When to visit Bay of Islands?
The decision rests on several criteria. Climate score, tourist crowds and feasible activities.
Bay of Islands, in the New Zealand Northland: 144 islands, turquoise water, historic base of the founding of New Zealand (Treaty of Waitangi 1840 between Maori and the British Crown). January is my favorite month (8.4/10): 63-75°F, 39% rain, subtropical austral summer (warmer climate than Auckland). From June to August (austral winter), expect 50-61°F with 37-43% rain: mild for NZ. Highlights: Waitangi Treaty Grounds (the country's founding place, marae, museum), Russell ("first capital", ferry from Paihia), Paihia (tourist center), Hole in the Rock (boat excursion, pierced rock arch), dolphin tours (dolphins year-round), Cape Reinga 3h away (the most accessible northernmost point of NZ, where Maori souls leave the world). 90 Mile Beach (actually 56 miles, accessible by 4×4 bus on the sand). Activities: sailing (catamaran day trip 100-150$, 3-day excursion 500$), diving (wreck of the Rainbow Warrior sunk by France at Matauri Bay), kayak. Try snapper (local fish), kiwi fruit, hokey pokey ice cream. Bay of Islands = tropical NZ destination for New Zealanders (January school holidays). Direct flight Auckland-Bay of Islands (Kerikeri) in 35 min, or 3h by road.
About the founder →What you grasp in 5 seconds
Bay of Islands offers 8 comfortable months, without any month really to avoid. The gap stays moderate: 7.9 in January vs 4.3 in August.
What to check next
Your tolerance for crowds and budget. The best months concentrate tourist saturation and higher prices. Shoulder seasons offer a good compromise.
Next action
Scroll down to the detailed table to compare month by month, then open the page of the month that interests you.
How we calculate the score
The score combines 4 weighted criteria using 10 years of real climate data (ERA5).
Source : ERA5 · Open-Meteo · 10 years (2016–2025) · Full methodology →
Compare all 12 months
Month-by-month details: temperature, rain, sunshine, score and verdict.
| Month | T° min | T° max | Rain % | mm/day | Sun | Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ☀️ January → | 63°F | 75°F | 39% | 3.1mm | 8.0h | 7.9/10 | Best period |
| ☀️ February → | 64°F | 75°F | 45% | 3.5mm | 7.4h | 7.8/10 | Best period |
| ☀️ March → | 63°F | 73°F | 39% | 2.5mm | 6.8h | 7.7/10 | Best period |
| ☀️ April → | 59°F | 70°F | 41% | 4.6mm | 6.2h | 7.5/10 | Best period |
| ⛅ May → | 55°F | 66°F | 34% | 3.5mm | 5.8h | 7.4/10 | Best period |
| 🌥️ June → | 52°F | 63°F | 42% | 4.8mm | 5.2h | 4.4/10 | Decent period |
| 🌥️ July → | 50°F | 61°F | 37% | 4.4mm | 5.5h | 4.4/10 | Decent period |
| 🌥️ August → | 50°F | 61°F | 43% | 3.6mm | 6.0h | 4.3/10 | Decent period |
| 🌥️ September → | 52°F | 63°F | 42% | 3.4mm | 6.5h | 4.5/10 | Decent period |
| ⛅ October → | 54°F | 64°F | 41% | 3.1mm | 7.1h | 7.3/10 | Best period |
| ⛅ November → | 57°F | 68°F | 51% | 3.1mm | 7.1h | 7.3/10 | Best period |
| ☀️ December → | 61°F | 72°F | 40% | 2.3mm | 8.1h | 7.8/10 | Best period |
Annual temperatures — Bay of Islands
Min/max temperature curves observed over the past 10 years (ERA5). Shows climate stability and trend.
For your trip
A few angles depending on what kind of trip you are planning.
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
🎟️ Activities & tours · Bay of Islands
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach trip.
Country · New Zealand
🌡️ Climate
🏖️ Beach trip
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Where is Bay of Islands ?
Global position + regional geographic context.