gowhereandwhen.comGo in summer, December to March, for the warmest weather and longest days, or in autumn, March to May, for golden colour and fewer crowds. Winter, June to August, is ski season in the Southern Alps.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Auckland. Higher is better. Some booking links earn us a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Feb.
Other months to compare; prices and crowds depend on your destination and dates.
Rainy season.
The year at a glance
New Zealand packs many climates into two narrow islands, and its seasons sit opposite the northern hemisphere. We rate on Auckland, where summer is warm and lively and the weather is mildest, though it can change quickly anywhere in the country.
Summer is the one to book for the beaches, hiking and the Great Walks, with daylight stretching late into the evening. Winter swaps to a southern ski season around Queenstown and Wanaka, while spring and autumn are the quiet, value shoulders.
New Zealand month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Auckland.
JanuaryWarm with a little rainIdeal 88
- Daytime high
- 23°C / 73°F
- Overnight low
- 16°C / 61°F
- Rainfall
- 75 mm
Warm with a little rain.
FebruaryWarm with a little rainIdeal 92
- Daytime high
- 24°C / 75°F
- Overnight low
- 16°C / 61°F
- Rainfall
- 65 mm
Warm with a little rain.
MarchWarm with a little rainIdeal 86
- Daytime high
- 23°C / 73°F
- Overnight low
- 15°C / 59°F
- Rainfall
- 80 mm
Warm with a little rain.
AprilMild with a little rain.Ideal 82
- Daytime high
- 20°C / 68°F
- Overnight low
- 13°C / 55°F
- Rainfall
- 90 mm
Mild with a little rain.
MayMild with a little rain.Great 70
- Daytime high
- 18°C / 64°F
- Overnight low
- 11°C / 52°F
- Rainfall
- 115 mm
Mild with a little rain.
JuneCool and wet.Great 60
- Daytime high
- 16°C / 61°F
- Overnight low
- 9°C / 48°F
- Rainfall
- 135 mm
Cool and wet.
JulyCool and wet.Good 55
- Daytime high
- 15°C / 59°F
- Overnight low
- 8°C / 46°F
- Rainfall
- 145 mm
Cool and wet.
AugustCool and wet.Great 65
- Daytime high
- 15°C / 59°F
- Overnight low
- 9°C / 48°F
- Rainfall
- 120 mm
Cool and wet.
SeptemberMild with a little rain.Great 73
- Daytime high
- 17°C / 63°F
- Overnight low
- 10°C / 50°F
- Rainfall
- 105 mm
Mild with a little rain.
OctoberMild with a little rain.Ideal 76
- Daytime high
- 18°C / 64°F
- Overnight low
- 12°C / 54°F
- Rainfall
- 100 mm
Mild with a little rain.
NovemberMild with a little rain.Ideal 84
- Daytime high
- 20°C / 68°F
- Overnight low
- 13°C / 55°F
- Rainfall
- 85 mm
Mild with a little rain.
DecemberMild with a little rain.Ideal 82
- Daytime high
- 22°C / 72°F
- Overnight low
- 15°C / 59°F
- Rainfall
- 90 mm
Mild with a little rain.
Where you go changes when you go
Auckland and the north
Warm and subtropical, best from late spring to autumn. The Bay of Islands and northern beaches shine in summer.
The Southern Alps and Queenstown
Summer for hiking Milford and the Great Walks, winter for skiing. Autumn brings spectacular golden colour around Wanaka.
Fiordland and the west
Wet and dramatic year round. Summer offers the best odds of clear days for Milford Sound and the trails.
Best time to visit New Zealand for
Hiking the Great Walks
December to March, when the high trails are open, snow-free and the weather is at its kindest.
Beaches and road trips
December to February for warm seas and the long, light summer evenings.
Autumn colour
April and May, when Central Otago and Wanaka turn gold and the crowds thin out.
Skiing
July to September around Queenstown, Wanaka and the central North Island volcanoes.
What is on, and when
Autumn gold, April
Central Otago and the southern lakes blaze with colour against the mountains.
Ski season, July to Sep
The Southern Alps fill with snow for some of the southern hemisphere's best skiing.
Watch out
Rainy season
Jun to Jul.
Where to stay in New Zealand
Compare places to stay around Auckland. Choose your dates on the booking site.
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Before you choose a stay
- Check the exact location and transport connections.
- Compare the full price, including taxes and fees.
- Read cancellation terms before you book.
Your travel month helps with planning. Enter your own dates on the booking site.
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Good to know
What is the best time to visit New Zealand?
Is New Zealand good to visit in winter?
When can you hike the Great Walks?
Where else, and when
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