New Zealand Weather

When heading in the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’, it’s a good idea to pack for variable weather conditions as the sky here is infamously unpredictable. Bring plenty of layers, waterproof gear and sun protection and you won’t be caught unprepared. Despite this unpredictability, New Zealand does not have a very large temperature range and there are benefits for visiting in any season. It is one of the few places in the world where tropical rainforests, sun-kissed coastline and alpine mountains are all found within a relatively close distance of each other.  

New Zealand itself is a narrow sea-bound island located to the west of the eastern Australian coast, between the Tasman Sea and the South Pacific Ocean. The island stretches from north to south with temperatures ranging throughout the year from sub-tropical in the far north to freezing in the south. New Zealand has a maritime climate as all parts of the land are close to the coastline, sometimes resulting in unexpected ocean storms, Antarctic chills and tropical cyclones blowing in. A long mountain range lies along the inner spine on the island, creating a ‘rain shadow effect’ by blocking a lot of moisture from the Tasman Sea. As a result, the west side of the country tends to be wetter than the east.

Parts of New Zealand have often been compared to the United Kingdom because of the sprawling green hills and temperate climate. This is partially a result of high rainfall on the island throughout the year, between 640 millimetres and 1500 millimetres. Wet weather clothing and an umbrella is advised!

Visitors often notice the clarity of the air and brilliant blue of the New Zealand sky. The clean air is a result of the country’s tough stance on pollution and low level of industry however UV rays penetrate the atmosphere very easily. Sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen should therefore be worn all year, as the sun’s rays can also penetrate the atmosphere on a cloudy day
 
New Zealand is located in the Southern Hemisphere and therefore has opposite seasons to Europe and North America. The temperature becomes warmer north and colder to the south.

Summer – December, January, February
New Zealand has warm, sunny days in summer often between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius however it is a good idea to pack some warm layers as nights can drop to the chilly mid-teens. New Zealand follows daylight savings time, with daylight hours lasting to as late as 9pm. Christmas, New Years and end of year school holidays all fall within the New Zealand summer, a time when locals enjoy the outdoors with their families and loved ones.

Autumn – March, April, May
The autumn weather in New Zealand is generally milder with cooler evenings, however days are usually still warm. The tourist peak eases off at this time of year making it a good season for those seeking a less-crowded holiday experience. The many deciduous trees throughout the countryside turn brilliant shades of red and golden, a spectacular sight to behold.

Winter – June, July, August
Winter is still a good time to visit New Zealand not only for some of the world’s best snowboarding and ski slopes, but also for the spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers and frozen lakes. The temperature drops considerably, often below zero with maximums of around 10 degrees Celsius. Rainfall becomes higher on the North Island and lower on the South Island.

Spring – September, October, November
With rising temperatures, spring marks the tail end of the ski season in New Zealand and the welcoming of new life. Blossoms bloom, wine is harvested and the great outdoors is celebrated once again with festivals and events. The melting snow creates strong river currents and perfect conditions for water sports such as white water rafting.