Nelson Weather in August
August in Nelson sees daytime temperatures around 12°C (54°F) and lows of 5°C (41°F) at night. With around 120 mm (4.7 in) of rainfall expected, it's worth packing a rain jacket.
Rainfall in Nelson in August
Records from the past 30 years suggest around 12 days of rain, with 120 mm (4.7 in) average for the month. When showers do arrive, they tend to be on the heavier side. Worth being prepared even if rain days are not that numerous.
Temperature in Nelson in August
Nelson in August gets highs of 12°C (54°F) during the day and drops to 5°C (41°F) at night. Experience the winter season in August. A light jacket or extra layer can be useful, especially outside the warmest hours of the day. With overnight lows of 5°C (41°F), nights are cold. The cold air does make for deep, comfortable sleep if you have enough blankets.
Sunshine in Nelson in August
The city usually sees around 184 hours of sunlight, indicating a moderately sunny period.If you're looking for dry conditions and comfortable temperatures, August may not be the ideal month to visit Nelson. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit New Zealand, check out our Nelson's climate page.
Nelson Temperature in August
Min Temperature
5°C (41°F)
Max Temperature
12°C (54°F)
Chance of Rain
40%
Precipitation
120 mm (4.7 in)
Rainy days
12 days
Humidity
86%
Sunshine
184 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Nelson typically stay consistent throughout August, with daily highs averaging around 12°C (54°F). Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 4°C (39°F) to 7°C (45°F).
Average temperatures in August
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in August
Historical weather for Nelson in August
Browse day-by-day weather records for Nelson spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Nelson historical weather extremes in August
Based on 28 years of weather observations in Nelson between 1997 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes.
- Nelson recorded its highest August temperature of 18°C (64°F) on August 30, 2020.
- The lowest daytime temperature in August was 6°C (43°F), recorded on August 15, 2011.
- The coldest night in August in Nelson was on August 16, 2001, with a minimum of -3°C (27°F).
Best Places in New Zealand in August
Find out more about the weather in New Zealand and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of New Zealand in August →
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What to Wear in Nelson in August
The weather can be unpredictable in August, so pack clothes you can easily mix and match. You could bring jeans, other long pants, and a few t-shirts. A light jacket or light sweater will be pleasant for the cooler moments. High rain levels are expected, so pack waterproof gear and an umbrella or poncho. Bring sunglasses since you'll have some sunny periods throughout the monthWhat To Do in Nelson in August
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit New Zealand, check out our Nelson's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Nelson climate overview or explore weather in New Zealand.
