There are four seasons in New Zealand , just like in Austria. Winter, spring, summer and autumn. A difference to the Austrian or European seasons: They run opposite to the New Zealand. If it’s winter here, it’s summer in New Zealand. During our spring, it is autumn in New Zealand. During our summer months it is the winter months in New Zealand. When the golden autumn begins in Austria, spring blossoms in New Zealand. In the following, I’ll show you what to expect in New Zealand’s seasons.
New Zealand winter: June to August
In the winter time in New Zealand the temperatures are at the minimum. In June you have to be prepared for maximum temperatures of 15 degrees Celsius. At night it doesn’t get warmer than 10 degrees Celsius. Depending on the region, the temperatures are also lower. From June of both islands starting the ski season in the mountains. In the higher elevations there is snow that is ideal for winter sports. In July, temperatures continue to drop. The month is the coldest of the entire year, with the South Island being even colder than the North Island. Things are looking up in August. According to cachedhealth, temperatures rise to 15 degrees Celsius or more and the sun shines longer. It’s still fresh at night, so thick things shouldn’t be missing. Basically, you have to be prepared for changeable weather in winter. Thick clothes are a must and an umbrella should also be in the suitcase.
New Zealand Spring: September to November
With September the temperatures rise and the New Zealand spring sets in. September shines with temperatures around 17 degrees Celsius a day. The ski season ends, the snow melts and winter sports enthusiasts are leaving the ski regions. In October , spring is right there. It rains more often than in other spring months, but temperatures continue to rise. Summer is approaching from November . Temperatures continue to rise, but in many regions they are below 20 degrees Celsius. Nevertheless, the summer can already be felt.
New Zealand Summer: December to February
The summer in New Zealand is also the season for a holiday. On the one hand you can spend the perfect beach holiday in New Zealand and on the other hand you can experience the turn of the year at the other end of the world. The weather is stable and the temperatures are warm in summer. The average in January is 24 degrees Celsius and the water is pleasant for swimming and bathing at 20 degrees Celsius. At night, temperatures drop to below 15 degrees Celsius. In February the weather remains at a similar level, with the number of hours of sunshine decreasing slightly. If you’re after a hiking holiday in New Zealand, you’ll do everything right in the New Zealand summer.
New Zealand Autumn: March to May
In March and April you can still enjoy wonderful weather. At 23 degrees Celsius you can still swim in the sea in March . In April the water temperatures drop and are no longer perfect for a beach holiday. For the nights you should bring warmer clothes with you, as they are quite cool. The weather in May is less stable than in the other months of New Zealand’s autumn. If you are on the South Island in May, snowfall can surprise you. No wonder, since May heralds winter in New Zealand. Nevertheless, May is ideal for a hiking holiday.
My conclusion on the best travel time for New Zealand
If stable weather conditions, lots of sun and the opportunity to swim are the most important factors for you, the best time to travel to New Zealand is clear: the New Zealand summer months of December , January and February . At this time you are in the warmest and sunniest months on the islands. If you want to ski in the New Zealand mountains, you are right in the winter months from June to August . For a hiking holiday in New Zealand, you should plan for spring from September to November or autumn from March to May focus. As you can see, the best time to travel to New Zealand is not there. You have to make it dependent on your intentions and preferences. Furthermore, you cannot always rely on the weather forecast. The weather in New Zealand can suddenly change. Precipitation is always possible in New Zealand, even in summer! Be prepared for any weather.