When to go · New Zealand

Best Time to Visit New Zealand

New Zealand is best in January, December and February. It's a temperate country overall, but the sweet spot shifts by region — here's every city, month by month.

Go now

January, December, February

Comfortable and drier

Shoulder

April, March, October

Fewer crowds, a trade-off

Think twice

July, May

Hottest is January (21°C)

It depends where you go

climate varies by region

The best month isn't the same across New Zealand. Here's when each city we track is at its best.

New Zealand month by month

Normals for Christchurch, New Zealand's main hub. Each month links to its full weather page.

MonthHighLowRainVerdict
January21°13°go now
February20°13°go now
March19°12°ok
April17°10°ok
May15°8°think twice
June12°6°ok
July11°4°think twice
August12°4°ok
September14°6°ok
October16°8°ok
November18°10°ok
December20°12°go now

5-year Open-Meteo ERA5 normals. Updated monthly.

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