The Climate of New Zealand

Obviously it is important that the clothing you bring to New Zealand is suitable for the climate. The first thing to know about New Zealand’s climate is that its seasons are the opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere.

The weather can also change dramatically and very quickly, so that people joke about experiencing ‘four seasons in one day’. It’s a good idea to take a coat or jersey with you, even if it looks fine in the morning. Conversely, the day may start out cold but get really hot in the afternoon.The coldest month is usually July and the warmest months January or February. There are relatively small variations between summer and winter temperatures, although inland and to the east of the mountain ranges the variation is greater (up to 14°C).

Summer ave. max. temp.                 20°-25°CWinter ave. max. temp.                 10°-15°C

Most snow in New Zealand falls in mountainous areas. Snow rarely falls in the coastal areas of the North Island and in the west of the South Island, although the east and south of the South Island may get some snow in winter. Frosts can occur anywhere and usually form on cold nights with clear skies and little wind.

See the table below for the summer and winter average maximum and minimum temperatures for Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.

Auckland ave. max./min. January

                            23.8°C /16.4°CAuckland ave. max./min. July                            14.7°C/8.0°C

Wellington ave. max./min. January

20.3°C/13.4°CChristchurch ave. max./min. January                                           14.7°C/8.0°C

22.5°C /12.2°CChristchurch ave. max./min. July