Best Time to Visit New Zealand

To see a fair representation of the weather on this varying country we have created the graphs below to show the average weather for both the North and South Island.

North Island

South Island

If you are looking to escape the winter in the Northern Hemisphere then taking a trip to New Zealand is a no brainer. Enjoy long sunny days with countless number of sandy beaches to choose from.

With such a diverse landscape there is an obvious temperature change from north to south. Head north to catch the highest temperatures and south for a cooler climate. 

High Season (December-February)

Summer is well known to be the best time to travel to New Zealand, especially if your agenda involves many outdoor activities. If you are lucky you will see temperature as high as 32degrees, however the average daily high is around mid 20degrees.

Highlights: Christmas at the beach and New Years Music Festivals

Shoulder Season (April-May and September-November)

Autumn and Spring can be a pleasant time to visit New Zealand as there are mild temperatures and reasonably moderate rainfall. Keep a jacket handy so you are prepared for cooler days and in the evenings.

Highlights: Optimal time to complete single or multi day hikes

Low Season (June-August)

Unless you intend to visit for a ski holiday then visiting during June through to August is a much less popular option. Keep in mind that rainfall during these months are much higher and it can be reasonably cold almost everyday.

Highlights: Ski Season