New Zealand Seasons

When is the best time to visit New Zealand?

The answer is anytime!  However, if you like your sunshine, then of course the best time to head to New Zealand is during the warmer months, from November until April. New Zealand's skiing season usually lasts through the winter months of June to September.

 Summer – December to February 

The summer months of December to February enjoy high temperatures and bags of sunshine. The average temperatures range between 20c – 30c. The days are long and sunny, while nightime remains mild. 

Autumn – March to May

The autumn months of March to May sees a cooling down from the highs of summers. However,  there is still plenty plenty of sunshine and warm days with regular trips to the beach still possible until April.  

Winter – June to August

The winter months start from June until August and are noticeably warmer than the northern hemisphere. Along with the temperature drops, rain becomes more frequent to most regions in the North Island, while the South Island sees the massive Southern Alps transform into a blanket of snow tailor made of skiing and snowboarding. Along with the snow capped mountains of both Islands, the South Island experiences the cooler temperatures. 

Spring – September to November

The spring months of September until November is a period of unsettled weather, with more wind and rain than the other seasons. The weather can also range from cold and frosty to warm and hot days.

UV Rays

With far less air pollution than many other countries, New Zealand experiences strong UV rays during the summer months.  It's advisable to take sensible precaution to avoid sunburn especially when the sun is at its hottest from 11.00am until 4pm. While summer sees the most sunshine, most regions still have a pretty high amount of sunlight during the winter months.

What clothes to bring?

New Zealand is a country with rapidly changing weather conditions and at some point you will be caught out! The weather can change pretty quickly during the day. So, it’s well worth carrying a few layers of clothing that will suit all the elements, whether it’s rain, wind, snow or the warm sunshine. Don't be fooled by the cold starts to the day, they can soon turn pretty warm with glorious sunshine and cloudless skies.