Ask 10 New Zealanders to describe their country’s climate and you’ll probably get 10 different answers. Not because New Zealanders are contrary or changeable – but because the New Zealand climate is. There’s even a long-running joke that you can experience all 4 seasons in one day in the country. And as with all good jokes, it’s simply an exaggeration of the facts.
But what does this mean for holidaymakers? How will it affect your holiday?
In this post, we’ll give a complete primer on the climate of New Zealand. We’ll explore what it’s like and how it compares to other countries you might be more familiar with, to help you choose the best time to visit New Zealand and make sure you know what to expect when you arrive.
What is the climate type in New Zealand?
The New Zealand climate varies across the country. The northernmost points of the North Island are warm and subtropical, whereas the South Island is cooler, and the mountain ranges have a more severe alpine climate.
One thing to remember on sunny New Zealand days is to keep your sunscreen topped up. There is relatively little air pollution in New Zealand so UV rays can be strong, even on cloudy days.
Overall it is a very hospitable climate, giving you the opportunity to admire New Zealand’s beauty and enjoy its activities without disruption for most of the year.
Is New Zealand’s climate similar to the UK?
The easiest way to understand the New Zealand climate is probably in comparison to the UK – it is very similar, just a little bit nicer!
New Zealand is usually a few degrees warmer than the UK, and New Zealand’s proximity to the equator means that its days are longer (and nights are shorter) making it a bit brighter too. In the summer months daylight can last until 10pm.
Overall, with the stunning surroundings and improved weather, it is a lovely place to be — even, perhaps, lovelier than the UK.
Is New Zealand colder than Australia?
Despite being much closer in distance, New Zealand has far more climate differences to Australia than it does to the UK.
For example, it is colder and wetter all year round. During the summer months, the average temperature in New Zealand is around 8° cooler than it is in Australia.
New Zealand is also much wetter, both in terms of humidity in the air and average rainfall.
Does it rain a lot in New Zealand?
New Zealand does have a high average rainfall, and this is relatively evenly spread across the year. The annual rainfall ranges between 600 and 1600mm, depending on where you are. But this geographic divide in rainfall doesn’t sit where you might think.
The west coast of the South Island is the wettest part of the country but strangely, the eastern side is the driest. This is partly down to the mountain ranges that dot the spine of the South Island, splitting the country’s weather conditions. The southern areas also see less rain during winter than they do during summer, which can feel odd.
For the northern and central parts of the country, things are more straightforward. Here there is more rain in winter and summer days tend to be drier, but not by a lot.
Does New Zealand have four seasons?
New Zealand does indeed have four seasons, very similar to those we experience here in the UK (although the times of year are obviously reversed).
The New Zealand spring starts in September and runs through to November. During this time, the average daily temperature is between 16°C and 19°C, though obviously this depends on which island you are on (and even whereabouts on that island you are).
The one thing to know about a New Zealand spring is how unpredictable it is. It can change unexpectedly from clear skies to heavy downpours – which is why we always advise packing for every eventuality!
Summer starts in December with a wonderful warm stretch that runs until February. Temperatures range from around 20°C to 25°C with plenty of bright, sunny days that rarely get unpleasantly hot. This is why summer is such a popular choice for visitors, as it usually stays cool enough for hikes and other activities.
Autumn runs from March until May and is noticeably colder though usually far from ‘cold’. The average temperature is 17°C to 25°C in the North Island and 13°C to 19°C in the South Island. The days stay long and warm well into April, and the nights don’t start to feel properly chilly until mid-season either.
Autumn is a great time to visit New Zealand if you want nice weather without too much heat, and to avoid the crowds or peak prices that come with summer. As a further bonus, there are a lot of deciduous trees in New Zealand, so arriving in autumn lets you see the riot of colours as the leaves change.
Winter in New Zealand begins in June and lasts until August. Temperatures drop, with an average daytime temperature of 12°C to 16°C. The North Island sees moderately high rainfall, while the South Island has cooler temperatures but less rainfall.
It is still possible to have an incredible New Zealand holiday in winter, but you will need to plan (and pack!) for a slightly different experience.
What is the best month to travel to New Zealand?
New Zealand is a wonderful place to visit any time of year. We may be biased, but there honestly is no ‘rainy season’ or burning summer that is intense enough to ruin your visit. The peak visitor season is December through to February because that is the New Zealand summer, and there is something wonderful about swapping deepest, darkest January blues in England for a bright, beautiful New Zealand summer.
However, if you want to balance welcoming weather conditions with a more personal (and cost-effective) experience then a little later in the year – March to May – is a better bet. The weather will still be warm, particularly on the North Island, and there shouldn’t be too many heavy downpours or dull days. You’ll also see better prices for a less popular season, and when you hit the tourist hotspots you won’t be brushing elbows with quite so many others.
If you’re looking to plan your perfect New Zealand getaway, we’re here to help. We know all there is to know about this beautiful country, from how to get there to where to eat when you arrive. Talk to our team today to find out more.
