Climate & Weather

Climate and Weather in New Zealand

New Zealand's weather is characterized by rapid changes, regional variations, and seasons that are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere.

Seasons (Opposite to Northern Hemisphere)

Summer (December-February):

• Average daytime: 20-25°C (68-77°F)
• Best time for beaches, outdoor activities
• School holidays busy (late Dec-early Feb)
• UV radiation very high - sun protection essential

Autumn (March-May):

• Average daytime: 17-21°C (62-70°F)
• Stable weather, beautiful colors
• Harvest season for wine regions
• Excellent time to visit

Winter (June-August):

• Average daytime: 12-16°C (53-61°F)
• Ski season in Southern Alps
• North Island mild, South Island cold
• Many homes lack central heating - can feel colder indoors than outdoors

Spring (September-November):

• Average daytime: 16-19°C (61-66°F)
• Variable weather, wind
• Lambing season, spring flowers
• Good shoulder season for travel

"Four Seasons in One Day"

New Zealand is notorious for rapid weather changes. Morning sunshine can turn to rain, wind, and cold within hours. This is due to:

• Maritime climate with weather systems moving quickly
• Mountainous terrain creating local weather patterns
• Surrounded by ocean on all sides

Always carry:

• Light rain jacket
• Layers you can add/remove
• Sunscreen (even on cloudy days)

Regional Climate Variations

North Island:

• Auckland/Northland: Subtropical, warm humid summers, mild winters
• Wellington: Windy (windiest city globally), cooler, changeable
• Bay of Plenty: Warmest, most sunshine
• Central Plateau: Higher altitude, colder, ski fields

South Island:

• West Coast: Very wet (up to 8,000mm rain annually in some areas), lush rainforests
• Canterbury Plains: Drier, hot summers, cold winters
• Otago: Continental climate, hot summers, cold winters
• Southland: Cool year-round, closer to Antarctica

Rainfall

Annual Rainfall: Most areas receive 600-1,600mm throughout the year

Wettest Areas: West Coast of South Island (Fiordland can receive 8,000mm+)

Driest Areas: Central Otago (around 400mm annually)

Year-Round Rain: Rainfall can occur any month - no true "dry season" in most locations

2026 Climate Outlook

According to NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research):

Summer 2025-2026:

• Very likely above average temperatures for north of North Island
• Most likely above average for west of North Island and north of South Island
• All other regions: equal chances for near average or above average temperatures

Climate Trends: Like global trends, NZ experiencing gradual warming, more extreme weather events

UV Radiation

Critical: New Zealand has very high UV radiation due to:

• Hole in ozone layer
• Clean, unpolluted air
• Latitude position

Protection Essential:

• Sunscreen SPF 30+ (reapply every 2 hours)
• Hat and sunglasses
• Seek shade 11am-4pm
• Slip, slop, slap, wrap (slip on shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on hat, wrap on sunglasses)

Even on cloudy or cool days, UV can be damaging. Melanoma rates in NZ are among world's highest.

Best Time to Visit

For Good Weather: December-March (summer)

• Warmest temperatures
• Longest days
• Best for beaches and outdoor activities
• Most expensive and crowded

For Skiing: June-September (winter)

• Snow season in Southern Alps
• Queenstown and Wanaka busy

Shoulder Seasons: April-May, October-November

• Fewer crowds
• More affordable
• Weather can be excellent but more variable

Tips for Adjusting

• Layer your clothing - ability to adjust is key
• Invest in good rain jacket (Kathmandu, Macpac are local brands)
• Heat pumps (reverse cycle AC) are main heating in homes
• Homes can be cold in winter - look for well-insulated, heated properties
• Check MetService app regularly for forecasts
• Don't let weather dampen plans - Kiwis are used to doing outdoor activities in all weather