New Zealand, New ZealandQuick decision
When to visit New Zealand?
🌞 Best time overall
January
🌡️ Optimal temperature
15°C–20°C in January
🌧 Least rain
26% rainy days in January
🌧 Wettest month
July (43%)
📅 Best score
7.8/10
By trip type
Best time by type of trip
Fiordland & Milford SoundNovember–March — cruise, waterfalls and fjord landscapes.
Tongariro Alpine CrossingDecember–March — one-day volcanic trek, emerald lakes.
Adventure SportsYear-round — bungee jumping, rafting and skiing (June–Oct).
Landscapes & NatureOctober–April — Hobbiton, Fox/Franz Josef glaciers and Wanaka.
Monthly climate data
New Zealand weather month by month
| Month | Min °C | Max °C | Rainy days (%) | Precip. mm/d | Sun h/d | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🌤️ January | 15°C | 20°C | 26% | 1.5 | 13.0h | 7.8/10 |
| 🌤️ February | 16°C | 20°C | 26% | 2.8 | 12.2h | 7.6/10 |
| 🌤️ March | 14°C | 19°C | 32% | 2.3 | 10.7h | 7.3/10 |
| ⛅ April | 13°C | 17°C | 32% | 3.3 | 9.4h | 7.0/10 |
| ⛅ May | 11°C | 15°C | 37% | 3.3 | 8.2h | 5.9/10 |
| 🌦️ June | 10°C | 13°C | 41% | 3.6 | 7.2h | 4.6/10 |
| 🌦️ July | 9°C | 12°C | 43% | 3.7 | 7.6h | 4.5/10 |
| 🌦️ August | 9°C | 12°C | 42% | 3.2 | 8.9h | 4.8/10 |
| 🌦️ September | 10°C | 14°C | 40% | 2.9 | 10.1h | 5.9/10 |
| 🌦️ October | 11°C | 15°C | 41% | 2.5 | 11.1h | 7.0/10 |
| ⛅ November | 13°C | 17°C | 39% | 2.8 | 12.4h | 7.1/10 |
| 🌤️ December | 14°C | 18°C | 37% | 2.7 | 12.7h | 7.2/10 |
Ideal
Fair
Challenging climate
Source: Open-Meteo · 10 years
Seasonal breakdown
What to expect each season
🌸 Spring (Mar–May) — Acceptable
Average 17°C, 34% rainy days, 9.4h sunshine/day. Score: 6.7/10.
☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) — Challenging climate
Average 12°C, 42% rainy days, 7.9h sunshine/day. Score: 4.6/10.
🍂 Autumn (Sep–Nov) — Acceptable
Average 15°C, 40% rainy days, 11.2h sunshine/day. Score: 6.7/10.
❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb) — Good time
Average 19°C, 30% rainy days, 12.6h sunshine/day. Score: 7.5/10.
Accommodation
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Check availability during the recommended period
Tip : off-peak months (July, August) are cheapest but weather is significantly worse.
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Activities and tours in New Zealand
Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and local experiences.
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Flights
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Monthly weather
Detailed weather by month
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
January is ideal with 26% rainy days and 20°C.
July is the wettest month with 43% rainy days.
Yes, January is the best month with an average of 20°C.
In winter, the average score is 7.5/10. Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.
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