Christmas Day 2025 weather forecast

The story so far

Forecasts for Christmas Day 2025 showed mixed conditions across New Zealand, with rain bands expected from the southwest and temperatures in Hawke's Bay possibly reaching 30C.^{17 Dec 2025} The South Island was also expected to be unsettled, with showers, cooler temperatures and possible snow in parts of Otago and Southland.^{18 Dec 2025} Later forecasts varied by region: the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua were expected to be warm and mostly dry, with the East Coast also drier and sunnier, while the West Coast could see rain and chilly temperatures.^{18, 20 Dec 2025}

Latest

The Waikato was forecast to see mid-20s temperatures with a mix of sun and cloud on Christmas Day.^{24 Dec 2025}

Key moments

1. 17 Dec 2025MetService forecasts mixed Christmas Day weather, with Hawke's Bay possibly reaching 30C.
2. 18 Dec 2025Unsettled South Island weather, with possible snow in Otago and Southland, predicted for holiday.
3. 21 Dec 2025Low expected to bring western rain; Waikato wet week, but Christmas Day may clear.
4. 22 Dec 2025Heavy rain and strong wind watches issued across both islands ahead of the holiday.
5. 24 Dec 2025Thunderstorms now possible in parts of the South Island for Christmas.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.