What is the best time to visit New Zealand?

Best Time to Visit New Zealand

The best time to travel to New Zealand is during summer (December to February) and autumn (March to May).

Summer in New Zealand

Summer in New Zealand is marked by long days with plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures. This is the best time of year for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and beach visits. Travelers can also expect to see beautiful wildflowers in bloom throughout the country. The season is also full of festivals, including the Auckland Arts Festival, the New Zealand International Comedy Festival, and the Waitangi Day celebrations.

Autumn in New Zealand

Autumn in New Zealand is a great time to visit for its mild temperatures and stunning foliage. The country’s many parks and gardens burst with vibrant colors, and the air is filled with the scent of blooming flowers. This is also a great time of year for outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and kayaking. Travelers can also enjoy a variety of festivals, such as the Auckland International Film Festival, the Wellington Jazz Festival, and the Queenstown Winter Festival.

Month-by-month guide for traveling in New Zealand

New Zealand in January

Weather

January is the middle of summer in New Zealand, with temperatures ranging from the mid-teens to the mid-twenties Celsius, depending on the region. It is usually one of the sunniest months of the year, with long days and plenty of sunshine.

Events

• The New Zealand Open, a professional golf tournament, takes place in Queenstown in January.
• The annual Waitangi Day celebrations are held on the 6th of February to commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
• The Summer Festival of the Arts is held in Auckland in January, with a range of performances, exhibitions, and activities.
• The International Buskers Festival is held in Wellington in January, with a range of street performers from around the world.
• The Auckland Arts Festival is held in late January, with a range of performances, exhibitions, and activities.

New Zealand in January

Weather

In January, New Zealand experiences the summer season. Temperatures range from the mid to high 20s Celsius (70-80°F). The North Island of New Zealand experiences more rain than the South Island.

Events

• The Auckland Arts Festival is held in January, showcasing the best of New Zealand’s art, music, theatre and dance.
• The World Buskers Festival is held in Christchurch in January, featuring street performers from around the world.
• The New Zealand International Film Festival is held in Auckland in January, showcasing the best of international and local films.
• The Wellington Jazz Festival is held in January, featuring jazz musicians from around the world.
• The Waitangi Day Celebrations are held in Waitangi in January, commemorating the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

New Zealand in March

Weather

March in New Zealand is the beginning of autumn, with temperatures ranging from about 10-15 degrees Celsius. The days are usually sunny and dry, but the occasional rain shower is possible.

Events

• The Auckland Arts Festival is a two-week celebration of the arts, featuring performances, exhibitions, and workshops. It takes place in March each year.
• The New Zealand International Film Festival is held in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch in March. It showcases the best of local and international cinema.
• The Marlborough Wine and Food Festival is held in Blenheim in the Marlborough region. It celebrates the region’s world-famous wines and local cuisine.
• The New Zealand Festival of Motor Racing is held in Hampton Downs, north of Auckland. It features classic and modern cars and motorbikes.
• The Wellington International Jazz Festival is held in the capital city. It features performances from local and international jazz musicians.

New Zealand in April

Weather

April is the start of autumn in New Zealand, and temperatures begin to cool down. The average temperature is around 13°C (55°F). The days are usually sunny, but there can be some rain.

Events

• The Auckland Arts Festival is held in April, offering a range of performances, exhibitions, and workshops.
• The New Zealand International Film Festival is held in April in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
• The Queen’s Birthday is celebrated in April, with events and activities held throughout the country.
• The World of Wearable Art Awards Show is held in Wellington in April, showcasing innovative fashion designs.
• The Great Kiwi Beer Festival is held in Auckland in April, featuring craft beers from all over New Zealand.

New Zealand in May

Weather

May marks the start of winter in New Zealand. The average temperature in the North Island is around 10-14°C (50-57°F) while the South Island is slightly cooler at 8-12°C (46-54°F). Snowfall is common in the mountainous regions of the South Island and temperatures can drop below freezing at night.

Events

• The Queen’s Birthday Weekend is celebrated on the first Monday of May. This is a public holiday in New Zealand and is celebrated with parades, festivals, and other public events.
• The New Zealand International Film Festival is held in May in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. This festival showcases the best of local and international films.
• The World of WearableArt Awards Show is held in Wellington in May. This show features artworks made from recycled and repurposed materials.
• The New Zealand Festival of Motor Racing is held in May at the Hampton Downs Motorsport Park in North Waikato. This event features classic and vintage cars, motorbikes, and other vehicles.
• The New Zealand International Comedy Festival is held in May in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. This festival showcases a variety of local and international comedians.

New Zealand in June

Weather

June is the start of winter in New Zealand and the weather can be quite unpredictable. Daytime temperatures range from 8-14°C, with cooler temperatures in the evenings. Snowfall is possible in the higher elevations, and rainfall is common throughout the country.

Events

• Auckland Arts Festival: The Auckland Arts Festival is an annual event that takes place in June and celebrates the best of New Zealand’s arts and culture.
• Queen’s Birthday: Queen’s Birthday is a public holiday in New Zealand that falls on the first Monday in June each year.
• Winter Festival: The Winter Festival is a celebration of winter in New Zealand with a variety of events, activities and performances taking place throughout the country.
• Winter Solstice: The winter solstice is the longest night of the year and takes place on June 21st each year.
• New Zealand Music Month: New Zealand Music Month is a celebration of New Zealand music and takes place throughout the month of June.

New Zealand in July

Weather

July is the coldest month in New Zealand, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 16 degrees Celsius (50 to 61 degrees Fahrenheit). The weather in July is generally wet and windy. Snow can be expected in the higher elevations.

Events

• The Great Kiwi Beer Festival is held in Auckland in July. This event features over 200 craft beers from around the country, as well as live music and food stalls.
• The New Zealand International Film Festival is held in July in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. This festival showcases the best of New Zealand and international cinema.
• The Queenstown Winter Festival is held in July. This event features a range of winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and snowshoeing.
• The New Zealand Festival of the Arts is held in Wellington in July. This event features a range of performances, from music and theatre to visual arts and literature.
• The New Zealand International Comedy Festival is held in Auckland and Wellington in July. This event features a range of local and international comedians.

New Zealand in August

Weather

August is the beginning of the spring season in New Zealand, with temperatures ranging from 12-20 degrees Celsius. The days are usually sunny, with some occasional showers.

Events

• The Auckland Arts Festival is an annual event that takes place in August. It features a range of performances, exhibitions and events, including theatre, dance, music, visual arts, literature and more.
• The New Zealand International Film Festival is held in August every year. It showcases the best of international and New Zealand films, and includes special screenings, workshops and seminars.
• The New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays is held in August each year. It is the largest agricultural event in the country and features a range of displays, demonstrations and competitions.
• The Wellington International Jazz Festival is held in August each year. It is a four-day event featuring a range of jazz performances from local and international artists.
• The New Zealand International Comedy Festival is held in August each year. It is a four-week event featuring a range of comedy shows from local and international comedians.

New Zealand in September

Weather

September in New Zealand is typically the start of spring, with temperatures ranging from 8-18°C (46-64°F). The days are getting longer and the weather is becoming milder and more pleasant. Rainfall is common throughout the month, but the amount varies depending on the region.

Events

• The Auckland Arts Festival is held in September, showcasing the best of New Zealand’s performing arts. It is one of the largest arts festivals in the country.
• The Queen’s Birthday is celebrated on the first Monday in September. The day is marked with public holidays, parades, and other festivities.
• The New Zealand International Film Festival is held in September in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. It is one of the country’s largest film festivals and showcases the best of New Zealand and international cinema.
• The New Zealand Music Awards are held in September to celebrate the best of the country’s music. It is one of the most prestigious music events in the country.
• The Great New Zealand Food Show is held in September in Auckland. It is a celebration of the country’s food and wine, showcasing the best of New Zealand’s produce.

New Zealand in October

Weather

October in New Zealand is generally mild and sunny. Temperatures range from an average high of 18°C (64°F) to an average low of 8°C (46°F). The days are usually dry and sunny, with occasional rain showers.

Events

• The New Zealand International Film Festival takes place in October in Auckland and Wellington. The festival showcases the best of New Zealand and international cinema.
• The Great Kiwi Beer Festival takes place in October in Auckland. The festival celebrates New Zealand’s craft beer culture with live music, food, and of course, beer.
• The Auckland Writers Festival takes place in October. The festival brings together some of the world’s best authors and storytellers for a week of inspiring talks, workshops, and performances.
• The New Zealand Wine & Food Festival takes place in October in Auckland. The festival features the best of New Zealand’s wine and food, with live music, cooking demonstrations, and tastings.
• The New Zealand International Comedy Festival takes place in October in Auckland. The festival is a celebration of comedy, featuring some of the best international and local comedians.

New Zealand in November

Weather

November is the start of the summer season in New Zealand, with temperatures ranging from 15-25 degrees Celsius. The days are longer and the sun is out for most of the time, making it a great time to explore the outdoors.

Events

• The World of Wearable Arts Show is held in Wellington during November, showcasing the best of New Zealand fashion and design.
• The Auckland Lantern Festival is held in Albert Park, celebrating the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival with traditional music, food, and art.
• The New Zealand International Film Festival is held in Auckland and Wellington, featuring the best of local and international cinema.
• The Wellington Jazz Festival is held in the capital, showcasing the best of jazz music from around the world.
• The New Zealand International Comedy Festival is held in Auckland, featuring the best of local and international comedians.

New Zealand in December

Weather

December in New Zealand is the beginning of summer. Temperatures range from highs of 25-30°C in the northern parts of the country to highs of 15-20°C in the south. The days are long and sunny, and the nights are mild.

Events

• The Christmas in the Park event is held in Auckland on the first Saturday of December. This event features music, food, and entertainment for the whole family.
• The New Zealand International Film Festival is held in Auckland and Wellington in December. This event showcases the best of local and international films.
• The Waitangi Day Festival is held in Waitangi on 6 December. This event celebrates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi and features traditional Maori music and dance.
• The Summer Solstice Festival is held in Auckland in December. This event celebrates the longest day of the year with music, art, and food.
• The Rhythm and Vines music festival is held in Gisborne in December. This event features some of the best local and international music acts.