Climate & Seasons

New Zealand's weather is extremely variable especially in the winter and spring months when cold and frosty mornings can turn into warm, sunny days.

clouds  

New Zealand has a largely temperate climate. While the far north has subtropical weather during summer, and inland alpine areas of the South Island can be as cold as -10 C in winter, most of the country lies close to the coast, which means mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and abundant sunshine.

Because New Zealand lies in the Southern Hemisphere, the average temperature decreases as you travel south. The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south temperate. But don't be deceived! While people expect the South Island to be cold, it does get very hot during the summer months.

Seasons

New Zealand's warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August. Despite variable weather conditions, New Zealand's climate is moderate. During the winter you can expect highs of around 15 degrees celcius, and lows between 0 and 10 degrees, depending on which part of the country you are in. 

 

Summer    December-February

Autumn     March-May

Winter       June-August

Spring       September-November 

 

 beach

In summer expect highs between 20 and 30 degrees celcius, and lows in the mid teens. New Zealand's unique climate makes it one of the most picturesque and diverse countries in the world, from alpine ranges to tropical rainforests and golden beaches.

New Zealand also has one of the highest UV ratings in the world. Our clear, clean environment makes the sun extremely harsh. It is important to wear sunscreen and a hat whenever you are spending extended periods of time outdoors, no matter what time of the year or weather conditions. New Zealand sun can burn even on a cloudy day.

For more information visit www.metservice.co.nz