Best Time to Visit New Zealand | Zicasso (2024)

When visiting New Zealand, remember that the seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. That means summer is from December to February, autumn from March to May, spring from September to November, and winter from June to August.

New Zealand’s southerly position means dynamic ecosystems that change dramatically, from the North Island’s top beaches to the South Island’s fjords. The best time to travel to New Zealand will depend on whether you wish to visit in the high, shoulder, or low season.

High Season: January • February

While winter in the Northern Hemisphere, January and February, in the high season, are the perfect summer months in which to visit New Zealand’s North and South islands.

The warm weather is ideal for visiting the many beaches or sailing the waters in search of playful dolphins. The celebrated outdoor lifestyle across the islands provides plenty to explore and experience in the warm months.

As you consider your plans, the country's temperate climate offers a more tropical edge along the northern tip at the Bay of Islands and more continental temperatures at the southern tip in Fiordland National Park.

Shoulder Season: September • October • March • April

The shoulder months of September, October, March, and April are the best spring and fall times in which to visit New Zealand.

During these times, the weather is comfortable and the landscapes stunning. It is temperate in spring following the snow season, while in fall, the foliage turns vivid browns, reds, and golds.

The best thing about these seasons is that there are far fewer crowds, making popular destinations more accessible for activities like bike riding, wildlife spotting, hiking, and stargazing.

Low Season: July • August

July and August are the best months to experience New Zealand in the winter low season.

Outside of the mountains and bottom end of the South Island, winter is generally mild and short, with crisp, clear skies. Winter is a great time in which to enjoy the snow and volcanic peaks, and offers easy access to the valleys.

Whether relaxing in geothermal pools, whale watching, or enjoying one of the many festivals, winter is a beautiful time in which to enjoy New Zealand’s land, sea, and culture from a different perspective.

Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

Best Months: September • October • March • April • May

New Zealand’s four distinctive seasons make it a great place to visit year-round, but September to October and March to May are the best months to visit for sightseeing.

The shoulder seasons in the Southern Hemisphere’s spring (September to October) and fall (March, April, and May) have great weather across the islands and much smaller crowds than in the popular summer tourist season.

Flowers bloom along New Zealand’s Great Walks and the cuisine shifts with the seasons, revealing the islands' incredible diversity that spreads for more than 1,000 miles from north to south.

Learn more: Best Places to Visit in New Zealand

Sandfly Bay on the Otago Peinsula, New Zeand

Best Months: January • February • March

The Southern Hemisphere’s summer months of January and February are the best times for the beach in New Zealand. The ocean temperatures around the North Island are comfortable, even along the rugged coastline.

By February, locals have returned to work, clearing the majority of shorelines and offering the perfect time for lounging on the sands or winding through the trails that lead to panoramic views of some of New Zealand’s nearly 8,700 miles of coastline.

Humpback whale off the coast of Kaikoura, New Zeland

Best Months: June • July • August

The Southern Hemisphere’s winter, in June, July, and August, is the best time to visit New Zealand for whale watching.

Sperm whales reside off the coast year-round, but winter creates a more exciting season for spectators who want to see migrating pods of humpback, pilot, right, and even blue whales. The traveling whales love to stop near New Zealand’s shores on their long journey to tropical waters.

Kaikoura, New Zealand

Best Months: December • January • February • March

The Southern Hemisphere’s spring months, leading into summer, provide the best surfing opportunities in New Zealand.

There is no need for wetsuits along the shores of the North Island, especially at the northern tip along the Bay of Islands.

While the waters along the South Island require a wetsuit year-round, the swells are great between December and March, especially around places like Kaikoura and Dunedin.

Marlborough region, New Zealand

Best Months: February • March • April • May

Fall in the Southern Hemisphere gives way to the harvest season across New Zealand, making February, March, April, and May fantastic months in which to visit the islands’ wine regions.

The country is famous for wines like sauvignon blanc and pinot noir. The changing leaves, the harvest, and an exceptional blend of grape varietals make the fall the perfect time to discover New Zealand's specialties and their specific personalities.

Learn more: New Zealand Wine Tours

Lake Rotoita in Rotorua, New Zealand. Photo courtesy Destination Rotorua

Best Months: March • April • September • October

New Zealand is the ultimate family destination, with the Southern Hemisphere’s autumn and spring giving you the perfect combination of weather and activities to enjoy as a family.

Family-friendly excursions can take you kayaking in national parks, hiking hidden trails, or searching for rare dolphins or endangered penguins.

With so many nature-based activities accessible during fall and spring, you can enjoy a range of adventures in the comfortable absence of the summer crowds.

Learn more: New Zealand Family Itineraries

Milkey Way over Mt Cook Dark Sky Reserve in New Zealand

Best Months: March • April • October • November • December

The best time for couples to visit New Zealand’s romantic places spans the Southern Hemisphere’s fall and spring, spreading into the summer month of December.

Starry-eyed romantics can find a retreat from crowds in intimate stargazing encounters or sailing excursions, traveling on a hot-air balloon with sparkling wine or indulging in a private picnic at a celebrated vineyard, a few of the most romantic experiences.

The diversity of New Zealand’s landscape gives you endless choices in which to indulge in the more luxurious and active characteristics of the islands, whether horseback riding on a beach or basking in a thermal pool.

Learn more: New Zealand Tours for Couples • New Zealand Honeymoon Packages

Dart river in Queenstown, New Zealand

Best Months: September • October • January • February

Spring and summer in the Southern Hemisphere include the months of September, October, January, and February, which are perfect for seasonal activities in New Zealand.

While excursions like visiting a museum or a restaurant are year-round, other activities are weather permitting.

September, October, January, and February give you the best weather for seasonal-dependent activities like hiking tours that define New Zealand experiences.

Activities: Trekking • Rafting • Island Hopping • Jet boating • Glamping • Wine Tasting

The Remarkables Ski Resort, overlooking Queenstown, New Zealand. Photo courtesy Destination Queenstown

Best Months: March • April • May • July • August

The best months to visit New Zealand in the Southern Hemisphere’s fall and winter are March, April, May, July, and August.

The temperatures shift across the country, but outside of the mountains and most southerly tip of the South Island, the climate doesn’t change dramatically.

Fall and winter provide a completely different view of the islands, giving way to a different set of activities, excursions, and wildlife unique to New Zealand.

Activities: Snowboarding • Skiing • Whale Watching • Nature Excursions • Cycling Expeditions • Hot Springs • Wildlife Encounters

Maruia Hot Springs in New Zealand

New Zealand’s seasons experience deep and rich changes in temperature, activities, and accessibility. Knowing these differences can help you narrow down the places you want to visit and the experiences you wish to have. Each season has thrilling adventures and relaxing retreats, with plenty of things to do, like watching for whales or lounging in hot springs.

You can explore more exciting opportunities and helpful information in our New Zealand travel guide, or start working with a travel specialist to plan New Zealand tours and vacations.