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The New Zealand Seasons and Climate

What are the seasons and climate like in New Zealand?

“Four seasons in a day” is used to describe the climate in New Zealand. The sea and mountains make a big impact on the quickly changing weather. Settlements on the coast experience mild temperatures, moderate rainfall and sunshine.

Not only can the weather change rapidly, but the climate also varies throughout the country. Where the north is generally mild and humid, the further south you go the colder it gets. The south also gets the first hit of Antarctic blasts. Just the diverse landscapes of alpine mountain ranges, rainforest and golden sand beaches demonstrate the variety of conditions New Zealand gets.

A word of warning: New Zealand has one of the highest UV ratings in the world. Even on cloudy days, you can get sunburn. Sunscreen is a must!

Southern Hemisphere Seasons

The seasons are done a little differently Down Under. Here is our guide on what to expect from the New Zealand seasons.

Spring (September-November)
Summer (December-February)
Autumn (March-May)
Winter (June-August)

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Spring

September, October, November

Auckland and Bay of Islands: 11-19ºC
Rotorua: 11-18ºC
Wellington: 9-15ºC
Christchurch: 7-17ºC
Queenstown: 5-16ºC

Spring can bring anything from frosty mornings to hot sunny days. It’s best to be prepared with extra layers.

For a more detailed overview of spring in New Zealand, check out:

Tourism NZ

Summer

December, January, February

Auckland and Bay of Islands: 12-25ºC
Rotorua: 12-24ºC
Wellington: 13-20ºC
Christchurch: 12-22ºC
Queenstown: 10-22ºC

Have a summer Christmas and New Year!

New Zealand has more than 2000 hours of sunlight a year. Marlborough, Nelson, Hawke’s Bay, Bay of Plenty receive the most hours of sunshine. New Zealand uses daylight saving during summer so daylight can last until about 9.30pm.

The rays of the sun can feel very hot but it gets colder when the sun goes in. It’s best to carry an extra layer. Remember to wear SPF 30+ sunscreen!

For a more detailed overview of summer in New Zealand, check out:

Tourism NZ

Autumn

March, April, May

Auckland and Bay of Islands: 11-21ºC
Rotorua: 13-20ºC
Wellington: 11-17ºC
Christchurch: 8-18ºC
Queenstown: 6-16ºC

The warm sunny weather from summer can continue into autumn. It is usually comfortable to wear light clothing while carrying an extra layer.

For a more detailed overview of autumn in New Zealand, check out:

Tourism NZ

Winter

June, July, August

Auckland and Bay of Islands: 7-16ºC
Rotorua: 9-15ºC
Wellington: 6-12ºC
Christchurch: 3-12ºC
Queenstown: 1- 10ºC

Winter brings the most rainfall in northern and central New Zealand, whereas down south there is the least rainfall in winter. Snow tends to fall in the mountains during winter, however, it rarely reaches the lower areas where settlements tend to be.

You’ll need a coat and warm layers during the winter. If you are going into the mountains, thermal layers, gloves and hat would be a fantastic idea.

For a more detailed overview of winter in New Zealand, check out:

What to wear!?

Here is more of an idea for what clothes to bring to New Zealand.

Hot weather (November-March): sunscreen, swimwear (togs), light cotton tops, shorts, skirts, sunglasses and flip-flops (jandals).
Cold weather (April-October): long jeans/pants, thermal layers, waterproof coat and hat.
When doing outdoor activities: “4 seasons in a day”, people! Be prepared with extra layers, waterproof coat or umbrella, and sunscreen!
Find out more on: What Clothes to Pack to Travel in New Zealand.