Swimming in New Zealand in december 2024 Sea temperature by city in december

In december in New Zealand swimming conditions vary by city. Details below:

Swimming in december in Auckland, Tauranga, Cape Reinga, Cathedral Cove, Coromandel, Māhia, Mokau, Napier, Omamari, Ruatoria, Waiheke Island, Whatipu Beach, Gisborne, Kaitaia, Kerikeri, New Plymouth, Opunake, Raglan, Ruakaka, Thames, Waihi Beach, Wairoa, Waitara, Waiuku, Warkworth, Whakatane and Whangamata is possible but the sea is generally cool. So though the sea temperature may sometimes reach 68°F, it can also go as low as 63°F. Note that the average is 66°F.

Swimming in december in Wellington, Abel Tasman National Park, Castlepoint, Hokitika, Nelson, Porangahau, Waitārere Beach, Wharariki beach, Blenheim, Greymouth, Hawera, Kaikoura, Levin, Paraparaumu, Picton, Porirua, Takaka, Wanganui and Westport is possible... with a wetsuit! Indeed, the water is cold at this time of year with an average temperature of 61°F (min: 58°F/max: 64°F).

Forget about swimming in Christchurch, Dunedin, Akaroa, The Catlins, Invercargill, Moeraki Boulders, Otago Peninsula, Stewart Island, Balclutha, Oamaru and Timaru in december! The water temperature is freezing, reaching as low as 54°F (and only 62°F at the best of times). Our advice: plan on sightseeing, and don't bring your beach towel!