Dunedin Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Dunedin.

Full Climate overview Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Water temp

Climate overview of Dunedin

Dunedin has a temperate maritime climate, influenced by a persistent cold front that brings changeable and cloudy weather year-round. Summers are mild, with January being the warmest month, averaging 19°C (66°F). Winters are also mild but often overcast.

January sees the highest rainfall, averaging 80 mm (3.1 in), while September is the driest month. Despite its beautiful beaches, sunshine is not always guaranteed.

Dunedin Weather by Month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Dunedin - and find the best time to visit.

January

19°C (66°F)View January → February

19°C (66°F)View February → March

18°C (64°F)View March → April

15°C (59°F)View April → May

13°C (55°F)View May → June

10°C (50°F)View June → July

10°C (50°F)View July → August

11°C (52°F)View August → September

13°C (55°F)View September → This monthOctober

15°C (59°F)View October → November

16°C (61°F)View November → December

18°C (64°F)View December →

Monthly Temperature in Dunedin

In Dunedin, seasonal changes bring about a moderate variation in temperatures. Typically, average maximum daytime temperatures range from a pleasant 19°C (66°F) in January to a chilly 10°C (50°F) in the coolest month, July.

Nights vary from 10°C (50°F) in January to around 1°C (34°F) during the colder months.

Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.

Temperature ranges by month

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Rainfall in Dunedin

Generally, Dunedin receives mid-range precipitation levels, with 973 mm (38 in) annually. The climate in Dunedin shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect high rainfall in December, the wettest month, with an average of 118 mm (4.6 in) of precipitation over 15 rainy days.

In contrast, the driest month July offers drier and sunnier days, with around 52 mm (2 in) of rainfall over 15 rainy days. For more details, please visit our Dunedin Precipitation page.

The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow

The average number of days each month with precipitation

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Sunshine Hours in Dunedin

For those who appreciate different seasons, Dunedin serves as an ideal destination. Expect longer, more sun-filled days in December with an average of 6.1 hours of sunshine daily, and embrace the darker days in June, offering only 3.3 hours of daily sunlight.

Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.

Monthly hours of sunshine

Daily hours of sunshine

Daily percentage of sunshine

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Water Temperature in Dunedin

The mean water temperature over the year ranges from 9°C (48°F) in August to 13°C (55°F) in January.

Water temperature over the year

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Humidity in Dunedin by Month

The relative humidity is high throughout the year in Dunedin.

The city experiences its highest humidity in May, reaching 80%. In November, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 71%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.

Relative humidity over the year

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Wind Speed in Dunedin

The average wind speed over the year ranges from 3 m/s (6 knots) to 4 m/s (8 knots). It is lower in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September and December and higher in October and November. What does this mean?

The mean monthly wind speed over the year (meters per second)

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Best Time to Visit Dunedin

For comfortable weather, consider visiting Dunedin in February and March. Conditions are usually least favourable in June and July.

Monthly ratings reflect general weather comfort, based on daytime temperature and rainfall. Swimming and winter conditions are highlighted separately where relevant.

Jan good Feb very good Mar very good Apr good May mixed Jun cold Jul cold Aug mixed Sep mixed Oct good Nov good Dec good

Best overall: February and March
Warmest weather: January, February, March and December
Most sunshine: January and December

Frequently asked questions about the climate in Dunedin

What is the best time to visit Dunedin?

February and March typically offer the most optimal weather in Dunedin. In contrast, June and July tend to have less optimal conditions.

What temperatures can I expect in Dunedin?

Daytime highs range from 10°C (50°F) in July to 19°C (66°F) in January. Nighttime lows range from 1°C (34°F) to 10°C (50°F).

How much rain does Dunedin get?

Annual rainfall is around 973 mm (38 in). December is the wettest month with 118 mm (4.6 in), while July is the driest with 52 mm (2 in).

How sunny is Dunedin?

Dunedin receives around 1,676 hours of sunshine per year. December is the sunniest month with 182 hours, while June is the cloudiest with just 98 hours.