The climate of Chatham Islands
Chatham Islands, located in
New Zealand, exhibits a Marine west coast, warm summer climate as classified by the Köppen system, known as Cfb. Unraveling its climate story, relativity stable and consistent conditions frame the region's annual weather. Temperature variations throughout the year are minimal, giving a steady comfort level.
The highest average sweeping from 17.9°C (64.2°F) in
January to a slightly milder 10.5°C (50.9°F) in
July. Nights tend to be cooler, with lowest average temperatures ranging from 5.9°C (42.6°F) in July to 12.3°C (54.1°F) in
February. The annual humidity rates sustain around mid-80%, marking the region as relatively moist. Precipitation falls throughout the year, with July receiving the highest average rainfall of 108mm (4.25") over approximately 16 days. Conversely, January has the least rainy days with about 7.9.
Sunshine hours decrease as the year progresses, manifesting in fewer daylight hours. From a yearly peak of 15 hours per day in January, it declines to as few as 8.9 hours per day in
June. The UV Index in Chatham Islands varies significantly over the course of the year, with a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure in January with 10 and the lowest in June, registering only 1 on the UV index.
The best time to visit Chatham Islands
The recommendable period to visit
Chatham Islands would be during the warmer months from
December to
March when the temperatures remain pleasantly within the range of 11.3°C (52.3°F) to 18.2°C (64.8°F). During this period, the daylight duration peaks between 13.4 hours to 15.4 hours, and the sea temperature is quite pleasing, oscillating from 13°C (55.4°F) to 17°C (62.6°F), which makes it an excellent time for coastal explorations and water activities.
The worst time to visit Chatham Islands
The period from
June to
August might be perceived as less favorable for visiting
Chatham Islands. During these months, the country experiences its coldest temperatures, dipping to between 5.9°C (42.6°F) to 6.8°C (44.2°F), with only 8.9 hours to 9.3 hours of daylight. The rainfall reaches its zenith in June, with an average of 108mm (4.25") precipitation spread over 16 days.
Spring weather in Chatham Islands
Spring months, from
September to
November, illustrate a mild transition in
Chatham Islands. The average high temperatures range from 11.9°C (53.4°F) to 14.4°C (57.9°F), slowly warming after the chilly winter months. The daily low temperatures can fluctuate from 6.9°C (44.4°F) to 9.1°C (48.4°F). Rainfall amounts start decreasing post-winter with an average delivery of 67mm (2.64") to 71mm (2.8") over 9.8 to 11.9 days. Daylight increases gradually, extending from 11.9 hours to 14.7 hours.
Summer weather in Chatham Islands
From
December to
February, the islands experience their warmest period. High temperatures in summer average from 14.9°C (58.8°F) to 18.1°C (64.6°F), with the nightly temperature falling to between 9.1°C (48.4°F) to 12.3°C (54.1°F). The humidity hovers between 82.2% to 83.5% throughout this period. Rainfall levels during these months are less compared to others, ranging from 55mm (2.17") to 64mm (2.52"). The daylight hours climb to their zenith, between 13.8 hours to 15.4 hours, providing long sunny days.
Autumn weather in Chatham Islands
During the autumn months, from
March to
May, temperatures start to dip again in
Chatham Islands. The day's highest temperatures reluctantly retreat from 17.1°C (62.8°F) to 13°C (55.4°F). Correspondingly, the average low temperatures also observe a downward trend from 11.5°C (52.7°F) to 8.1°C (46.6°F). Autumn is generally a wet season, with rainfall averaging between 76mm (2.99") to 88mm (3.46"). Meanwhile, the length of the days begins to shorten, with daylight hours progressing from 12.3 hours to 9.6 hours.
Winter weather in Chatham Islands
The winter months of
June to
August in
Chatham Islands endure cooler weather. The highest temperatures fluctuate between 10.5°C (50.9°F) to 11.3°C (52.3°F), while the lows nestle in a comfort band of 5.9°C (42.6°F) to 6.8°C (44.2°F). The region tends to receive the most rainfall during winter, with totals fluctuating between 84mm (3.31") to 108mm (4.25"). Daylight hours at this time take a tumble, registering values from 8.9 hours to 9.3 hours. Even though it's the coldest period, the climate remains relatively mild compared to many other regions in
New Zealand.
Weather in January
January starts the year with relatively warm climate on the
Chatham Islands with an average high temperature within the range of 16.4°C (61.5°F) to 18.2°C (64.8°F). The month experiences moderate sea temperature that invites all the fishing enthusiasts.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As the
February approaches, a gradual decrease in temperature becomes noticeable on the
Chatham Islands, albeit the weather remaining overall pleasant. Here, rainfall is akin to an uninvited guest that knocks on the door rather frequently, averaging at approximately 64mm (2.52").
Weather in February »Weather in March
As the third month of the year makes its appearance, the weather in
Chatham Islands sees almost a stability in the high temperature but the lows show a dip. Notably,
March reports the highest rainfall during the year, with an average of 85mm (3.35").
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Enter
April, and the onset of autumn manifests in the form of falling temperatures in
Chatham Islands. The island still expects to receive a fair share of rainfall, with an average precipitation level marked at around 76mm (2.99").
Weather in April »Weather in May
In
May,
Chatham Islands witnesses a marked change in the weather, bringing the chill of approaching winter. The coolest among the first half of the year, the month sees decrease in temperature. With rainfall expecting to scale up to 88mm (3.46"), it remains the month with most downpour in the first semester of the year.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June signals the onset of winter on the
Chatham Islands, reflected clearly by a significant dip in the temperature. The recorded rainfall during this month takes off to the highest yearly figure, an average of 108mm (4.25"). Escalated humidity acquires a steadiness and helps maintaining quite a steady atmosphere.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Chatham Islands brings along chillier climes, recording the year's lowest temperature. Rain showers can be expected almost half the time, with an average accumulated rainfall of around 85mm (3.35"). Furthermore, while retaining the amplified levels of humidity, the shortest sunshine duration is recorded this month.
Weather in July » Weather in August
By
August, the
Chatham Islands begins its transition from the harsh winters to the warmer spring season with a mild rise in temperature. Despite the slight rise in rainfall to around 84mm (3.31"), the prevailing conditions generally maintain their wet trend.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September ushers in spring and a rise in temperature on the
Chatham Islands, designated by a notable swift from the waning winter. 71mm (2.8") of rainfall observed on the islands falls short of the winter deluge, but remains significant nonetheless.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Chatham Islands spells out clear skies with the departure of the hitherto persistent rains. The month sees a substantial decrease in rainfall, from above 70mm (2.76") to a more moderate figure of about 63mm (2.48"). A striking attribute of October is the noticeable daylight hour extension, a favourable condition to explore the island.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November reveals a steady climb in climatic conditions with the island experiencing a favorable warming trend. As the year winds up, expectations of rain in November taper off to around 67mm (2.64"), a drop since the last month.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December marks the advent of summer, bringing with it an upswing in the island's temperature readings. As the year comes to a close, there are showers expected intermittently, with recorded average rainfall of around 66mm (2.6").
Weather in December » [Resources]