The best time to visit New Zealand

New Zealand Seasons

In New Zealand summertime is from December to February and marks the peak tourist season. Temperatures are at their warmest and rainfall to a minimum offering the ideal conditions to sightsee and explore. Autumn then kicks in from March to April and is a wonderful time to travel as tourist numbers begin to wane but the weather stays comfortable and clear. Temperature averages and rainfall do vary across the North and South Islands, especially in Milford Sound which experiences the heaviest rainfall in the country, so it is always wise to check the weather forecast before you travel.

NZ Climate | Auckland


JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Temp Min °C161615131198810111315
Temp Max °C232422201715141516181921
Rainfall (mm)262022474047575731323427

NZ Climate | Wellington


JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Temp Min °C14151412119889101113
Temp Max °C191918161412111213141618
Rainfall (mm)444342435064745452474746

NZ Climate | Christchurch


JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Temp Min °C1212107411246810
Temp Max °C222220171412111215171921
Rainfall (mm)171317191921192116131619

NZ Climate | Queenstown


JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Temp Min °C11119864345689
Temp Max °C191917161412121213141517
Rainfall (mm)223214238221237281194227263311255296