New Zealand Christmas weather: Forecasters reveal where rain and heat most likely

Griffin said Auckland would still experience a few showers on Christmas Day but the worst would have eased off.

He said periods of rain were forecast to plague the central and eastern parts of the North Island today, but they should ease off by this evening.

A front is forecast to move into Wellington today. However, because a westerly flow was anticipated, the capital would be protected, Griffin said.

🎄☀️Kia ora & Merry Christmas. Don’t get caught out by the weather. We’ve got a quick look at the holiday forecast so you’ll know what’s coming, whether you’re keen for a day at the beach, heading out on the boat, pitching the tent, or a backyard barbecue. 🏖️😎 @MetService pic.twitter.com/oV1ksU8gfc

— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) December 18, 2025

“Further up the Kāpiti Coast, there could be some drizzle around the ranges.”

In the South Island, Christchurch is forecast to experience mostly fine conditions with the odd cloud today.

“That trend is going to continue into tomorrow but there may be a chance of the odd shower,” Griffin said.

Christmas Eve Day will feature some morning rain in the North Island, but much drier by the afternoon. 🌦️

Rain will gradually develop in the lower West Coast, while Otago and Southland see a few showers and thunderstorms. ⛈️ pic.twitter.com/WcCgoTMv73

— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) December 23, 2025

Elsewhere in the South Island, wet weather has been forecast to hit western and southern parts this evening.

“There will be a fair number of showers and longer spells of rain… there is a chance of some thunderstorms as well,” MetService forecaster John Law said.

Temperatures

The eastern side of the country was forecast to experience the highest temperatures during the next few days, according to MetService.

“For Auckland, we are expecting a high of 24C both today and tomorrow,” Griffin said.

“For Napier and Hastings, we’re seeing highs to about 31C today and 27C for Napier tomorrow and 30C for Hastings.”

“In Wellington, we’re expecting highs of 23C today and 21C on Christmas Day.”

In the South Island, Griffin said temperatures will reach 25C today in Kaikōura and Christchurch is forecast to hit 27C today and 25C tomorrow.

“We’re looking at highs of 16C or 17C for places like Invercargill both today and tomorrow.”

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