Rotorua, New Zealand - Weather and Climate
Rotorua is one of the North Island’s most popular vacation destinations in New Zealand. It lies in the heart of a spectacular volcanic region, featuring bubbling mud pools, spouting geysers, hot springs, steaming rocks, and hydrothermal lakes. These are believed to have healing properties due to the gases released by the volcanoes.
Rotorua has a temperate maritime climate with distinct seasons. The presence of volcanoes raises the wind chill slightly, as the air here is usually warm. The warmest months are January, February, and March, while the coldest are July and August. The wind is generally less noticeable here than in much of New Zealand.
Average maximum day and minimum night temperature
The weather in Rotorua changes moderately throughout the year, offering enough variation to appreciate each season. On average, daytime temperatures range from a comfortable 24°C in February to a moderate 13°C in July.
Nighttime temperatures can drop, with average lows reaching 5°C in July.Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Precipitation and rainy days
Rotorua experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, averaging 1389 mm of precipitation annually. The wettest period in Rotorua occurs in September, which receives around 132 mm of precipitation. During the driest month, January, Rotorua experiences moderate rainfall, totaling approximately 95 mm. The consistent precipitation levels throughout the year contribute to a relatively stable climate.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine over the year
In Rotorua, summer days are longer and more sunny, with daily sunshine hours peaking at 8.0 hours in January. As the darker season arrives, the brightness of the sun becomes less. June sees a soft sun for only 4.0 hours per average day.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Average humidity
The city experiences its highest humidity in May, reaching 87%. In January, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 77%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Forecast for Rotorua
Select a Month of Interest
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
The best time of year to visit Rotorua in New Zealand
During the months of January, February, March and December you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures that fall between 20°C and 26°C.Other facts from our historical weather data:
February has an average maximum temperature of 24°C and is the warmest month of the year.
The coldest month is July with an average maximum temperature of 13°C.
September tops the wettest month list with 132 mm of rainfall.
January is the driest month with 95 mm of precipitation.
January is the sunniest month with an average of 240 hours of sunshine.
No idea where to travel to this year? We have a tool that recommends destinations based on your ideal conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.
