The Tongariro Crossing in New Zealand
It is called the most beautiful walk in New Zealand, the Tongariro Crossing. The official hiking season starts late October until end of April.
Palmerston North Weather in October
October in Palmerston North brings moderate temperatures, with highs of 17°C (63°F) and nights dropping to 8°C (46°F). It's the rainiest month of the year, so come prepared with waterproof gear.
Rainfall in Palmerston North in October
Prepare for the wettest month with an umbrella to protect yourself from frequent rain. Historically, the month has about 15 days of rain, averaging 128 mm (5 in) in total. This is a wet month with frequent and often heavy showers. Both the number of rain days and the total rainfall are high.
Temperature in Palmerston North in October
Daytime highs in Palmerston North in October reach 17°C (63°F), with nights around 8°C (46°F). This creates a mild day-to-night pattern that is generally easy to manage with the right clothing. With overnight lows of 8°C (46°F), nights are cold. The cold air does make for deep, comfortable sleep if you have enough blankets.
Sunshine in Palmerston North in October
The month brings about 145 hours of sunlight, offering a comfortable mix of sun and overcast.If you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures, January, February and March typically offer the best circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.
Palmerston North Temperature in October
Min Temperature
8°C (46°F)
Max Temperature
17°C (63°F)
Chance of Rain
50%
Precipitation
128 mm (5 in)
Rainy days
15 days
Humidity
81%
Sunshine
145 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Palmerston North Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Palmerston North - and find the best time to visit.
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Palmerston North typically stay consistent throughout October, with daily highs averaging around 17°C (63°F). Nights are cool, with lows typically ranging from 8°C (46°F) to 10°C (50°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 Palmerston North in October
Browse day-by-day weather records for Palmerston North spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Palmerston North historical weather extremes in October
Based on 32 years of weather observations (1993-2025), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in Palmerston North.
- On October 29, 2022, temperatures climbed to 24°C (75°F), marking the warmest October day on record.
- The lowest daytime temperature in October was 9°C (48°F), recorded on October 14, 2002.
- Palmerston North registered its coldest October night on October 6, 2003, with temperatures dropping to -1°C (30°F).
- The heaviest October precipitation occurred on October 22, 2006, when 67 mm (2.6 in) of precipitation fell.
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 →
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).
What to Wear in Palmerston North in October
Comfortable temperatures call for an easy wardrobe in October. Pack summer basics like t-shirts and shorts, but include a light jacket for cooler moments. A pair of comfortable walking shoes is essential. Expect heavy rainfall, so bring good rain protection and waterproof bags. Bring sunglasses since you'll have some sunny periods throughout the month
What To Do in Palmerston North in October
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
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Swimming5/10 -
Cycling5/10 -
Walking5/10 -
Camping3/10 -
Outdoor sports9/10
Palmerston North 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for Palmerston North
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Palmerston North climate overview or explore weather in New Zealand.
Popular in October
Where to go in October - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Paihia
18°C (64°F) Auckland
18°C (64°F) Rotorua
17°C (63°F) Christchurch17°C (63°F) Nelson
16°C (61°F) Taupo16°C (61°F) Wellington15°C (59°F) Queenstown
9°C (48°F) Bucket list
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
The Tongariro Crossing in New Zealand
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