Month by month
| Month | Afternoon | Sea | Rain | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21.6 °C | 16.9 °C | 11 days | Pleasant — a good time to go |
| February | 21.3 °C | 17.1 °C | 10 days | Pleasant — a good time to go |
| March | 19.3 °C | 16.2 °C | 11 days | Pleasant — a good time to go |
| April | 17.3 °C | 14.6 °C | 11 days | Possible, with trade-offs |
| May | 15 °C | 13.3 °C | 11 days | Possible, with trade-offs |
| June | 12.6 °C | 11.9 °C | 12 days | Possible, with trade-offs |
| July | 11.7 °C | 11.1 °C | 13 days | Unfavourable season |
| August | 12.3 °C | 10.8 °C | 11 days | Possible, with trade-offs |
| September | 13.9 °C | 11 °C | 13 days | Possible, with trade-offs |
| October | 16.1 °C | 12.2 °C | 13 days | Possible, with trade-offs |
| November | 17.8 °C | 13.9 °C | 14 days | Possible, with trade-offs |
| December | 19.8 °C | 15.6 °C | 13 days | Pleasant — a good time to go |
Before you go
Three things to check once you have picked your dates.
Entry
Entry rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check them before booking.
Safety
No specific restrictions
Usual precautions apply.
Official advice updated 19 March 2026
Health
Recommended vaccinations, water quality, mosquitoes: advice depends on the country and the season. Some vaccines need time before departure.
Beau Fixe is not a safety or health authority. These notes summarise public advisories and link to their source; only the competent authorities are authoritative. Alert levels: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (gov.uk), Open Government Licence v3.0.
FAQ
Can you swim in Kaikoura in December?
The sea averages 15.6°C in December — too cold for most swimmers.
How hot is Kaikoura in December?
Expect 19.8°C in the afternoon and 12.7°C at night, averaged over the last 10 years.
Does it rain a lot in Kaikoura in December?
Around 13 days with rain (≥ 1 mm) in the month — 43% of days.