The climate of Tauranga
Tauranga,
New Zealand offers a pleasant climate to its residents and visitors alike. According to the Köppen climate classification, Tauranga fits under the categories of Marine west coast, warm summer, symbolised as Cfb. Set quite conveniently on the shores of the North Island, Tauranga experiences a warm-temperate climate.
Over the course of a year, Tauranga's average temperatures fluctuate mildly. During summer, the mercury climbs to an average maximum of 22.2°C (72°F), while in winter, the thermometer drops to a mild average low of 7.3°C (45.1°F). The difference between the warmest and coldest months, in terms of day temperatures, is about 9.4°C (48.9°F). Relative humidity in Tauranga remains fairly stable throughout the year, varying slightly from 79% to 82%.
Looking at rainfall, Tauranga experiences rainfall throughout the year, with the heaviest falls recorded between
June and
August, reaching up to 84mm (3.31") in June and having as many as 18.1 rainy days in August. The least amount of rainfall happens in
February and
November, but even then, Tauranga records average precipitation of 45mm (1.77").
A unique characteristic of Tauranga's climate is that in spite of consistent rainfall, the city still gets ample sunshine. On average, Tauranga experiences between 6.5 to 8.8 hours of sun daily, with
December enjoying the most sunlight.
The best time to visit Tauranga
With consideration to the stable climate, amiable temperatures, and the ample hours of sunshine, the best time to visit
Tauranga seems to be during the summer months. From
December to
February, temperatures range from 13.6°C (56.5°F) to 22.2°C (72°F) and there is relatively less rainfall, with December enjoying the most sunny days of the year - around 13.2 sunny days in the month.
The worst time to visit Tauranga
Factor in the heavy rainfall, fewer sunny days, and high humidity, the winter months might be considered as the less ideal time for visitation. The period between
June and
August witnesses an average rainfall of up to 84mm (3.31") with around 14.4 to 18.1 days of rain in a month.
Spring weather in Tauranga
During
September,
October, and
November,
Tauranga gradually transitions from winter to summer. Temperature averages range from a low of 8.3°C (46.9°F) to a high of 18.4°C (65.1°F) across these three months. An average rainfall of around 52mm (2.05") each month and approximately 14 sunny days a month makes spring a pleasant time in Tauranga.
Summer weather in Tauranga
The months of
December,
January, and
February are characteristic of
Tauranga's summer season. Day temperatures are highest during these months, peaking at 22.2°C (72°F) in January, while night temperatures remain above 13.6°C (56.5°F). Average rainfall is lowest during summer, at around 45mm (1.77") to 49mm (1.93") per month.
Autumn weather in Tauranga
Autumn, spanning
March,
April, and
May, brings a gradual decrease in temperature, with average highs dropping from 20.6°C (69.1°F) to 15.7°C (60.3°F). Rainfall averages increase slightly during autumn, reaching up to 62mm (2.44") in May. These months still remain fairly sunny with average daytime sunlight between 7.3 to 7.8 hours.
Winter weather in Tauranga
The winter months of
June,
July, and
August see temperatures drop to its lowest for the year, ranging between 7.3°C (45.1°F). To 13.5°C (56.3°F).
Tauranga witnesses maximum rainfall during winter, with an average of 84mm (3.31") recorded in June. Despite the consistent rain, sunlight hours do not significantly drop and remain around 6.9 to 7 hours on average.
Weather in January
The new year begins in
Tauranga with warmth and average temperatures from 14.8°C (58.6°F) to 21.8°C (71.2°F). The sea mimics this warmth at a comfortable temperature of 20.1°C (68.2°F). Occasionally, gusts of wind can reach up to 21.3km/h (13.2mph).
Weather in January »Weather in February
February closely follows
January's trend, with temperatures slightly higher, ranging from 15.4°C (59.7°F) to 22.2°C (72°F). The elevated cloud cover of 39% slightly dims the sun’s brightness. Comparing with the following month, February's weather is warmer and slightly drier.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Weather in
March is a transition phase from the hot summer to milder autumn in
Tauranga. Although temperatures drop a notch to fall between 13.9°C (57°F) to 20.6°C (69.1°F), they remain comfortable for outdoor activities. Wind gusts escalate slightly, reaching up to 20.8km/h (12.9mph).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April, transition to cooler weather becomes apparent, with temperatures ranging from 12.6°C (54.7°F) to 18.3°C (64.9°F). The sea temperature also drops to 19.8°C (67.6°F), and the number of daylight hours decreases to 11.1 per day.
Weather in April »Weather in May
By
May, autumn makes its presence well felt in
Tauranga, with temperatures dropping further from 10.3°C (50.5°F) to 15.7°C (60.3°F). The rate of rainfall decreases slightly from the preceding month but holds a higher frequency with 13.8 days of rain.
Weather in May »Weather in June
Winter sets in during
June with a significant decrease in temperature, from 8.9°C (48°F) to 13.5°C (56.3°F), and the sea temperature cooling down to 16.7°C (62.1°F). It becomes the windiest month of the year, seeing wind gusts reach 26.2km/h (16.3mph).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, the heart of winter, maintains the cool trend with mercury reading between 7.3°C (45.1°F) to 12.8°C (55°F). More cloudy days are witnessed in this month, contributing to the overall colder weather. Compared to the previous month, wind gusts decrease slightly to 26.1km/h (16.2mph), but remain significant.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August holds steady with winter temperatures between 7.8°C (46°F) to 13.5°C (56.3°F) in
Tauranga. A notable change is the lengthening daylight hours, marking the transition from winter to spring. Despite the colder weather, wind gusts lessen slightly to 24.1km/h (15mph), making it less windy than previous months.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September, the early spring month, experiences a mild increase in temperatures, from 8.3°C (46.9°F) to 14.4°C (57.9°F). The sea temperature begins to slowly rise to 15.3°C (59.5°F), indicating the changing seasons. Strong gusts of wind, peaking at 26.1km/h (16.2mph), are prominent, making it windier than the previous and following month.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October nudges the mercury higher with temperatures extending from 9.4°C (48.9°F) to 16.1°C (61°F). The sea temperature also climbs to 15.8°C (60.4°F). The month experiences wind gusts up to 25.1km/h (15.6mph), a slight decrease from
September.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November,
Tauranga takes a clear stride into warmer weather with temperatures ranging from 11°C (51.8°F) to 18.4°C (65.1°F). A significant increase in sunshine hours brightens the days, despite the wind gusts reaching 22.5km/h (14mph).
Weather in November »Weather in December
December embraces the start of summer with
Tauranga basking in temperatures between 13.6°C (56.5°F) to 20°C (68°F). Sea temperatures also rise to 18.6°C (65.5°F), encouraging beach activities. Wind gusts slow down to 20.4km/h (12.7mph), making it a less windy month compared to
November.
Weather in December » [Resources]