Timaru Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit

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

Climate overview of Timaru

Timaru, Canterbury, New Zealand, experiences moderate temperature changes through the seasons. January is the warmest month with daytime highs of 20°C (68°F), while July is the coolest at 11°C (52°F).

The city receives around 836 mm (33 in) of rain/snowfall per year. December is the wettest month and May the driest. The sunniest month is January, with 6.5 hours of sunshine per day on average.

Timaru Weather by Month

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

Monthly Temperature in Timaru

The climate in Timaru experiences moderate temperature changes, with mild shifts between seasons. On average, daytime temperatures range from a pleasant 20°C (68°F) in January to a chilly 11°C (52°F) in July.

Nighttime temperatures range from 12°C (54°F) in January to 2°C (36°F) in July.

Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.

Temperature ranges by month

Rainfall in Timaru

Generally, Timaru has a moderate amount of precipitation, averaging 836 mm (33 in) of rain/snowfall annually. The wettest period in Timaru occurs in December, which receives around 89 mm (3.5 in) of precipitation. During the driest month, May, Timaru experiences moderate rainfall, totaling 57 mm (2.2 in). The consistent precipitation levels throughout the year contribute to a relatively stable climate. For more details, please visit our Timaru Precipitation page.

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

Sunshine Hours in Timaru

Timaru enjoys sunny spells year-round. January sees up to 6.5 hours of daily sunshine, perfect for a sunny trip. June, the least sunny month, still offers a generous 4.1 hours of sun despite this cloudier time of the year.

Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.

Monthly hours of sunshine

Daily hours of sunshine

Humidity in Timaru by Month

Best Time to Visit Timaru

During the months of January, February, March and December, Timaru enjoys pleasant weather with average temperatures ranging from 19°C (66°F) to 20°C (69°F). These months are perfect for sightseeing and exploring.

Rainfall during this time ranges from 65 mm (2.6 in) in March to 89 mm (3.5 in) in December. This means you can expect a mix of sunny days and occasional showers.

Looking for inspiration on where to travel this year? We have a tool that recommends destinations based on your ideal conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

Frequently asked questions about the climate in Timaru

What is the best time to visit Timaru?

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

What temperatures can I expect in Timaru?

Daytime highs range from 11°C (52°F) in July to 20°C (68°F) in January. Nighttime lows range from 2°C (36°F) to 12°C (54°F).

How much rain does Timaru get?

Annual rainfall is around 836 mm (33 in). December is the wettest month with 89 mm (3.5 in), while May is the driest with 57 mm (2.2 in).

How sunny is Timaru?

Timaru receives around 1,947 hours of sunshine per year. January is the sunniest month with 194 hours, while June is the cloudiest with just 123 hours.

Timaru 3-Day Forecast

Timaru 3-Day Forecast

Timaru on the map

Timaru is highlighted — select any city to see its climate.

Popular this month

Where to go in July — average daytime high across popular destinations.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.