New Zealand Climate
New Zealand’s climate ranges from subtropical in the north, with warm humid
summers and mild winters to temperate in the south, where summers can be hot
and dry and winters cold. The backbone of high mountains that run down the
centre of both islands form a barrier against the prevailing westerly winds,
making its eastern side much drier than the west.
New Zealand’s climate is the opposite of that in the Northern Hemisphere, with
summer between December and February, and winter running from June to August.
Average temperatures in the summer months are in the mid twenties, and around
12 to 15 degrees during winter but can plunge below freezing. Snow falls on the
high mountain ranges of both islands during winter.
At any time of the year, New Zealand’s climate can be best described as
changeable! Visitors should be prepared for all weathers, and take special
precautions against the sun, which can burn the skin very quickly in New
Zealand.
www.metservice.co.nz