New Zealand Weather
and Seasons
New Zealand’s Weather and Seasons
New Zealand’s two islands are set in the middle of the South Pacific, which means we get a lot of changing weather. The same latitude produces deserts in other countries, while New Zealand is green all year round – summer doesn’t burn away the grass and winter doesn’t cause all the leaves to fall.
Temperatures are moderate with no real extremes and rainfall is high but so are sunshine hours. Bad weather rarely lasts longer than 2-3 days, and even in winter most mornings are greeted by beautiful sunshine and blue skies. Just prepare yourself for sudden changes in the weather, always keep your sunglasses and rain jacket ready.
Ideally you simply ignore the rain like us locals and wear layers like an onion (in some windy places you won’t be able to hold on to an umbrella). The sun can be so strong it will dry you off in no time.
New Zealand is a land of contrasts and can get:
- Anything from humid Polynesian warm fronts to Antarctic gale winds.
- Anything from subtropical beaches and rain forests to icy glaciers and windy plains.
- Summer can bring rare tropical cyclones and several days of continuous rain while winter can bring gorgeous sunny days like in summer
- The further north the warmer it gets
September – November: Spring
- Gardens are in full colour now and the NZ green is even greener than usual.
- Best time for white water rafting on high level rivers.
- The weather is not yet settled and anything is possible, from hot days to stormy rain.
- Daylight saving time starts the last Sunday in September, making your days longer.
- In early November the cicadas begin their noisy summer concert – a special feelgood factor!
- Also, in November the upper half of the North Island where its generally warmer starts the swimming season but many wouldn’t dare get close to water until Christmas when summer is in full swing.
- At the same time the last snow falls in the higher regions of the Alps.
December – February: Summer
- Always slip slop slap & wrap! Slip into a shirt, slop on some sunscreen, slap on a hat and wrap on a pair of sunglasses, the New Zealand sun is fierce, and you can burn quickly!
- If you book ahead with us, you can save your time for exploring.
- The favourite New Zealand walks and National Parks will be filled with people but still spectacular!
- Biggest choice of available activities as many are summer specific.
- Most sunshine hours and the least rainfall, but a small chance of tropical storms.
- December can often be wet, January to March has more stable weather.
March – May: Autumn:
- Our favourite time! Less crowds and stable weather especially in April.
- Nights are cooler, with the first cold spells starting at the end of April, higher chance of rainfall.
- There are less travellers.
- Fantastic autumn colours in the central South Island and eastern North Island.
- Daylight saving time stops the first Sunday of April, after that be prepared for shorter days.
- Some campgrounds close after Easter.
June – August: Winter
- Some accommodation is closed and many activities are not available.
- Come skiing! Queenstown, Wanaka and Mount Ruapehu (ever skied on a volcano?) are waiting for you.
- You can still enjoy adrenaline activities and culture; in the north there is superb visibility for diving, trout fishing is all year round, golf courses are open etc.
- A good time for day walks, the air is even fresher than usual, the sun is still strong when out and the first flowers are out in Northland gardens.
Contact us
Contact us here and talk to your consultant about when to visit and what to bring.
