CLIMATE IN NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand has mild temperatures, moderately high rainfall, and many hours of sunshine throughout most of the country. Its climate is dominated by two main geographical features—the mountain and the sea. Summer begins from December to February, winter from June to August, spring from September to November, and autumn from March to May.

New Zealand’ climate is varied and complex with warm subtropical in the far north to cool temperate climate in the far south. The country is divided into different climate regions, as the westerly winds are blocked due to the mountains extending the whole length of New Zealand. The wettest area being the West Coast of the South Island, and the areas to the east of the mountains, is the driest.

New Zealand receives between 66 to 1600 mm of rainfall in most areas throughout the year, however during summer it is dry. Northern and central areas of New Zealand receives more rainfall in winter than in summer, while in the southern part, winter is the season of least rainfall. This high rainfall makes New Zealand an ideal place for farming and horticulture.

The coldest month in New Zealand is usually July and the warmest month is usually January or February. There are small variations between summer and winter temperatures, although the variation is greater in inland and to the east of the ranges.

New Zealand observes daylight saving, so during summer months daylight can last up to 9.00 pm. Since New Zealand experiences little air pollution compared to many other countries, it makes the UV rays in sunlight very strong during the summer months.
Those areas in New Zealand that are sheltered from the west, the sunshine hours are high in most places the midday summer solar radiation index is very high and can be extreme in Northern New Zealand and in mountainous area.

Mainly it snows in the mountain areas of New Zealand. Although the east and south of the South Island experiences some snow in winter, it rarely falls in the coastal areas of the North Island and west of the South Island. Mostly on cold nights frosts can occur anywhere in New Zealand. Winter is an excellent time to visit glaciers, mountains, and other areas of scenic beauty.

New Zealand’s spring weather can range from cold and frosty to warm and hot. During this time buds, blossoms, and other new growth bursts forth throughout the country. In autumn the weather can be excellent, with temperatures cooler than summer.