Climate and Average Weather in New Zealand

For the most part, New Zealand has a wonderful maritime climate, with mild winters and fairly warm summers. The higher elevations - especially those on the South Island - have more characteristics of a continental climate. On the highest peaks there is a high mountain climate. Here the summers and winters are much cooler. On the highest peaks you will even find (eternal) snow.

Summers are pleasantly warm with maximum temperatures that are often between 22 and 26 degrees Celsius (71.6 - 78.8 degrees Fahrenheit) and minimums that reach anywhere between 12 and 17 degrees Celsius (53.6 - 62.6°F).

The winter months are in general fairly mild. Think of afternoon temperatures that average around 12 to 15 degrees (53.6 ° - 59°F) on the North Island and around 10 to 12 degrees (50-53.6°F) on the coast of the South Island. As you move further south and/or more inland, temperatures generally drop. Especially during winter and inland it can freeze, on both islands. In the mountain areas moderate to severe frost with minus 10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit) is possible in the central part of the South Island.

New Zealand's average rainfall is between 640mm and 1500m, (25.19 - 59.05 inch) and evenly spread throughout the year. Most places in New Zealand receive over 2000 hours of sunshine a year, with the sunniest areas receiving over 2350 hours.

The best time to visit New Zealand is in summer from December to March. Because the country is in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are the opposite of Europe. The moment it's winter in Europe it's summer in New Zealand.

Interested in more detailed Weather and Climate information?
Please select the city below you wish to travel to, or the one closest to your destination. Each selected city will show you the following graphs:
1. Average minimum and maximum temperatures over the year
2. Average monthly precipitation over the year (rainfall, snow etc)
3. Average monthly hours of sunshine over the year
On certain pages we also offer other historical weather data like humidity, wind speed and water temperature.

Popular places in New Zealand

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Islands of New Zealand

Regions in New Zealand