Climate and monthly weather forecast
Wanaka, New Zealand

One statement that adequately describes the climate in Wanaka, New Zealand, is predictably unpredictable. Wanaka's climate falls under the Köppen climate classification of Cfb, indicating a marine west coast climate with a warm summer. Wanaka is ideally positioned on the South Island of New Zealand, featuring accommodations of mountainous landscapes and a gorgeous lake.

The norm in Wanaka is a moderately high rainfall all year round, with the least precipitation observed in December with 52mm (2.05") and the most in May with 63mm (2.48"). In abiding by similar patterns, the daylight window varies, shedding light for the longest period in December at 15.5 hours and the shortest in June with 8.9 hours. The average monthly temperatures don't oscillate into extremes, maintaining the highest average in January at 23.9°C (75°F) and touching the lowest point in July at 8.4°C (47.1°F).

Exceptionality nestles in Wanaka's weather, where June and July experience virtually identical average high temperatures, both settling at a cool 8.4°C (47.1°F). In contrast to this, the month of December displays the least variability in high and low temperatures, with the highest average at 21.9°C (71.4°F) and lowest average at 9.6°C (49.3°F).

Tourists are often fascinated by Wanaka during the beginning of the year, ranging from January to March. Temperatures are typically agreeable during these months, and rainfall quantity is relatively lower, expanding the opportunity for outdoor activities. Want to catch gleaming sunshine hours? January could be the perfect fit, with the most top monthly average sunshine hours of 7.5.

July seems not to favor visitors, with the weather displaying the least accommodating conditions. It records the lowest average monthly high temperatures, 8.4°C (47.1°F), and the least average monthly low temperature, -1.2°C (29.8°F). Alongside these chilling temperatures, the daylight hours dip to their lowest with an average of 9.2 hours in July.

Spring in Wanaka, which occurs between September and November, illuminates with both high and low temperatures steadily rising. September heralds with an average high of 14.4°C (57.9°F) and a low of 2.4°C (36.3°F), which November pushes up to 19.8°C (67.6°F) and 7.3°C (45.1°F) respectively. However, the season isn't spared from the moderately high rainfall, with November recording an average of 55mm (2.17").

December to February is marked by summer in Wanaka. Warm temperatures take center stage during this period, with January showcasing the highest averages, from 23.9°C (75°F) to 10.8°C (51.4°F). However, despite the warmth, the rainfall maintains its moderate rhythm, with February receiving an average of 50mm (1.97"), just below January's average of 57mm (2.24").

From March to May, autumn begins to unfold. The weather takes a twist as average high and low temperatures begin to decline from 20.8°C (69.4°F) and 8.4°C (47.1°F) in March to 12.2°C (54°F) and 1.6°C (34.9°F) in May. Meanwhile, rainfall hits its peak in May with an average of 63mm (2.48").

Winter knocks on Wanaka's weather conditions from June to August. The average high temperatures plummet from 8.4°C (47.1°F) in both June and July to 11°C (51.8°F) in August, and low temperatures from -0.9°C (30.4°F) in June to -0.2°C (31.6°F) in August. Despite the cold temperatures, the rhythm of the rain doesn't stray far from the norm, receiving 53mm (2.09") in August.

January sees Wanaka at one of its warmest times annually, with delightfully mild afternoons and cool evenings. This month usually has the longest daylight hours, registering an average of 15.1 hours per day and attracting a considerable amount of sunshine, approximately about 7.5 hours per day. Weather in January »

In February, the weather conditions remain relatively similar to January, but with a slight decrease in temperature. February maintains a generous amount of daylight and sunshine, although less than its predecessor. Comparatively, March exhibits a marked transition towards autumn, making February the final month of appreciable warmth. Weather in February »

The year's progression into March initiates the onset of autumn in Wanaka with a perceptible change in weather conditions. The temperature starts to diminish, with less daylight and sunshine compared to February. Rainfall during the month is more substantial, offering a refreshing change to the relatively dry summer months. Weather in March »

April ushers in a distinct drop in temperature, bringing the crisp conditions of autumn fully into play. Daylight hours decrease compared to March, leading to cooler, longer nights. Despite this, there remains a reasonable amount of sunshine hours for outdoor activities. Weather in April »

By the time May arrives in Wanaka, winter is beginning to make its presence felt. The temperature continues to drop noticeably from April, with fewer daylight hours resulting in colder nights. Simultaneously, rainfall increases creating a fresh, revitalising ambiance in the city. Weather in May »

June typically marks the official commencement of winter in Wanaka, featuring a significant reduction in temperature. It offers less daylight and sunshine hours than May, setting a chilly, cosy indoor environment. Snow often starts to fall in the mountains, marking the beginning of the ski season. Weather in June »

July in Wanaka is a month entrenched in the heart of winter, continuing June's chilly trend. The temperature hovers around similar values to those in June, but with slightly more daylight. Despite the cold, July coincides with the peak of the ski season, attracting many adventurers and winter sports enthusiasts. Weather in July »

By August, Wanaka begins to hint at the coming spring. The weather remains cold, similar to July, but with a slight rise in daytime temperatures and daylight hours. Both locals and visitors continue to enjoy the ski season with bright, calm days on the slopes. Weather in August »

Come September, signs of spring in Wanaka become more evident with a bump in temperature. This month records an increase in daylight and sunshine hours from August, heralding the arrival of warmer days. Skiing remains popular on the mountains, though the lower altitudes start to experience spring’s touch. Weather in September »

October in Wanaka brings the onset of warmer temperatures and more daylight, a noticeable change from September. The increase in sunshine hours promotes outdoor activities and social events. October’s pleasant weather is strikingly distinct from the preceding ski season. Weather in October »

November witnesses a further increase in temperature, distinguishing itself from the moderate conditions of October. More daylight and sunshine hours accompany the late spring period in Wanaka, providing ample opportunity for outdoor pursuits. Weather in November »

December ushers in the start of summer in Wanaka, with temperatures climbing notably higher than in November. Increased daylight and sunshine hours manifest as long, warm days that signal the ideal time for swimming, sunbathing, and outdoor barbecues. Weather in December »