Is December a good time for surfing at Christchurch – Sumner?
December is a good month for surfing at Christchurch – Sumner (best: March, June–July). Waves 1.3 m, water 18°C (4/3 wetsuit), air 21°C.
Plan your trip to Christchurch – SumnerEvery month at a glance, daily wind and waves from years of weather statistics, photos, videos and local tips.Updated November 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Waves: 1.3 m on average (daily maximum)
- Water: 18°C, 4/3 wetsuit
- Air: 21°C by day, 13°C at night
- Weather: sun (6+ hours) on about 26 days, rain (1+ mm) on about 10; a day can have both
Wave height: average daily maximum. Figures from 4 years of weather data (Open-Meteo).
Best time to go →Other spots for surfing in December
1
DecGOOD
Opunake
New Zealand
2 m waves18° water19° air
466 km away · Intermediate and up · 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ NPL 57 km
2
DecGOOD
Manu Bay
Raglan · New Zealand
1.9 m waves19° water20° air
662 km away · Intermediate and up · 3/2 wetsuit · ✈ HLZ 46 km
3
DecGOOD
Ahipara
New Zealand
1.9 m waves19° water21° air
935 km away · Beginner-friendly · 3/2 wetsuit · ✈ KAT 16 km
4
DecGOOD
Lyall Bay
Wellington · New Zealand
2 m waves17° water19° air
300 km away · Beginner-friendly · 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ WLG 1 km
5
DecGOOD
Stent Road
Taranaki · New Zealand
1.9 m waves18° water19° air
490 km away · Advanced only · 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ NPL 43 km
6
DecGOOD
Fitzroy Beach
New Plymouth · New Zealand
1.9 m waves18° water20° air
515 km away · Beginner-friendly · 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ NPL 8 km
Within 1,500 km, ranked by wave height and, a little, warm water.
Where to go surfing in December →Questions
Is December a good time for surfing at Christchurch – Sumner?
December is a good month for surfing at Christchurch – Sumner (best: March, June–July). Waves 1.3 m, water 18°C (4/3 wetsuit), air 21°C.
How warm is the water at Christchurch – Sumner in December?
About 18°C: 4/3 wetsuit.
How big are the waves at Christchurch – Sumner in December?
About 1.3 m on average (daily maximum).
What is the weather like at Christchurch – Sumner in December?
Around 21°C by day and 13°C at night; sun (6+ hours) on about 26 days, rain (1+ mm) on about 10; a day can have both.
Where else can I go surfing in December?
Within 1,500 km: Opunake (2 m waves), Raglan – Manu Bay (1.9 m waves) & Ahipara (1.9 m waves).
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