At last - the right weather for a real Kiwi Christmas

Forecasters are predicting hot, dry conditions for Christmas. Photo / Martin Sykes

This Christmas is predicted to be the fairest of the decade, and hot, dry conditions are expected to last almost until the New Year.

Forecasters say the North Island will have blue skies and temperatures in the low to mid-20s tomorrow, with little or no wind anywhere - except Wellington.

Weatherwatch analyst Richard Green said it had been at least 10 years since such dry and settled conditions were forecast for all main centres on Christmas Day.

"Temperatures across inland Canterbury and inland Hawkes Bay may well be nudging the 30C mark if the nor'wester kicks into gear," he said.

MetService is predicting only one blip in the weather for the Christmas period, and that is in the most remote part of the country.

There is a slight possibility of heavy rain in Fiordland and southern Westland on Boxing Day.

Weatherwatch head analyst Philip Duncan said the North Island was unlikely to have any rain from Christmas Day until the following Monday.

"The northern half of the North Island will see blue skies, very little wind ... It will be a fantastic day for an outdoor Kiwi Christmas."

Niwa climate scientist Dr James Renwick said December had been cool but dry, with less rainfall than had been expected for the end of the year.

This was in line with Niwa's prediction of a slightly cooler summer.

"It does not mean every day will be cool, but it does mean fewer hot days.

"It will still be a good summer."