely takes over the whole day, but a shower can drop the temperature for a while.
You’ll want to be ready for both mild warmth and sudden cool spells.
Historical Extremes
The climate mostly stays steady, but Invercargill has seen wider temperature ranges in past Decembers.
The warmest Christmas temperatures have pushed up to 23°C (73°F), which is rare but not impossible if the sky stays clear and calm.
On the chilly side, overnight lows can sink to 6°C (43°F), especially with clear skies and little wind. Frost doesn’t usually show up in December, but those cool nights remind you that summer here is moderate.
In short, you mostly get mild weather, but it’s smart to pack for both warmer afternoons and cooler evenings.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
Rain falls steadily all year in Invercargill, and the Christmas stretch is no exception. Expect frequent wet days, moderate rainfall, and almost zero chance of snow thanks to the city’s maritime climate.
Rainfall Frequency and Amounts
December lands early in the summer season here. Rainfall averages around 90–100 mm, which matches the city’s usual monthly total.
Invercargill doesn’t really have a dry or wet season—precipitation stays pretty even all year.
Rain usually comes as light to moderate showers, not long heavy downpours. That’s typical for a coastal city that gets westerly winds and moist air from the Southern Ocean.
You’ll probably see 8–12 days of measurable rain in December. Not every day gets wet, but you should plan for rain if you’re heading outdoors.
A waterproof layer or umbrella makes sense if you’re spending time outside around Christmas.
Likelihood of Wet Days
December brings a pretty high chance of wet days compared to other parts of New Zealand. Precipitation hits about one-third of the days in the month.
A wet day means at least 0.2 mm of rain—often just light showers, not big storms.
Long dry spells are rare this time of year. Rainfall spreads out, with short sunny breaks between the showers. The weather can flip within the same day.
Since the rain is steady but not extreme, it doesn’t usually mess up travel or holiday plans. Roads stay open, and December flooding is rare.
If you’re planning outdoor events or trips, keep your schedule flexible to dodge passing showers.
Snowfall Probability
Snow at Christmas in Invercargill? That’s almost unheard of. The city sits at sea level, and December brings summer, so temperatures are just too warm for snow.
Average daytime highs sit at 15–17°C, and nights don’t get anywhere near freezing.
Even in winter, snow is rare in the city—though higher ground in Southland sometimes gets a dusting. In December, any precipitation falls as rain.
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, Invercargill won’t deliver. Instead, you’ll get rain with some sun and cloud, but snow isn’t on the menu.
Humidity and Atmospheric Conditions
December air in Invercargill feels damp, with humidity often running high. That extra moisture changes how the temperatures feel, and fog or mist pops up more than in drier places.
Typical Humidity Levels
Invercargill keeps humidity levels up all year, and December is no different. The average sits close to 80–83%, so the air feels moist, even when it’s mild outside.
Warm days can feel a bit heavier, but temperatures rarely go much above 19°C (66°F). At night, the dampness stands out, especially when the breeze picks up.
When you’re packing, go for light but layered clothes. Cool evenings and humid air can make you chilly faster than you expect.
Inside, you might spot condensation on windows, especially in the mornings.
Fog and Mist Occurrence
Fog and mist show up fairly often in Invercargill during early summer. The city’s coastal spot and high humidity make it easy for visibility to drop, especially in the mornings.
You might run into patchy fog on roads around the city. Usually, it lifts by late morning once the wind picks up and temperatures rise.
Mist can stick around in sheltered spots, especially after rain or when the sky clears quickly.
If you’re driving or exploring the countryside, give yourself some extra time. Fog can slow you down, and sometimes visibility drops below 500 meters.
It’s not as persistent as in winter, but you’ll see it enough to notice.
Wind and Cloud Cover Trends
Around Christmas, Invercargill brings steady winds and lots of cloud cover. The air often feels cool and breezy, and you’ll see more gray skies than clear ones.
These patterns affect how comfortable it feels outside and how much sun you actually get.
Prevailing Winds and Wind Speed
Winds mainly blow from the west here, which is pretty standard for this part of New Zealand. In December, the average wind speed holds near 12 miles per hour, with little change from day to day.
You’ll notice a steady breeze, not calm weather.
This airflow can make things feel cooler, especially at night. If you’re outside, having a light jacket handy makes sense, even when it’s mild.
Wind direction doesn’t shift much. About half the time, winds come straight from the west, and the rest of the time they swing a bit to the southwest or northwest.
That consistency makes the local climate feel predictable, at least in terms of wind.
Cloud Cover Variations
Clouds are common in December, with overcast or mostly cloudy skies about 54% of the time. You’ll see more gray than blue during the holidays.
Sunshine chances don’t change much as the month goes on. On the clearest days, you might get nearly half a day of sun or partly cloudy skies, but those days aren’t the norm.
The frequent cloud cover softens the sunlight compared to other places in New Zealand. If you’re planning to be outside, expect filtered light and fewer hours of strong sun.
Cloud patterns don’t swing wildly, so you can count on a mix of cloudy and partly clear skies, not long sunny stretches.
Best Time to Visit Invercargill for Christmas
December brings mild summer weather to Invercargill, making it a good time for sightseeing and holiday activities.
You’ll get longer daylight hours, moderate temperatures, and a mix of sunny spells with occasional rain.
Weather Comfort and Outdoor Activities
Invercargill’s weather around Christmas usually feels mild. Daytime highs tend to sit around 18–19°C (64–66°F), and at night, it drops to about 11°C (52°F).
You’ll probably get some rain, but showers don’t last long most of the time. So, you can still squeeze in your outdoor plans without too much trouble.
Expect sunlight to stick around for over 15 hours a day. That’s plenty of time to get out and explore.
People love walking along Oreti Beach, wandering through Queens Park, or even heading out for a day trip to Stewart Island.
The wind often picks up, especially near the coast, so you’ll want to pack a light jacket.
With a mix of sun, breeze, and the odd bit of rain, layering your clothes just makes sense.
You won’t get that sweltering summer heat here, but honestly, the cooler weather makes sightseeing and hiking a lot more comfortable than in some of New Zealand’s hotter spots.
Travel Tips for December Visitors
December falls right in the peak travel season, so it’s smart to book your accommodation and transport early. Local hotels, motels, and holiday parks fill up fast around Christmas.
Pack for all kinds of weather. Bring a waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes. Toss in some sunscreen too—UV levels can get surprisingly high in southern New Zealand, even when it’s cloudy.
Shops and restaurants sometimes close or run shorter hours on Christmas Day. Try to plan your meals and activities ahead of time.
If you’d rather skip the crowds, check out natural spots like Bluff Hill or the Catlins. These places usually stay much quieter than the busy city attractions.
Mix up your plans with both indoor options, like museums, and outdoor adventures. That way, if the weather changes suddenly, you’ll still have a good time.