New Zealand, New ZealandQuick decision
When to visit New Zealand?
🌞 Best time overall
January
🌡️ Optimal temperature
59°F–68°F 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 °F | Max °F | Rainy days (%) | Precip. in/d | Sun h/d | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🌤️ January | 59°F | 68°F | 26% | 0.1in | 13.0h | 7.8/10 |
| 🌤️ February | 61°F | 68°F | 26% | 0.1in | 12.2h | 7.6/10 |
| 🌤️ March | 57°F | 66°F | 32% | 0.1in | 10.7h | 7.3/10 |
| ⛅ April | 55°F | 63°F | 32% | 0.1in | 9.4h | 7.0/10 |
| ⛅ May | 52°F | 59°F | 37% | 0.1in | 8.2h | 5.9/10 |
| 🌦️ June | 50°F | 55°F | 41% | 0.1in | 7.2h | 4.6/10 |
| 🌦️ July | 48°F | 54°F | 43% | 0.1in | 7.6h | 4.5/10 |
| 🌦️ August | 48°F | 54°F | 42% | 0.1in | 8.9h | 4.8/10 |
| 🌦️ September | 50°F | 57°F | 40% | 0.1in | 10.1h | 5.9/10 |
| 🌦️ October | 52°F | 59°F | 41% | 0.1in | 11.1h | 7.0/10 |
| ⛅ November | 55°F | 63°F | 39% | 0.1in | 12.4h | 7.1/10 |
| 🌤️ December | 57°F | 64°F | 37% | 0.1in | 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°F, 34% rainy days, 9.4h sunshine/day. Score: 6.7/10.
☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) — Challenging climate
Average 12°F, 42% rainy days, 7.9h sunshine/day. Score: 4.6/10.
🍂 Autumn (Sep–Nov) — Acceptable
Average 15°F, 40% rainy days, 11.2h sunshine/day. Score: 6.7/10.
❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb) — Good time
Average 19°F, 30% rainy days, 12.6h sunshine/day. Score: 7.5/10.
Accommodation
Find a place to stay in New Zealand
Check availability during the recommended period
Tip : off-peak months (July, August) are cheapest but weather is significantly worse.
Search on Hotels.comActivities & tours
Activities and tours in New Zealand
Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and local experiences.
Browse activities on GetYourGuide
Flights
Find a flight to New Zealand
Compare flights from all airlines.
Search flights
Monthly weather
Detailed weather by month
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
January is ideal with 26% rainy days and 20°F.
July is the wettest month with 43% rainy days.
Yes, January is the best month with an average of 20°F.
In winter, the average score is 7.5/10. Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.
Also explore
Destinations with similar climate
Weather rankings
Compare destinations by weather
Best in EuropeGuides & comparisons