The best time to visit New Zealand
The best time to visit New Zealand for warm, sunny weather is December to March, when its destinations average a Sunshine Score of 72/100 with daytime highs around 20°C / 68°F. November and April are quieter shoulder-season alternatives with still-reliable sun.
New Zealand by month, averaged across 10 destinations from long-term climate normals — the best stretch is highlighted.
| Month | Sunshine Score | Avg day high | Rain | Sea | For a trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 75 | 21° / 70°F | 67 mm | 19° | Excellent |
| February | 74 | 21° / 70°F | 66 mm | 19° | Excellent |
| March | 71 | 19° / 66°F | 69 mm | 18° | Excellent |
| April | 54 | 17° / 63°F | 83 mm | 17° | Good |
| May | 37 | 14° / 57°F | 93 mm | 15° | Mixed |
| June | 22 | 12° / 54°F | 96 mm | 13° | Poor |
| July | 16 | 11° / 52°F | 93 mm | 12° | Poor |
| August | 22 | 12° / 54°F | 84 mm | 12° | Poor |
| September | 33 | 13° / 55°F | 78 mm | 13° | Mixed |
| October | 43 | 15° / 59°F | 84 mm | 14° | Good |
| November | 58 | 17° / 63°F | 69 mm | 16° | Very good |
| December | 67 | 19° / 66°F | 83 mm | 18° | Very good |
When to go — and when to think twice
Best overall: December to March — New Zealand's warmest, most reliable stretch (Sunshine Score 72/100, ~20°C / 68°F days). Shoulder season: November and April — quieter, still sunny. Hottest: January, ~21°C / 70°F. Wettest: June (96 mm) — pack for showers.
Where to base yourself for sunshine: Blenheim (2,190 h/yr), Napier (2,102 h/yr), Tauranga (2,102 h/yr). See every New Zealand destination with a full climate card, or where it's sunny worldwide, month by month.