Wanaka

Otago Weather in August

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in Otago, New Zealand in August.

Planning a trip to Otago, New Zealand this August? Here's what you need to know about the weather:

What to Expect in Otago in August

Otago, New Zealand is a region in New Zealand. August in Otago generally has cold temperatures, with precipitation levels ranging from moderate to heavy. August falls during the winter season.

Temperatures

The average maximum temperatures are cold and range from 4°C (39°F) in Glenorchy to 12°C (54°F) in Waitati. Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 3°C (37°F) in Waitati and -3°C (27°F) in Glenorchy. In many regions in New Zealand, August is characterized by its biting cold temperatures. If you're venturing into these areas during this time, it's crucial to be adequately prepared. Ensure you layer up with warm clothing to fight off the chill and stay comfortable.

For specific regional insights in Otago, New Zealand, refer to the map provided below.

Precipitation

In August, precipitation varies across different areas. From moderate rainfall in Waitati with an average of 48 mm (1.9 in) to heavy rainfall in Makarora with 198 mm (7.8 in).

Average sunshine

Sunshine is fairly consistent across many areas. Queenstown receives about 120 hours of sunlight in August, providing a good balance between sunny spells and cloud cover. If you're after more sunshine hours, take a look at our weather planner for other sun-rich destinations worldwide.

Explore Otago by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Otago — and find the best time to visit. (based on Queenstown)

Best Places to Visit in Otago in August

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across Otago.

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).

Popular Destinations in Otago

What is the weather like in August for some of the most popular destinations in Otago, New Zealand?

Temperature range in Otago (August)

Precipitation variation in Otago (August)

Queenstown

In August Queenstown generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 4°C (39°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -2°C (28°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

July
August
September
Max temperature
3°C (37°F)
4°C (39°F)
6°C (43°F)
Min temperature
-3°C (27°F)
-2°C (28°F)
-1°C (30°F)
Monthly sun hours
88 hours
120 hours
153 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
107 mm (4.2 in)
111 mm (4.4 in)
138 mm (5.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
11 days
10 days
11 days
Weather conditions

Wanaka

In August Wanaka generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 5°C (41°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -1°C (30°F) and high monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

July
August
September
Max temperature
4°C (39°F)
5°C (41°F)
8°C (46°F)
Min temperature
-3°C (27°F)
-1°C (30°F)
0°C (32°F)
Monthly sun hours
126 hours
155 hours
172 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
104 mm (4.1 in)
109 mm (4.3 in)
137 mm (5.4 in)
Monthly rainy days
9 days
8 days
9 days
Weather conditions

Oamaru

In August Oamaru generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 11°C (52°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 5°C (41°F) and moderate monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are unpleasant that month.

July
August
September
Max temperature
10°C (50°F)
11°C (52°F)
13°C (55°F)
Min temperature
4°C (39°F)
5°C (41°F)
6°C (43°F)
Monthly rainfall
53 mm (2.1 in)
54 mm (2.1 in)
53 mm (2.1 in)
Monthly rainy days
11 days
9 days
9 days
Weather conditions

Cromwell

In August Cromwell generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 5°C (41°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -2°C (28°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

July
August
September
Max temperature
3°C (37°F)
5°C (41°F)
9°C (48°F)
Min temperature
-4°C (25°F)
-2°C (28°F)
-1°C (30°F)
Monthly sun hours
126 hours
155 hours
172 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
71 mm (2.8 in)
72 mm (2.8 in)
91 mm (3.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
7 days
7 days
7 days
Weather conditions

Alexandra

In August Alexandra generally has low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 6°C (43°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -2°C (28°F) and moderate monthly snow/rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

July
August
September
Max temperature
4°C (39°F)
6°C (43°F)
10°C (50°F)
Min temperature
-4°C (25°F)
-2°C (28°F)
0°C (32°F)
Monthly sun hours
88 hours
120 hours
153 hours
Monthly snow/rainfall
58 mm (2.3 in)
59 mm (2.3 in)
73 mm (2.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
7 days
8 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in Otago, in New Zealand.

Popular cities in August

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Otago in August.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Queenstown 4°C (39°F) -2°C (28°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Wanaka 5°C (41°F) -1°C (30°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Oamaru 11°C (52°F) 5°C (41°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Cromwell 5°C (41°F) -2°C (28°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Alexandra 6°C (43°F) -2°C (28°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Clyde 6°C (43°F) -2°C (28°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)

Otago weather in August: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Otago, New Zealand in August?

Expect poor weather across Otago, New Zealand in August. The popular destination of Queenstown averages 4°C (39°F) by day and -2°C (28°F) at night during this winter month.

What is the average temperature in Otago, New Zealand in August?

Daytime temperatures in Queenstown peak at roughly 4°C (39°F) in August, dropping to about -2°C (28°F) overnight.

Does Otago, New Zealand get a lot of snow/rain in August?

Yes, August tends to be a wetter month in Otago, New Zealand. Average snow/rainfall in Queenstown sits around 111 mm (4.4 in).

Is August a Good Time to Visit Otago, New Zealand?

Given the typically poor weather conditions in Queenstown, August may not be the ideal time to visit Otago, New Zealand.

On average, the best time to visit Otago, New Zealand is in January, February, March and December with generally unpleasant weather in Queenstown.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Otago.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to New Zealand? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in New Zealand.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.