Dunedin in December

Summer (December to February) brings the warmest weather and longest days. Temperatures hit 20-22°C, perfect for peninsula wildlife tours and coastal walks. But this is peak season - accommodation costs double and tour bookings fill up weeks ahead. Autumn (March to May) offers the sweet spot. Weather stays mild, tourist crowds thin out, and the university creates energy without overwhelming the city. March still gets decent penguin viewing, and restaurant tables become easier to snag. Winter (June to August) turns brutal. Temperatures drop to 3-10°C, rain pounds the coast, and many wildlife tours shut down. The upside? Hotel rates plummet, and the city takes on a moody, dramatic character. Just pack serious rain gear. Spring (September to November) slowly warms up, with wildflowers blooming across the peninsula. October and November work well - albatross return to their breeding grounds, and you'll avoid both winter storms and summer crowds.