Best time to visit Auckland New Zealand: weather guide

Auckland, aka the “City of Sails.”

It’s one of my favourite cities in the North Island of New Zealand, and the nearby landscape is actually stunning. Some of the best you’ll see in the southern hemisphere. But when is the best time to visit Auckland? Well, we’ll cover everything.

I personally LOVE Auckland in the summer – vibes are second to none.

It’s sunny, the waters are crystal clear, the dolphins are literally jumping in the harbour. But that’s neither here nor there, we can dive fully into it!

But honestly, it’s about what you prefer and what your budget is.

What’s cool about Auckland is that it has a subtropical climate, which means it has really distinct seasons that make it a great place to visit no matter the time of year.

Now, you might be wondering, “When’s the best time to go?” So let me break it down for you.

The Best time to visit Auckland

It honestly depends on what you want to do whilst visiting Auckland.

The summer months in Auckland are wonderful; the water is cerulean blue, the sun is shining, dolphins jump in the harbour, it’s pretty fantastic. But equally, the shoulder seasons are good for weather and better prices, and less tourists.

Winter is also great for snow sports… so it depends on what you’re after!

Sky Tower over Buildings in Auckland at Sunset

Summer: December – February

Summer, which runs from December to February, is fantastic if you love sunny days and outdoor activities. It’s peak tourist season, so you’ll find lots going on and plenty of people to meet. It’s possibly the most popular time to visit.

With temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), it’s the perfect time to hit the beach or explore the city. The longer days mean more time to enjoy the natural beauty of places like Waiheke Island or the Bay of Islands.

But just remember it’s also the peak season, so expect higher prices and more crowds. If you’re a fan of cultural events, this is the time for the Auckland Arts Festival and other exciting happenings around the city.

Autumn: March – May

Autumn is a fantastic time to visit Auckland if you prefer fewer crowds and milder temperatures.

The weather starts to cool down, ranging from 12°C to 22°C (54°F to 72°F), but you’ll still experience plenty of sunny days. It’s a great time to explore the city’s cultural side, with events like the Auckland Arts Festival and the start of the Auckland Art Gallery’s fall exhibits.

Plus, if you time it right, you might catch the end of the school holidays and enjoy some of the popular destinations with fewer people around.

Winter: June – August

Winter season is from June to August, is a bit colder, but it’s perfect if you’re into winter sports and want to experience a different side of Auckland.

Winter in Auckland brings cooler temperatures, ranging from 7°C to 15°C (45°F to 59°F), but it’s also a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the city without the summer crowds.

If you’re into winter sports, this is the ideal time to visit, as you can head to the mountain tops for some skiing or snowboarding. While the weather can be a bit cold and rainy, there are plenty of indoor attractions like the Auckland Museum and the Auckland Zoo to keep you entertained.

Spring: September – November

Spring is a beautiful time in Auckland, with temperatures ranging from 11°C to 19°C (52°F to 66°F) and the city coming alive with flowers and new growth.

It’s a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the city’s parks and gardens.

The Auckland Arts Festival is also in full swing during spring, so you can catch some world-class performances and exhibitions. Plus, with the weather warming up, it’s a perfect time to visit before the peak tourist season hits.

Table of Contents

Auckland

If you’re in Auckland, make sure you check out the below activities:

Sky Tower Sunset

Catch a breathtaking sunset from the iconic Sky Tower, offering panoramic views of Auckland’s skyline and harbor. As the city lights up, enjoy a memorable dining experience at the revolving restaurant or test your courage with a SkyWalk around the tower’s outer rim.

Waiheke Island Day Trip

Escape to Waiheke Island for a day of wine tasting, art galleries, and stunning beaches. Just a short ferry ride from Auckland, this island paradise offers a laid-back vibe and picturesque landscapes.

Auckland Museum

Explore the rich cultural history of New Zealand at the Auckland Museum. From Maori artifacts to natural history exhibits, this museum offers a fascinating insight into the country’s past and present.

Ponsonby Road

Stroll down Ponsonby Road, known for its trendy boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. This vibrant street is the perfect place to shop, dine, and soak up the local atmosphere.

Auckland Zoo

Spend a day at the Auckland Zoo, home to a diverse range of wildlife from around the world. With daily animal encounters and conservation-focused exhibits, it’s a great place for family fun and learning.

Hiking in Waitakere Ranges

Embark on a hiking adventure in the Waitakere Ranges, where lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and stunning coastal views await. The range offers a variety of trails for all skill levels, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Beach Day at Piha or Mission Bay

Relax on the golden sands of Piha or Mission Bay, two of Auckland’s most popular beaches. Whether you’re looking to swim, surf, or simply unwind, these beaches offer the perfect setting for a day by the sea.

Auckland Art Gallery

Check out New Zealand’s art scene at the Auckland Art Gallery.

Featuring a vast collection of traditional and contemporary art, this gallery is perfect for any art lovers out there.

Harbour Cruise

Hop onto Auckland’s stunning harbour on a leisurely cruise. Sail past picturesque islands, historic landmarks, and bustling waterfronts and learn about the city’s history and landmarks.

Seasons in Auckland

Summer (December to February): Auckland’s summer months are perfect for all your outdoor activities, with blazing hot temperatures and plenty of sunshine. It’s the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more crowds. This is the best time for beach visits, hikes, and exploring the city’s vibrant culture.

Fall (March to May): Fall months offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, making it a good time to visit if you want to avoid the peak tourist season. The Auckland Arts Festival and other cultural events often take place during this time.

Winter (June to August): While Auckland’s winters are mild compared to harsher winters in other parts of the world, it’s the coldest time of the year. Winter sports enthusiasts can head to the South Island for skiing and snowboarding, while in Auckland, indoor activities like visiting world-class museums such as the Auckland Museum and the Auckland Art Gallery are popular.

Spring (September to November): Late spring in Auckland brings longer days and pleasant temperatures, making it a great time to explore the outdoors. The city starts to bloom with flowers, and it’s a good time to visit before the peak tourism season begins.

Best Time to Visit Auckland

The best time to visit Auckland depends on your preferences. If you’re looking for the best weather, the summer season from December to February is ideal, with clear skies and warm temperatures perfect for exploring the city’s beautiful places like Waiheke Island and the Bay of Islands.

If you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, the shoulder seasons are actually my favourite. Autumn and spring have a good balance.

You can still enjoy the great outdoors while avoiding the peak tourism season, and of course, when the prices sky rocket.

If you’re on a tight budget, consider visiting during the winter months of June to August. While the weather may be cooler, you’ll find lower prices and fewer tourists, making it a good time to explore the city without breaking the bank.

Weather Highlights

Average Temperatures: Auckland’s temperatures range from mild winters to warm summers, with the coldest month being July and the warmest month being February.
Rainy Season: Auckland experiences a rainy season, with higher rainfall from May to August. However, rain is usually short-lived, and clear skies often follow.
Outdoor Activities: Whether you’re hiking to mountain tops, exploring the city center, or relaxing on the beaches of the North Shore, Auckland offers plenty of outdoor activities for every season.
Ski Season: While Auckland itself doesn’t have snow, winter sports enthusiasts can head to the South Island for a ski vacation.

North Island Weather

Summer in NZ

Read more about the summer weather in NZ.

Temperature: In January, when it’s summer, the weather is warm on both North & South Island! The temperatures are around 23°C (73°F), while the South Island is a tad cooler, sitting at around 19°C (66°F).

But honestly, on some of the days it was BOILING in the summer, and reaching highs of 30°C (86°F) if not higher. Think, you’ll burn in 15 minutes outside without sun cream.

Rain: Both islands get about 8 rainy days, but you’ve got heaps of daylight to play with, around 15 hours a day. It’s like the sun just doesn’t wanna quit!

Winter in NZ

Read more about the winter weather in NZ.

Fast forward to June, when it’s winter in NZ. Things start cooling down a bit, especially in the South Island. You’re looking at around 11°C (52°F) down there, while the North Island is still a bit milder, hovering around 15°C (59°F).

It’s a bit wetter too, with around 14 rainy days, but, you still get some solid daylight, about 9 hours or so.

So, that’s the gist of it! Both Islands have their pros & cons but frankly, they’re both beautiful.

New Zealand Weather in January

Average temperature on North Island: 23°C (73°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 19°C (66°F)
Average rainy days: 8
Average daylight hours: 15
Average sunrise time: 6:15 AM
Average sunset time: 9:30 PM

New Zealand Weather in February

Average temperature on North Island: 25°C (77°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 20°C (68°F)
Average rainy days: 7
Average daylight hours: 14
Average sunrise time: 6:45 AM
Average sunset time: 9:00 PM

New Zealand Weather in March

Average temperature on North Island: 23°C (73°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 18°C (64°F)
Average rainy days: 9
Average daylight hours: 12
Average sunrise time: 7:15 AM
Average sunset time: 8:15 PM

New Zealand Weather in April

Average temperature on North Island: 20°C (68°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 15°C (59°F)
Average rainy days: 11
Average daylight hours: 11
Average sunrise time: 7:45 AM
Average sunset time: 6:45 PM

New Zealand Weather in May

Average temperature on North Island: 17°C (63°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 12°C (54°F)
Average rainy days: 12
Average daylight hours: 9
Average sunrise time: 8:15 AM
Average sunset time: 5:30 PM

New Zealand Weather in June

Average temperature on North Island: 15°C (59°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 9°C (48°F)
Average rainy days: 14
Average daylight hours: 9
Average sunrise time: 8:30 AM
Average sunset time: 5:15 PM

New Zealand Weather in July

Average temperature on North Island: 14°C (57°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 8°C (46°F)
Average rainy days: 15
Average daylight hours: 9
Average sunrise time: 8:30 AM
Average sunset time: 5:30 PM

New Zealand Weather in August

Average temperature on North Island: 15°C (59°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 9°C (48°F)
Average rainy days: 15
Average daylight hours: 10
Average sunrise time: 7:45 AM
Average sunset time: 6:00 PM

New Zealand Weather in September

Average temperature on North Island: 16°C (61°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 10°C (50°F)
Average rainy days: 13
Average daylight hours: 12
Average sunrise time: 6:45 AM
Average sunset time: 6:30 PM

New Zealand Weather in October

Average temperature on North Island: 18°C (64°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 12°C (54°F)
Average rainy days: 11
Average daylight hours: 13
Average sunrise time: 7:15 AM
Average sunset time: 7:45 PM

New Zealand Weather in November

Average temperature on North Island: 20°C (68°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 14°C (57°F)
Average rainy days: 9
Average daylight hours: 14
Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
Average sunset time: 8:30 PM

New Zealand Weather in December

Average temperature on North Island: 22°C (72°F)
Average temperature on South Island: 16°C (61°F)
Average rainy days: 9
Average daylight hours: 15
Average sunrise time: 5:45 AM
Average sunset time: 9:15 PM

About the Author
Hi, I’m Adriana! I’m constantly searching for the best places to travel to so you don’t have to! Think hidden gems but all over the world.That means I’m constantly on the road and exploring new places to visit and I have a love for photography, so it made sense to write travel guides on all the places I visit. I was born in Australia and lived in New Zealand, Poland, Dubai and England growing up and I decided to take my love of travel to the next level! Read more about me here and see my articles here.

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