There’s really no wrong time to visit New Zealand! From its nearly tropical northern shores to the bubbling mud pits of Rotorua to its snowy southern peaks, the adventures to be had in this amazing nation are nearly limitless. Temperatures remain relatively temperate throughout the year, so any month will accommodate your adventuring. (Though, you will want to bundle up if you’re exploring the South Island in the winter.) Summer is pleasantly hot but not humid and opens up everything New Zealand has to offer—hiking, biking, kayaking, rafting and more. If they work with your schedule, shoulder seasons are ideal, offering all the fun and pleasant weather minus some of the crowds.
Spring (September–November)
Spring across New Zealand tends to offer unpredictable weather. Don’t be surprised to encounter a cold snap or even a snow shower deep into November. The South Island can get below freezing, especially at night, throughout spring. Expect daytime temperatures around 50–68. The warmest month tends to be November, the wettest month is October, and the driest month is September.
Summer (December–February)
Expect pleasant temperatures, low humidity, lots of sunshine and mild nights in the summer. Average daytime highs hover around 68–77 degrees. If you’re a camping fiend, summer is the ideal time to visit! With such pleasant weather, it’s easy to see why this is the biggest tourist season for New Zealand.
Fall (March–May)
Temperatures fall off during the autumn to around 62–70 degrees, but it’s still sunny and pleasant for most of the season. Expect nights to get a bit nippy from mid-April on, especially on the South Island. With Daylight saving in April, anticipate shorter days. By May, cooler weather has set in down south, and it’s not uncommon for it to dip below freezing at night.
Winter (June–August)
Winter in New Zealand does bring its share of snow and rain, but winters, in general, are quite mild here. The North Island (sometimes known as the “winterless north”) has temperatures around 50 to 43. The more mountainous South Island experiences daytime temperatures from 44 to 54.