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Nelson Weather in October

Nelson in October sees moderate temperatures, with highs around 16°C (61°F) and overnight lows of 8°C (46°F). Rainfall is at its peak this month, around 139 mm (5.5 in) on average, so waterproofs are essential.

Rainfall in Nelson in October

It's the month with the heaviest rainfall, so an umbrella is a must to navigate the wet weather. Rain is expected on roughly 13 days, totalling around 139 mm (5.5 in) for the month. Individual showers can be quite heavy this month. A proper umbrella or rain jacket is worth having.

Temperature in Nelson in October

In October, Nelson gets moderate temperatures, with highs of 16°C (61°F). Nights cool to around 8°C (46°F). Even when the weather is stable, mornings and evenings can still feel distinctly cool. At 8°C (46°F) overnight, it gets properly cold after dark. On the bright side, cold nights tend to make for excellent sleeping conditions.

Sunshine in Nelson in October

Expect sunny days throughout the month, with an estimated 240 hours of sunshine. This makes it a pleasant time to visit Nelson.

Should you favor a climate that's both dry and comfortably warm, February and March typically offer the most agreeable circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.

Nelson Temperature in October

Min Temperature

8°C (46°F)

Max Temperature

16°C (61°F)

Chance of Rain

43%

Precipitation

139 mm (5.5 in)

Rainy days

13 days

Humidity

77%

Sunshine

240 hours

Percentage Sunshine

Nelson Weather by Month

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

January

21°C (70°F)View January → February

21°C (70°F)View February → March

20°C (68°F)View March → April

17°C (63°F)View April → May

15°C (59°F)View May → June

12°C (54°F)View June → July

12°C (54°F)View July → August

12°C (54°F)View August → This monthSeptember

14°C (57°F)View September → October

16°C (61°F)View October → November

17°C (63°F)View November → December

19°C (66°F)View December →

Best Time to Visit Nelson →

Daily Historical Temperatures

50-year average (1976-2025)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Nelson typically stay consistent throughout October, with daily highs averaging around 16°C (61°F). Nights are cool, with lows typically ranging from 8°C (46°F) to 11°C (52°F).

Average temperatures in October

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 October

Historical weather records for Nelson in October

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 October

Based on 19 years of weather observations in Nelson between 2006 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes.

The hottest October day on record in Nelson reached 23°C (73°F) (October 21, 2011).
The lowest daytime temperature in October was 11°C (52°F), recorded on October 3, 2014.
Nighttime temperatures dropped to 0°C (32°F) on October 6, 2009, marking the coldest October night on record.
Peak precipitation in October occurred on October 3, 2011, when 68 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation was measured.

Best Places in New Zealand in October

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 October →

Conditions Temperatures Precipitation

Temperatures Precipitation

perfect weather

pleasant

tolerable

unpleasant

poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Marker color shows the average daytime high temperature in October: blue is cold, red is hot.

Marker color shows total monthly precipitation in October: pale blue is dry, deep blue is wet.

What to Wear in Nelson in October

The weather can be unpredictable in October, 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. And with plenty of sunshine hours, don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe a sun hat.