Best time to visit New Zealand

The best time to visit New Zealand is during the summer (December to March) with warm, sunny days and temperatures between 60°F (16°C) to 80°F (27°C).  It's the perfect time to enjoy New Zealand's stunning beaches and outdoor activities. Everything is open, but it can be crowded with locals on vacation, especially from Christmas to mid-January. If you want fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons (October, November, and April) are great, with quieter attractions and more available accommodations.

Winter (May–September) is the coldest and wettest time, making it the least popular season for general travel. However, it’s perfect for winter sports, with crisp, clear weather on the West Coast and heavy snowfall in the Southern Alps and Central North Island, offering some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world.

When's the best time to visit New Zealand?

Most people visit New Zealand in the summer (December to March), because of the pleasant temperatures, but October through to April is a great time to visit New Zealand.

Remember that New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, so the seasons are the opposite way around from the Northern Hemisphere meaning the summer months are (December to March) and the winter months are (May–September). 

Summer (December – March

• Weather: Warm, sunny days with temperatures between 20–30°C (68–86°F).  
• Best for:  Beach trips, hiking, road trips, and outdoor adventures.  
• Highlights: Long daylight hours, perfect for exploring Milford Sound, Abel Tasman National Park, and the Bay of Islands  

Fall (March – May)

• Weather: Mild temperatures ranging from 10–25°C (50–77°F).  
• Best for: Wine tours, scenic drives, and fewer crowds.  
• Highlights: Stunning fall colors in Arrowtown, Queenstown, and Central Otago.  

Winter (June – August)

• Weather: Cold, with temperatures ranging from 0–15°C (32–59°F). The South Island experiences snowfall.  
• Best for: Skiing, snowboarding, and soaking in hot springs.  
• Highlights: World-class ski resorts in Queenstown, Wanaka, and Mt. Ruapehu

Spring (September – November) 

• Weather: Mild and gradually warming, with temperatures between 10–20°C (50–68°F).  
• Best for: Wildlife spotting, outdoor adventures, and blooming landscapes.  
• Highlights: Baby lambs in the countryside, cherry blossoms in Christchurch, and whale watching in Kaikoura.  

The best time to visit New Zealand depends on what you want to do! Summer is best for outdoor adventures, fall offers stunning landscapes with fewer tourists, winter is perfect for snow sports, and spring brings mild weather and beautiful scenery. 

North Island and South Island

In the North Island, summers are generally warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 20–30°C (68–86°F). Rain is common, but it often comes in short, heavy showers rather than prolonged downpours. The warm season blends almost seamlessly into cool, wet winters, with temperatures typically between 10–15°C (50–59°F). Snow is rare outside of higher elevations, but rainfall increases, particularly in regions like Wellington and the central plateau.

The South Island gets the lion’s share, with the West Coast and Fiordland ranking among the world’s wettest places, worth bearing in mind when deciding the best time to visit. Mountain ranges running the length of both islands cast long rain shadows eastward, making those locations considerably drier. The south is a few degrees cooler than elsewhere, and subtropical Auckland and Northland are appreciably more humid.

This distinct seasonal shift in the South Island contrasts with the North Island’s more gradual transitions, making it important to plan your trip based on the things to do in New Zealand and the weather conditions you prefer.

TIP - check the live weather forecast at MetService

Monthly weather overview

• January – Peak season, as many locals are on summer vacation until mid-month. Early January is especially busy, with beaches and popular destinations crowded. Cities can feel quiet as businesses shut down for the break. 
  • Average temperatures: 75–85°F (24–29°C).  
• February – Often the hottest month of the year. With schools back in session, it’s less crowded than January, making it a great time to visit while still enjoying warm weather. 
  • Average temperatures: 74–84°F (23–29°C)  
• March – A fantastic month for outdoor adventures. The weather is still warm and settled, perfect for hiking and road trips. High season starts to ease, meaning fewer crowds. 
  • Average temperatures: 70–79°F (21–26°C)  
• April – Easter brings school vacations, making travel busier, but it’s still a lovely time to visit. The South Island often experiences crisp, clear days before winter sets in. 
  • Average temperatures: 65–73°F (18–23°C)  
• May – A transitional month, as the summer season fully winds down. Many tourism businesses begin to close or reduce hours, and prices drop, making it one of the cheapest months to travel. 
  • Average temperatures: 58–68°F (14–20°C) 
• June – Winter begins, and temperatures drop. While it’s not the coldest month, it’s noticeably chillier, and some tourist spots in remote areas may shut down. 
  • Average temperatures: 50–60°F (10–16°C)
• July – Mid-winter and the coldest month of the year. Ski season is in full swing, drawing visitors to Queenstown and the Southern Alps, but the rest of the country is quiet. 
  • Average temperatures: 45–58°F (7–14°C)
• August – Prime time for skiing and snowboarding, especially in the South Island. Queenstown and Wanaka stay busy, but many other regions remain in a winter lull. 
  • Average temperatures: 47–60°F (8–16°C)
• September – A slow month for tourism. Snow may still fall in the South Island, but the season is winding down. Many locals are still waiting for warmer weather, meaning quieter attractions for international visitors. 
  • Average temperatures: 50–64°F (10–18°C)
• October – Spring brings unpredictable weather—some days are warm, while others feel like winter. Still part of the shoulder season, making it a good time to visit for those who don’t mind occasional chilly days. 
  • Average temperatures: 55–68°F (13–20°C)
• November – A great month for hiking, with longer daylight hours and fewer crowds. Spring weather can be variable, but overall, it’s a good balance of cost and climate. 
  • Average temperatures: 60–72°F (16–22°C)
• December – The start of summer, with late December (Christmas to New Year’s) being one of the busiest and priciest times to travel in New Zealand. Beaches and vacation destinations fill up quickly.
  •  Average temperatures: 68–78°F (20–26°C)

Summer (December – March)

Temperatures: 68–86°F (20–30°C). 
Best for: beach trips, hiking, road trips, and outdoor adventures.  

New Zealand’s high season brings warm, sunny days. This is when locals take their longest vacation break, making it a lively and festive time to visit.  

December is all about Christmas and New Year’s, with workplaces closing for about three weeks and schools on six-week vacations. Families flock to the beach, enjoying barbecues and summer festivals. New Year’s Eve is celebrated nationwide with fireworks and parties.  

For visitors, it’s an amazing but busy time. Beaches, hiking trails, and national parks are at their best, but accommodation and activities book out fast—especially in Queenstown, the Bay of Islands, and Rotorua. Some businesses close over Christmas and New Year’s, so planning ahead is key.  

February is the hottest month, with stable weather and fewer crowds, making it ideal for travel.  

Fall (March – May)

Temperatures: 50–77°F (10–25°C)
Best for: wine tours, scenic drives, and fewer crowds.

Fall in New Zealand brings mild temperatures, stunning landscapes, and fewer crowds. 

March still feels like summer in many places, with warm days and settled weather, perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. As April arrives, the leaves begin to change, creating beautiful fall scenery, especially in Queenstown, Wanaka, and Arrowtown. Easter and school vacations can make some areas busier, but overall, it’s a quieter time than summer.

May marks the shift toward winter, with cooler temperatures and some tourism businesses starting to reduce hours. This is one of the best months for budget travelers, as prices drop and popular attractions are less crowded.

Winter (June – August)

Temperatures: 32–59°F (0–15°C)
Best for: Skiing, snowboarding, and soaking in hot springs.  

Winter in New Zealand is a season of crisp air, snowy mountains, and fewer crowds. The South Island experiences colder conditions and regular snowfall, while the North Island remains milder.

June marks the start of winter, bringing colder temperatures and early snowfall in the mountains. July is the coldest month, perfect for skiing and snowboarding, especially in Queenstown, Wanaka, and Mt. Ruapehu. August continues the ski season, with some of the best conditions for winter sports.

Outside of ski areas, winter is a quiet and budget-friendly time to visit. Many tourist spots are less crowded, and accommodation prices drop. The West Coast and Fiordland often have clear, sunny days between rain showers, making it a great time to explore without summer crowds.

Hot springs in places like Hanmer Springs and Rotorua are a perfect way to warm up after a day of sightseeing. While some remote attractions may close for winter, it’s still a great time for those looking for a relaxed, off-peak travel experience.

Spring (September – November) 

Temperatures: 50–68°F (10–20°C)
Best for: Wildlife spotting, outdoor adventures, and blooming landscapes.  

Spring in New Zealand is a season of renewal, with blooming flowers, newborn lambs, and milder temperatures. The weather can be unpredictable, with a mix of warm sunshine, rain, and the occasional late snowfall in the South Island.

September is still chilly, especially in the South Island, where snow may linger on the mountains. It’s a quiet month for tourism, making it a great time to visit before the summer crowds arrive. October sees more settled weather, with longer daylight hours and landscapes turning lush and green. By November, temperatures rise, making it one of the best months for hiking, road trips, and wildlife spotting.

Spring is an ideal time to visit yards, wineries, and national parks, with fewer crowds than summer. Outdoor activities like kayaking in Abel Tasman, exploring Fiordland, or visiting Rotorua’s geothermal parks are especially enjoyable during this time.

FAQ

What months are best to visit New Zealand?

The best months to visit are December to February (summer) and March to May (fall). These months offer mild weather, beautiful landscapes, and fewer crowds. 

What is the cheapest time to visit New Zealand?

The cheapest time to visit is May to September (winter). Flights and accommodation prices drop, except in ski destinations like Queenstown. October and November (spring) or April (fall) also offer lower prices with good weather.

What is the rainy season in New Zealand?

New Zealand experiences rain year-round, but the West Coast and Fiordland get the most rain, especially in winter (June–August). The North Island sees more rain in winter, while the South Island has heavier rainfall in spring (September–November).

What is the peak tourist season in New Zealand?

The peak season is December to February (summer). This is when locals take long vacations, beaches and national parks are crowded, and accommodation prices are highest. Late December to mid-January is the busiest time.

What to wear

For summer visits, it’s recommended to bring a sweater or windbreaker for cooler evenings or brisk days, especially if you plan to travel to the South Island. During the day, a T-shirt or thin cotton shirt is usually enough.

For most of the year, medium-weight clothing like a T-shirt and sweater, along with a raincoat or umbrella, is suitable. However, in midwinter (June–August), places like Rotorua, Taupo, and the South Island, including Queenstown, require warm winter clothing and sturdy footwear. The South Island is significantly colder in winter than the North.

Note: New Zealand is known for its high level of ultraviolet radiation and the brilliance of its light. It is important to wear sunscreen lotions, a hat, sunglasses and protective clothing.