New Zealand Summer temperatures: best guide to weather
You might be wondering when is the best time to visit New Zealand? Here’s everything you need to know about the Summer weather.
Summer is HOT.
Hot like factor 50 hot, even on South Island. The water is still pretty fresh but it’s a fabulous way to cool down, whether you’re swimming in the lakes or the ocean, hiking the epic trails, golfing resorts and lupin flowers.
I’ve just spent several weeks touring the entire country. North Island, South Island and everything in between! Half of my family live here in New Zealand on my maternal side so I’ve been popping back and forward since I was a child.
New Zealand’s climate really sees 4 seasons (or more, some might argue), so have a read of each season for more detail.
Have a look at our North Island Itinerary and South Island itinerary for inspiration for best things to do in New Zealand.
Not sure where to go? Have a look at my article on North Island VS South Island New Zealand, which is better for you!
The Seasons of New Zealand
Spring (September to November):
- Temperatures start to rise
- Flowers bloom, and landscapes become lush and green
- Ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and visiting gardens
Summer (December to February):
- Generally warm temperatures
- Longer daylight hours
- Ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, beach visits, and water sports
Autumn/Fall (March to May):
- Mild temperatures
- Vibrant reds, golds and ambers in all the foliage in some regions
- Great for hiking and outdoor exploration
Winter (June to August):
- Cool to cold temperatures, especially in the South Island
- Snowfall in mountainous areas, perfect for skiing and snowboarding
- Shorter daylight hours
New Zealand Summer temperatures
Read more info on the winter weather in New Zealand here.
Spring in New Zealand
Spring is a lovely time to visit New Zealand. The landscape transforms from the colder weather of winter to the first buds of spring. The spring snow melts and you’ll see wonderful flowers blooming: cherry blossoms, daffodils, tulips, bluebells and Azaleas.
Tropical cyclones in New Zealand tend to occur in early autumn and also in late spring. It’s also some of the most popular time to start road tripping across New Zealand as the temperatures start to get warmer.
Have a look at our North Island Itinerary and South Island itinerary for inspiration.
Not sure where to go? Have a look at my article on North Island VS South Island New Zealand, which is better.
Summer In New Zealand
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).
The warmest months are December, January, February and the perfect time to visit if you’re looking to bask in the sun. The UV rays are strong and the weather conditions are perfect. December is arguably the best month of the year to visit.
But honestly, on some of the days it was BOILING in the summer, and reaching high temperatures of 30°C (86°F) if not higher. Think, you’ll burn in 15 minutes outside without sun cream. There are endless sunny days for you to enjoy.
You can expect to have around 15 hours of sunshine every day.
It’s my favourite time of year in New Zealand. Places like Milford Sound and Hawke’s Bay are a real gem at this time of year – also, Lake Tekapo!
You are also in luck if you visit around December and January, you might even see the famous Lupin flowers.
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!
For me, it was definitely the best time to visit New Zealand.
Rainfall
The North Island generally receives a fair amount more rainfall compared to the South Island, and the North Island tends to be known for being a little bit more tropical or having subtropical weather. This is because of factors like the North Island’s northerly location, larger land area, and the winds from the west bring in the rain. Regions like Northland, Auckland, and Taranaki experience higher annual rainfall totals on average.
And the maritime climate means there’s usually more average rainfall in the coastal areas; particularly the coastal areas of the North Island.
On the other hand, the South Island, especially its eastern parts, tends to have less rainfall. This is partly due to the rain shadow effect created by the Southern Alps, which blocks moisture from reaching areas like Canterbury and Central Otago. However, the West Coast of the South Island gets significant rainfall as it faces the Tasman Sea and receives moisture-laden winds. Despite variations within each island, the North Island generally sees more rainfall overall compared to the South Island.
New Zealand Weather Month by Month
Have a look at the below weather for each month, so you know the best time to visit New Zealand for you and the famous New Zealand summer temperatures!
New Zealand Weather in January
- North Island Average temperature: 23°C (73°F)
- South Island Average temperature: 20°C (68°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
- North Island Average temperature: 25°C (77°F)
- South Island Average temperature: 22°C (72°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
- North Island Average temperature: 23°C (73°F)
- South Island Average temperature: 20°C (68°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
- North Island Average temperature: 20°C (68°F)
- South Island Average temperature: 17°C (63°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
- North Island Average temperature: 17°C (63°F)
- South Island Average temperature: 14°C (57°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
- North Island Average temperature: 15°C (59°F)
- South Island Average temperature: 11°C (52°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
- North Island Average temperature: 14°C (57°F)
- South Island Average temperature: 10°C (50°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
- North Island Average temperature: 15°C (59°F)
- South Island Average temperature: 11°C (52°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
- North Island Average temperature: 16°C (61°F)
- South Island Average temperature: 12°C (54°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
- North Island Average temperature: 18°C (64°F)
- South Island Average temperature: 14°C (57°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
- North Island Average temperature: 20°C (68°F)
- South Island Average temperature: 16°C (61°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
- North Island Average temperature: 22°C (72°F)
- South Island Average temperature: 18°C (64°F)
- Average rainy days: 9
- Average daylight hours: 15
- Average sunrise time: 5:45 AM
- Average sunset time: 9:15 PM
Quick links
| Here’s everything I use when I travel abroad: Tours – Compare tour prices on Viator and Get Your Guide Hotels – I always use Booking as the more hotels I book, I get a higher Genius discount. I also compare prices on Expedia. E-Sims – purchase an e-sim with Airalo on your phone so you can make calls and have mobile data abroad! There’s no need to remove your current sim card! Travel insurance – don’t ever go on vacation without travel insurance, you never know when you might need it! Travel essentials – have a look at a full list of travel essentials that I use, including the best power bank! |
Have a look at some of my other Aotearoa / New Zealand travel guides for things to do in North Island and your South Island New Zealand Road Trip!
- Lake Tekapo from Queenstown Road Trip
- Glamping on South Island
- Best things to do in Lake Tekapo
- Wanaka lavender farm
- Onsen hot pools
- Akaroa Dolphin Watching
- Is New Zealand cheaper than Australia?
- Does New Zealand have dangerous animals?
Full disclosure! Some of the links here may be affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission from every booking made. This is at no extra cost to you. It helps keep me writing and sharing my travel guides free of charge to you 🙂 Thank you for your support! Read our affiliate policy here.
