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).
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.
