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Best time to visit New Zealand: month by month
Short answer
December to March is summer, with highs of 19-22°C in the climate data, the longest days and the best hiking, but also the highest prices and crowds. March-April is excellent for settled weather and autumn colours. June to August is cold, with highs of 7-8°C in the south, and is ski season in Queenstown and Wānaka.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 22°C | 13°C | 9 | very high |
| Feb | 21°C | 13°C | 9 | high |
| Mar | 19°C | 11°C | 10 | high |
| Apr | 16°C | 8°C | 11 | medium |
| May | 12°C | 6°C | 14 | low |
| Jun | 7°C | 3°C | 13 | low |
| Jul | 7°C | 2°C | 14 | medium |
| Aug | 8°C | 2°C | 15 | medium |
| Sep | 12°C | 4°C | 15 | low |
| Oct | 14°C | 5°C | 13 | medium |
| Nov | 18°C | 9°C | 14 | medium |
| Dec | 20°C | 12°C | 16 | very high |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar-May)
Southern autumn: 19°C in March falling to 12°C in May, with 10-14 rainy days. Autumn colours in Arrowtown and fewer visitors.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Southern winter: highs of 7-8°C and lows of 2-3°C in the south, 13-15 rainy days. Ski season; some alpine roads and hikes are affected by snow.
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Southern spring: 12°C in September rising to 18°C in November, with changeable weather and 13-15 rainy days. Lambs and blossoms.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Southern summer: 20-22°C with 9-16 rainy days and long days. Peak season for hiking, beaches and road trips.
Events worth planning around
- Waitangi Day, 6 February
- Matariki (Māori New Year), June or July, a public holiday
- Queenstown Winter Festival, June
- Wildfoods Festival in Hokitika, usually March
When to avoid
Late December to January is the busiest and most expensive time, with local school holidays. Mid-winter is cold and wet for road trips unless you are skiing.
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Common questions
What is the best time to visit New Zealand?
February to April, for warm, settled weather with fewer crowds than December and January.
When is ski season in New Zealand?
Roughly June to September, centred on Queenstown and Wānaka.
Is New Zealand cold in winter?
In the south, yes: highs of about 7-8°C and frosty nights; the far north is milder.