Best Time to Visit New Zealand
Month-by-month climate guide for planning a trip to New Zealand.
New Zealand does not have a month that clearly fits our sunny profiles at a country-wide average. Its warmest and driest window is around January (18°C / 64.4°F) and February (70 mm / 2.8 in rainfall) — usually the practical travel choice. The drier half of the year covers October–April, while the wetter half runs through May–September. Country-wide monthly temperatures range from 8.5°C / 47.3°F in July to 18°C / 64.4°F in January, and monthly rainfall from 70 mm / 2.8 in (February) to 115 mm / 4.5 in (July). New Zealand's climate is broadly seasonal. These are national area-weighted averages from long-term climate normals — regional variation within New Zealand can be substantial, especially for large or geographically diverse countries. Below, every month is classified against our five weather profiles so you can match your travel window to your preferred weather.
Recommended months
| Month | Temp | Rain | Feels like |
|---|---|---|---|
| February | 17.5°C63.5°F | 70 mm2.8″ | — |
| January | 18°C64.4°F | 78 mm3.1″ | — |
| December | 17°C62.6°F | 80 mm3.1″ | — |
No month in New Zealand fits our sunny profiles at a country-wide average. The three above are the driest-and-warmest fallback.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit New Zealand?
New Zealand doesn't have a month that clearly matches our sunny profiles at a national average. The practical travel window centres on February (driest, ~70 mm / 2.8 in) and January (warmest, 18°C / 64.4°F). Regional variation within New Zealand can be significant — city and subdivision pages give a more localised view.
When is the rainy season in New Zealand?
The rainy season in New Zealand runs through May–September, when monthly rainfall exceeds the national annual median of about 90 mm / 3.5 in. The wettest single month is July, averaging 115 mm / 4.5 in.
What is the dry season in New Zealand?
The drier half of the year in New Zealand covers October–April, when monthly rainfall stays at or below the annual median of about 90 mm / 3.5 in. The driest single month is February with about 70 mm / 2.8 in.
What months should I avoid visiting New Zealand?
The least comfortable months for travel in New Zealand — based on our climate data — are May, June, July, August. These are New Zealand's wettest or coolest months. Rainfall peaks at 115 mm / 4.5 in in July, and temperatures bottom out at 8.5°C / 47.3°F in July.
Is there a shoulder season in New Zealand?
Shoulder-season months in New Zealand — moderate weather, lower rainfall than the wet season — include February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December. These are typically the quietest and cheapest months for travel, and often deliver decent weather without the peak-season crowd.