August weather forecast
New Zealand

In August, the last of New Zealand's winter months, temperatures begin a slow ascent. In the North Island's cities, such as Auckland and Wellington, average temperatures rise to about 11°C (51.8°F). In contrast, the South Island's regions, including Christchurch and Dunedin, experience a slight increase in average temperatures to approximately 7°C (44.6°F).

The far north of the North Island begins to see the return of warmer conditions, although temperatures remain in the lower ranges of the temperate climate. Similarly, areas of the South Island, including Central Otago and Canterbury's interior, start to feel a gentle easing of the harsh winter chill, yet remain in the colder spectrum.

August heralds a notable transition compared to July, with increasing daylight hours and temperatures signifying the impending arrival of spring. Daily sunshine rises slightly to three hours, providing a warmer ambiance for outdoor activities.

August continues to see snowfall in the high mountains and the southern and eastern parts of the South Island. However, the amount of snow typically starts to decrease, marking the retreat of winter.

Sea temperatures during August remain chilly, ranging from 11°C (51.8°F) to 14°C (57.2°F). This continues to limit the appeal of water-based activities. Tropical cyclones remain virtually non-existent during August, aligning with the residual winter climate.

The onset of September marks the arrival of spring, bringing warmer weather, reduced snowfall, longer days, and the revival of flora and fauna across the country.

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• Auckland - August »
  August is the month with the coldest seawater in Auckland, New Zealand, with an average sea temperature of 14.7°C (58.5°F). In Auckland during August, the rain falls for 18.9 days and regularly aggregates up to 67mm (2.64") of precipitation.
• Wellington - August »
  With an average sea temperature of 12.3°C (54.1°F), August is the month with the coldest seawater in Wellington, New Zealand. In Wellington in August, during 13.4 rainfall days, 35mm (1.38") of precipitation is typically accumulated.
• Christchurch - August »
  In Christchurch in August, during 0.3 snowfall days, 5mm (0.2") of snow is typically accumulated. In Christchurch in August, during 9.3 rainfall days, 28mm (1.1") of precipitation is typically accumulated.
• Hamilton - August »
  In Hamilton during August, the rain falls for 13.3 days and regularly aggregates up to 103mm (4.06") of precipitation. On the last day of August, in Hamilton, sunrise is at 6:41 am and sunset at 5:56 pm NZST.
• Tauranga - August »
  With an average sea temperature of 15.2°C (59.4°F), August is the month with the coldest seawater in Tauranga, New Zealand. In Tauranga the average seawater temperature in August is 15.2°C (59.4°F).
• Napier - August »
  The month with the coldest seawater in Napier is August, with an average sea temperature of 13.5°C (56.3°F). On the last day of August, in Napier, sunrise is at 6:36 am and sunset at 5:48 pm NZST.
• Dunedin - August »
  The month with the coldest seawater in Dunedin is August, with an average sea temperature of 9.2°C (48.6°F). The arrival of August in Dunedin brings an average high-temperature of a still frosty 9.5°C (49.1°F), closely following the temperature pattern of July.
• Palmerston North - August »
  In Palmerston North, in August, during 13 rainfall days, 77mm (3.03") of precipitation is typically accumulated. In Palmerston North, in August, during 13 rainfall days, 77mm (3.03") of precipitation is typically accumulated.
• Nelson - August »
  In Nelson during August, the rain falls for 8.6 days and regularly aggregates up to 82mm (3.23") of precipitation. On the last day of August, in Nelson, sunrise is at 6:52 am and sunset at 6:01 pm NZST.
• Rotorua - August »
  In Rotorua in August, during 16.9 rainfall days, 74mm (2.91") of precipitation is typically accumulated. In August, in Rotorua, the rain falls for 16.9 days.
• New Plymouth - August »
  In New Plymouth, the average seawater temperature in August is 14°C (57.2°F). On the first day of August in New Plymouth, sunrise is at 7:26 am and sunset at 5:33 pm.
• Whangarei - August »
  August is the month with the coldest seawater in Whangarei with an average sea temperature of 15.3°C (59.5°F). On the last day of August, in Whangarei, New Zealand, sunrise is at 6:43 am and sunset at 6:02 pm NZST.