New
Zealand's Climate
As a general guide, the north of New Zealand
is subtropical and the south is temperate. New Zealand's seasons
are opposite to the Northern hemisphere - the warmest months being
December, January and February, and the coldest months June, July
and August.
In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges
between 20-30ºC (68-87ºF) and in winter between 10-15ºC
(50º-60ºF).
Seasons
| Summer |
December to February |
| Autumn |
March to May |
| Winter |
June to August |
| Spring |
September to November |
Main Centre Temperatures
| CITY |
SUMMER |
WINTER |
| Auckland |
Average High: 23.8°C
(75°F)
Average Low: 16.4°C (61°F) |
Average High: 14.7°C
(58°F)
Average Low: 8.0°C (46°F) |
| Wellington |
Average High: 20.3°C (69°F)
Average Low: 13.4°C (56°F) |
Average High: 11.3°C (52°F)
Average Low: 6.2°C (43°F) |
| Christchurch |
Average High: 22.5°C (73°F)
Average Low: 12.2°C (54°F) |
Average High: 11.3°C (52°F)
Ave. Low: 1.7°C (35°F) |
| Queenstown |
Average High: 22.5°C
(73°F)
Average Low: 10.7°C (51°F) |
Average High: 8.1°C
(46°F)
Average Low: 0.1°C (32°F) |
You can check current
weather conditions on the New Zealand Met Service website.
The following is a more detailed overview of
New Zealand's climate, written by NIWA - New Zealand's National
Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (www.niwa.co.nz).
NIWA Overview of New Zealand's Climate
New Zealand's climate is complex and varies
from warm subtropical in the far north to cool temperate climates
in the far south, with severe alpine conditions in the mountainous
areas.
Mountain chains extending the length of New Zealand provide a
barrier for the prevailing westerly winds, dividing the country
into dramatically different climate regions. The West Coast of
the South Island is the wettest area of New Zealand, whereas the
area to the east of the mountains, just over 100 km away, is the
driest.
Most areas of New Zealand have between 600 and 1600 mm of rainfall,
spread throughout the year with a dry period during the summer.
Over the northern and central areas of New Zealand more rainfall
falls in winter than in summer, whereas for much of the southern
part of New Zealand, winter is the season of least rainfall.
Mean annual temperatures range from 10°C in the south to
16°C in the north of New Zealand. The coldest month is usually
July and the warmest month is usually January or February. In
New Zealand generally there are relatively small variations between
summer and winter temperatures, although inland and to the east
of the ranges the variation is greater (up to 14°C). Temperatures
also drop about 0.7°C for every 100 m of altitude.
Sunshine hours are relatively high in areas that are sheltered
from the west and most of New Zealand would have at least 2000
hours annually. The midday summer solar radiation index (UVI)
is often very high in most places and can be extreme in northern
New Zealand and in mountainous areas. Autumn and spring UVI values
can be high in most areas.
Most snow in New Zealand falls in the mountain areas. Snow rarely
falls in the coastal areas of the North Island and west of the
South Island, although the east and south of the South Island
may experience some snow in winter. Frosts can occur anywhere
in New Zealand and usually form on cold nights with clear skies
and little wind.
Further Information
Further information on New Zealand's immigration, healthcare,
transportation, housing, and education systems is available in
our Information Packs which can
be downloaded from our online store.
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