Best time to travel to New Zealand
New Zealand is a destination that offers something special throughout the year, but the best time to visit largely depends on your interests and the experiences you seek.
For those who love warm weather and outdoor activities, the summer months from December to February are ideal. During this time, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches in the Bay of Islands, go hiking on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, or explore the vineyards in Marlborough.
Temperatures during these months range from 20° to 30°, making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
If you're a fan of skiing and snowboarding, the winter months from June to August are the best time to visit. Queenstown and Wanaka offer world-class ski resorts like Coronet Peak and Treble Cone. The temperatures can drop to around 0° to 10°, creating perfect conditions for winter sports.
Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are also great times to visit, especially if you prefer milder weather and fewer crowds. In spring, you can witness the blooming flowers in Christchurch's Botanic Gardens, while autumn offers stunning foliage in regions like Central Otago.
Temperatures during these shoulder seasons range from 10° to 20°, providing comfortable conditions for exploring the diverse landscapes.
Overall, New Zealand's varied climate and stunning scenery make it a year-round destination, with each season offering its own unique charm.
New Zealand Monthly Climate Overview
Month | Weather | Temperatures | Score | Total Rain | Total Snow | Rainy Days | Snow Days | Dry Days |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
January | 24°/16° | 364 mm | 0 cm | 12 days | 0 days | 19 days | ||
February | 24°/15° | 425 mm | 0 cm | 7 days | 0 days | 22 days | ||
March | 22°/13° | 100 mm | 0 cm | 9 days | 0 days | 22 days | ||
April | 20°/13° | 183 mm | 0 cm | 14 days | 0 days | 16 days | ||
May | 18°/11° | 331 mm | 0 cm | 15 days | 0 days | 16 days | ||
June | 15°/10° | 192 mm | 0 cm | 21 days | 0 days | 9 days | ||
July | 14°/10° | 125 mm | 0 cm | 21 days | 0 days | 10 days | ||
August | 13°/8° | 82 mm | 0 cm | 16 days | 0 days | 15 days | ||
September | 16°/10° | 155 mm | 0 cm | 17 days | 0 days | 13 days | ||
October | 17°/11° | 102 mm | 0 cm | 22 days | 0 days | 9 days | ||
November | 19°/12° | 58 mm | 0 cm | 15 days | 0 days | 15 days | ||
December | 22°/14° | 92 mm | 0 cm | 13 days | 0 days | 18 days |
Temperature Trends in New Zealand
Monthly Weather Overview
Rainfall Chart in New Zealand
Dry vs. Wet Days in New Zealand
Quick links
Get accurate weather forecasts for New Zealand, located at latitude -36.849 and longitude 174.763. Stay updated with localized weather information tailored for New Zealand.