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 76/100 with daytime highs around 21°C / 70°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 | 78 | 22° / 72°F | 67 mm | 19° | Excellent |
| February | 78 | 22° / 72°F | 66 mm | 19° | Excellent |
| March | 75 | 20° / 68°F | 69 mm | 18° | Excellent |
| April | 61 | 18° / 64°F | 83 mm | 17° | Very good |
| May | 43 | 15° / 59°F | 93 mm | 15° | Good |
| June | 29 | 13° / 55°F | 96 mm | 13° | Mixed |
| July | 23 | 12° / 54°F | 93 mm | 12° | Poor |
| August | 28 | 12° / 54°F | 84 mm | 12° | Mixed |
| September | 41 | 14° / 57°F | 78 mm | 13° | Good |
| October | 51 | 16° / 61°F | 84 mm | 14° | Good |
| November | 66 | 18° / 64°F | 69 mm | 16° | Very good |
| December | 73 | 20° / 68°F | 83 mm | 18° | Excellent |
When to go — and when to think twice
Best overall: December to March — New Zealand's warmest, most reliable stretch (Sunshine Score 76/100, ~21°C / 70°F days). Shoulder season: November and April — quieter, still sunny. Hottest: January, ~22°C / 72°F. Wettest: June (96 mm) — pack for showers.
Where to base yourself for sunshine: Tauranga (2,513 h/yr), Wellington (2,510 h/yr), Blenheim (2,486 h/yr). See every New Zealand destination with a full climate card, or where it's sunny worldwide, month by month.