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Best time to visit New Zealand: All you need to know

Team AckoFeb 9, 2024

With its diverse climates, stunning landscapes, and endless activities, there is no bad time to visit New Zealand. But if you want to make sure your trip is as memorable and enjoyable as possible, then read on to know the best time to visit New Zealand.

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When is the best time to visit New Zealand?

The best time to visit New Zealand is during months of December to May. New Zealand's unique location gives it a range of climates and temperatures, making it a great destination no matter the season. If you're looking for some sun in your holiday then late spring (November - December) is usually the warmest time, with daytime temperatures reaching up to 25°C. During summer (December to March) the days are long and filled with activities such as swimming and surfing at the beaches. For ski-lovers winter (June – August) is an ideal time for hitting the slopes in either North Island or South Island.

If you're after a more peaceful experience then consider visiting during one of the shoulder seasons (March - April or October - November), which are milder but still offer plenty of incredible events like Central Otago Wine Festival and Milford Sound Winter Festival. To save money on accommodation, avoid peak times such as Christmas/New Year, Easter Holidays, and school holidays. The cheapest month to travel is usually March/April while June/July tend to be the busiest months due to ski season.

When is the best season to visit New Zealand

The best season to visit New Zealand is their summer season. Summer (December – February) is the peak season in New Zealand. Days are long and sunny, making it the perfect time to explore the outdoors with activities like hiking, swimming and surfing. However, if you’re looking for a more peaceful experience then consider visiting during one of the shoulder seasons (March-April or October-November). Late spring (November-December) offers warmer weather while ski lovers should plan their trip in winter (June – August).

Peak season: New Zealand’s peak season falls between December and February. This is the time for festivities and school holidays. Prepare to spend more if you plan to travel during this period.

Shoulder season: New Zealand has two phases of shoulder season. These are from September to November and March to May. The temperature in these phases ranges from 19 to 24°C.

Low season: June to August is New Zealand’s low season. However, this does not apply to the ski-related areas. The temperature during these months is around 14 °C.

A month-by-month guide to travel in New Zealand

Here’s a month-by-month guide for you.

New Zealand in January

January is a great time to visit New Zealand, as the country experiences a summer season from December to January. It's peak tourism season, and schools are closed until the end of the month. Rotorua is especially worth a visit during this time, as temperatures average around 20°C and many of the natural spas and Maori sites are open to visitors. January is notable in New Zealand for being the warmest month of the year, with average temperatures being higher than usual. On mountain tops and hilly regions of New Zealand, temperatures can dip to be negative; but that's not something you'll need to worry about if you're planning to visit the country during summer months.

Temperature range to expect: 20 - 25°C (68 - 77°F)
Events: ASB Classic, Soundsplash Festival, Great Kiwi Beer Festival, Auckland Folk Festival, Tāmaki Herenga Waka Festival

New Zealand in February

With the peak summer temperatures of 25 degrees Celsius and schools back in session, international visitors won't be competing with school holidays crowds. Families who are on summer break will be heading home during this time, leaving plenty of opportunities for visitors to explore the natural wonders of the country. Rotorua is well worth a visit during this time as temperatures are mild and perfect for exploring the region's natural spas and Maori sites. Although temperatures can go down to negative levels in hilly regions and mountain tops, the average temperature of the entire country stays quite warm throughout February.

Temperature range to expect: 20 - 25°C (68 - 77°F)
Events: Auckland Lantern Festival, Marlborough Wine Festival, Splore Festival

New Zealand in March

March marks the start of autumn in New Zealand, and is an excellent time to visit as temperatures start to become more bearable, and the crowds of tourists from the summer months start to thin out. Hiking and other outdoor activities are still possible, but visitors should be aware that the weather can be unpredictable, with wetter conditions and chilly breezes likely at this time of year. Despite the colder weather, spring is still a great time to visit New Zealand as it bursts with new life; colourful blooms, baby wildlife and ‘waterfall season’ make for a truly inspiring experience.

Temperature range to expect: 17 - 21°C (62 - 70°F)
Events: Hokitika Wildfoods Festival, WOMAD

New Zealand in April

The daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm while the nights are cool, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Popular cities like Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin have lots of galleries, museums and other attractions to explore. April is also the perfect month for attending outdoor festivals like the Arrowtown Autumn Festival and the Titirangi Festival of Music. The weather during April is typically autumnal with temperatures ranging from 16-18 degrees Celsius, making it the perfect temperature for sightseeing and enjoying the outdoors. New Zealand's cooler weather in April also makes it an ideal time for taking in the beautiful scenery without the crowds. Whether you're looking for an adventure or some relaxing downtime, April is a great time to visit New Zealand.

Temperature range to expect: 17 - 21°C (62 - 70°F)
Events: Rhythm and Vines Festival, Xterra Rotorua Festival, The New Zealand Spirit Festival

New Zealand in May

Visiting New Zealand in May can be a great time of year for outdoor activities. The weather is still comfortable for hiking, mountain biking, white water rafting, bungy jumping and more. If you're looking to cool off, the country's many beaches and lakes are ideal for summer activities. You can also enjoy outdoor sightseeing activities such as cruises on Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound in Fiordland, where you can spot dolphins and whales. In the North Island, don't miss out on the Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival! While the days are warm, evenings and nights can get chilly so make sure to pack warm clothing. With some careful planning, visiting New Zealand in May can be a truly enjoyable experience.

Temperature range to expect: 17 - 21°C (62 - 70°F)
Events: Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival, Mayfest

New Zealand in June

The weather is still comfortable for hiking, mountain biking, white water rafting, bungy jumping and more. If you're looking to cool off, the country's many beaches and lakes are ideal for summer activities. You can also enjoy outdoor sightseeing activities such as cruises on Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound in Fiordland, where you can spot dolphins and whales. In the North Island, don't miss out on the Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival! While the days are warm, evenings and nights can get chilly so make sure to pack warm clothing. With some careful planning, visiting New Zealand in May can be a truly enjoyable experience.

Temperature range to expect: 12 - 16°C (53 - 61°F)
Events: Winter Festival (Queenstown)

New Zealand in July

Visiting New Zealand in July offers a unique experience for travellers looking for a variety of activities and events. With the middle of winter in full swing, the country is alive with the sounds of skiing and snow sports, making it one of the best months to enjoy these alpine activities. Despite the cold weather, there are still beautiful things to see and explore in the North, while Auckland and Wellington offer indoor city sightseeing opportunities. For an unforgettable experience, travellers should check out the Matariki Festival which celebrates the Maori New Year, as well as the Birdman event in the Bay of Islands where locals dress up like birds! Be sure to come prepared with suitable clothing and equipment when doing outdoor activities due to New Zealand's highly changeable weather. With so much to do and explore, visiting New Zealand in July is a great way to make memories!

Temperature range to expect: 12 - 16°C (53 - 61°F)
Events: Matariki Festival

New Zealand in August

Visiting New Zealand in August is a great time to experience the winter season. With snow on the ground and plenty of outdoor activities on offer, it's the perfect time for winter sports enthusiasts to hit the slopes. Queenstown & Wanaka are popular destinations for skiing and snowboarding, and the Audi Quattro Winter Games offer exciting competitions for elite athletes. Even if you're not an extreme winter sports fan, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy. The Antarctic Storm is a must-see attraction in Queenstown & Wanaka, and offers a unique experience of its own with thrilling activities such as zip-lining and ice climbing. However, if you prefer not to brave the cold weather, there are plenty of sightseeing opportunities available as well. August can be a great time to spend exploring the beauty of New Zealand without having to worry about extreme temperatures or long days of outdoor activity.

Temperature range to expect: 12 - 16°C (53 - 61°F)
Events: Winter Games, Queenstown/Wanaka, Beervana, Wellington

New Zealand in September

September is a great time to visit New Zealand. The weather is usually warm and sunny, perfect for outdoor activities such as exploring Hagley Park, seeing the stunning lupins in bloom, or visiting the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Even better, because it's a shoulder season, visitors can enjoy these activities without the large crowds of tourists. There are plenty of fun winter and summer activities to enjoy as well, such as skiing and hiking. Plus, the arrival of spring brings with it colourful wildflowers, lambs in the fields, and events such as the New Zealand Blues, Roots and Groove Festival. Although it's still too cool to swim in most of the North Island, sports like golfing and tennis are popular pastimes. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure or cultural experiences, September is an ideal time to visit New Zealand.

Temperature range to expect: 16 - 19°C (61 - 66°F)
Events: World of Wearable Art, Wellington, Whitianga Scallop Festival

New Zealand in October

October is an ideal month to visit New Zealand. With its mild temperature, sunny days and outdoor activities, you can experience a great vacation in the islands. In Auckland, visitors can enjoy a range of activities from cruising to hiking, skydiving to eco safaris. October is also a great time to explore the country’s wildlife with birds at their most active during springtime. Wellington experiences its best weather from October onwards with average temperatures of between 17 and 21°C, making it the perfect time to explore the capital city. Visitors can also attend the Auckland Heritage Festival or the Bay of Islands Food & Wine Festival for an enjoyable experience. While October is a beautiful time to visit New Zealand in terms of weather and conditions, it’s also the busiest month for travellers so be sure to plan your trip carefully.

Temperature range to expect: 16 - 19°C (61 - 66°F)
Events: Taste of Auckland

New Zealand in November

November is a great time to visit New Zealand. With mild temperatures and little rainfall, it's the perfect time to explore the fascinating nature and culture that this country has to offer. From Abel Tasman Coast Track, to whale watching in Kaikura, there are plenty of outdoor activities for keen hikers and nature lovers. If you're looking for something more cultural, why not check out the Toast Martinborough wine and food festival in Martinborough? With its unique mix of vineyards, galleries, cafes and craft breweries, it promises to be an unforgettable experience. Whether you're looking for a relaxing holiday or an action-packed adventure, New Zealand in November has something for everyone.

Temperature range to expect: 16 - 19°C (61 - 66°F)
Events: Toast Martinborough

New Zealand in December

December is the perfect time to visit New Zealand. With summer in full swing, the days are full of sunshine and the evenings are warm. The great outdoors beckons with a plethora of activities to do, including bungee jumping from Kawarau Bridge, a Milford Sound Cruise, skydiving, trekking and beach-going. In the North Island, Kaitaia is a great place to explore and experience the culture of New Zealand. December also brings about plenty of events for you to experience. The New Plymouth Festival of Lights is a wonderland of lights that will take your breath away.

Temperature range to expect: 20 - 25°C (68 - 77°F)
Events: Christmas and New Year, The New Plymouth Festival of Lights

When is the cheapest time to visit New Zealand?

The most inexpensive time to visit New Zealand is during the winter months from June to August. During this period, you can usually save some money on flights and accommodation in most places. However, if you're planning on visiting ski fields or resort towns at this time, be aware that prices may remain quite high due to peak season demand. You could still find great deals by purchasing flight tickets and hotel bookings weeks or months in advance but overall, the winter months offer generally lower prices than other times of year.

When is the most expensive time to visit New Zealand?

From December to March, New Zealand is considered the high season, meaning that prices are at their highest and booking ahead is strongly advised when visiting during this period. Thus, if you're looking to save on costs while experiencing all that New Zealand has to offer, it's probably best to plan your visit outside of these months if you can!

When is the best time to visit New Zealand for a honeymoon?

If you want a romantic honeymoon filled with adventure and spectacular vistas, head over to New Zealand during its summer months of December to February!

When is the best season for White Water Rafting in New Zealand?

Spring, Summer and Autumn are all popular seasons for anyone looking to hit the amazing rapids of rivers that course through the country. Of course, some of these rivers can be rafted year-round and no matter which season you choose, you'll have an unforgettable experience.

Why you must get travel insurance when visiting New Zealand

Vacationing abroad doesn’t always go smoothly. There are plenty of things that can go wrong, and they often catch us unaware. Besides the mental trauma of being stuck abroad and feeling helpless, incidents such as medical emergencies, loss of baggage, and flight delays can leave a big dent in your pocket. So in order to eliminate the uncertainty, it's best to buy travel insurance before your trip to New Zealand.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked question's on best time to visit New Zealand.

Which is the best month to visit New Zealand?

If you're looking for the best time to visit New Zealand and experience its natural wonders, then December to March are the ideal months to go. It's during this period that people get to enjoy long, bright and sunny days combined with warm weather of 16°C to 24°C.

What is a good amount of time to spend in New Zealand?

Depending on your goals and interests, the ideal length of stay in New Zealand can vary greatly. Generally speaking, most visitors recommend at least 10 days for a comprehensive New Zealand experience. This allows enough time to visit all of the main attractions and explore both North and South Islands. Regardless of your plans, it's important to remember that with its stunning landscapes and world-class attractions, New Zealand is a beautiful destination worth visiting all year round.

Which is the rainiest month in New Zealand?

When it comes to the rainiest month in New Zealand, it's important to remember that the rainiest period is from May to August. During this time, you can expect around 12-13 days of rain per month and only 3-4 hours of sunshine each day. Even during summer times, you're likely to see around 7 days of rain each month.

How much should I budget for a month in New Zealand?

Depending on the type of traveler you are, the cost of a month in New Zealand can vary greatly. For instance, if you're a backpacker on a budget, you can expect to spend around 70-95 NZD per day. This can cover the cost of a hostel dorm room, bus transportation, and some happy hours. On the other hand, if you're looking for more comfort, like renting a car and staying in mid-range hotels, then your daily budget should be closer to 200 NZD per day.

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Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on industry experience and several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes.