The climate of New Plymouth
The climatic reality of
New Plymouth is classified according to the Köppen climate classification, as a Cfb or marine west coast climate with a warm summer. In this region of
New Zealand, positioned in the west coast of the North Island, it's the coastal influence that plays a significant role in moderating temperature fluctuations. Consequently, it exhibits less seasonal temperature contrast than interior locales.
Across the twelve months, temperatures exhibit variability, but do not incline towards extremes. High temperature values fluctuate, beginning at 21.7°C (71.1°F) in
January, with a slightly warmer
February at 22.1°C (71.8°F), and gradually decline till
July, marking the coldest month with a high of 13.3°C (55.9°F). From July onwards, a slow ascent in temperature can be observed, reaching 19.9°C (67.8°F) in
December. The trend of low temperatures distinctly mirrors this pattern. Commencing the year at 13.8°C (56.8°F), it falls to the year's minimum temperature of 5.8°C (42.4°F) in July, then gradually ascends to 12.7°C (54.9°F) in December.
Rainfall improves gradually, starting from 115mm (4.53") in January to reach its peak in
June with 153mm (6.02"), before gradually dropping to 113mm (4.45") in December. Meanwhile, daylight hours reduce from 14.6h in January to 9.5h in June and gradually rise back to 14.9h in December. Subsequently, sunshine hours follow this rhythmic cadence from 8h in January to 3.9h in June, reverting back to 6.8h in December.
The best time to visit New Plymouth
For those considering visiting
New Plymouth, the period between
December and
February serves as the most preferable choice. Tourists can comfortably embrace the highest average high temperatures fluctuating from 20.9°C (69.6°F) to 22.1°C (71.8°F), the most daily sunshine averaging up to 8h, and the maximum daylight hours peaking at 14.9h in December.
The worst time to visit New Plymouth
The period extending from
June to
July would be less ideal for tourists due to the significantly reduced temperature, daylight, and sunshine hours. The lowest average high temperature dwells around 13.3°C (55.9°F) in July and daylight hours reduce to a bare 9.5h while sunshine hours are limited to nearly 4h per day.
Spring weather in New Plymouth
Spring in
New Plymouth brings about increasing temperatures and elongating daylight. Average high temperatures move from 16°C (60.8°F) in
September to 19.9°C (67.8°F) in
December. Average low temperatures also experience a rise from 9.5°C (49.1°F) in September to 12.7°C (54.9°F) in December. However, rainfall increases from 105mm (4.13") in September to 113mm (4.45") in December, making it a rather wet season.
Summer weather in New Plymouth
Summers in
New Plymouth are warm and relatively drier compared to other seasons. The average high temperature hovers from 21.7°C (71.1°F) in
January to 18.6°C (65.5°F) in
March, while the average lows range from 13.8°C (56.8°F) to 10.4°C (50.7°F) within the same period. However, it's the decreasing rainfall from January's 115mm (4.53") to March's 125mm (4.92") that makes summer in New Plymouth notable.
Autumn weather in New Plymouth
Autumn in
New Plymouth witnesses a gradual decline in temperatures, shorter daylight hours, and sunshine hours. Despite these changes, it also ushers in elevated rainfall from 97mm (3.82") in
April to 153mm (6.02") in
June. The average high temperature starts at 16°C (60.8°F) in April and falls to 13.3°C (55.9°F) by June.
Winter weather in New Plymouth
Winter in
New Plymouth is the coldest period of the year with
July being the chilliest month. The average high temperature in this season has a range from 13.3°C (55.9°F) to 16.1°C (61°F) while average lows fluctuate between 5.8°C (42.4°F) and 9.5°C (49.1°F). Daylight and sunshine hours during winter are limited but gradually increase as the season progresses. The maximum rainfall in this season is registered in
June with 153mm (6.02"); however, it gradually falls to 118mm (4.65") in
August.
Weather in January
January, the heart of summer in
New Plymouth, ascends to a more tolerable warmth with an average high temperature of 21.7°C (71.1°F). A stark yet comforting transition from the previous month, the January sun offers a pleasing warmth, not found during any other period.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February inhabits a weather pattern similar to
January but with a slight temperature increase of 22.1°C (71.8°F) in the daytime. The humidity rises marginally, giving the midday sun an extra push. The month experiences less rainfall, making it feasible for outdoor enthusiasts to venture into the open.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March sees the weather pivot towards autumn, with average temperatures decreasing to approximately 20.9°C (69.6°F). The humidity levels stay constant, hinting at the steady transition towards a cooler season. Later sunrises and earlier sunsets are markers of the impending change in the weather pattern.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April fashions a distinct drop in temperature, settling around 18.6°C (65.5°F), as
New Plymouth treads further into autumn. The city witnesses an increase in the number of rainy days, hinting at the changing weather patterns. The blend of cool temperature coupled with the rising numbers of rainy days encapsulates the essence of the true autumn experience.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May, the chills of winter begin to crawl into
New Plymouth, with temperatures dropping to an average of 16°C (60.8°F), marking a significant difference from the warm climes of the previous month. Nights become colder and the city starts to experience an amplified number of rainy days.
Weather in May »Weather in June
New Plymouth guides its residents into the heart of winter as
June rolls in. The warmth of the previous month is replaced by cooler temperatures dropping to an average of 14°C (57.2°F). Rainfall is more frequently observed, marking June as the wettest month of the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, the coldest month in
New Plymouth, rallies around an average temperature of 13.3°C (55.9°F). Winter continues its reign with the mercury dropping further from the previous month. Residents brace for shorter days and long, chilly nights.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
New Plymouth witnesses a subtle transition from the peak of winter towards the arrival of spring. A minor rise in the temperature to an average of 14°C (57.2°F) lends credence to this shift. Despite the slight alteration in temperature, August secures its position as one of the coldest months.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September ushers in the first signs of spring with an average temperature of 15°C (59°F), marking a significant shift from the cooler climes of the past few months. As the temperatures gradually begin to rise, the conditions start favoring outdoor activities.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October persists in the transition towards summer, with temperatures seeing a further increase to a comfortable 16.1°C (61°F). The receding cold of the previous month gives way to a more pleasant climate. The number of daylight hours increases, creating a brighter ambience throughout the city.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November,
New Plymouth populous starts to experience the early onset of summer. With temperatures steadily climbing to an average of 18.1°C (64.6°F), the city's climate takes on a distinctly warmer character. A reduction in rainfall days emphasizes the shift towards drier conditions.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December marks the pinnacle of summer's arrival with average temperatures peaking at 19.9°C (67.8°F).
New Plymouth transitions into longer, hotter days, concluding the year on a warm note. A slight increase in rainfall is observed but overall, dry conditions prevail.
Weather in December » [Resources]