The climate of Auckland
Auckland, the largest metropolitan area in
New Zealand, is situated amidst the Hauraki Gulf to the north and the Hunua Ranges to the south-east. The city holds a marine west coast, warm summer climate under the Köppen Climate Classification, signifying a Cfb predominate climate. This directly corresponds to the city's weather patterns, featuring moderate temperatures, regular rainfall, and high humidity.
Throughout the year, temperatures fluctuate in a gentle manner, with monthly highs ranging from 13.8°C in
July to 22.6°C in
February. Lows vary from 10.4°C in July to 17.5°C in February. No extreme high or low temperatures are observed, reflecting the city's temperate maritime climate. Relative humidity remains fairly constant at around 78% yearly, adding to Auckland's overall damp conditions.
Rainfall in Auckland is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, with accumulations peaking at 71mm in
June and dipping to 34mm in
January. Correspondingly, the number of rainfall days ranges from around 11 days in January to 19 days in
August, demonstrating that rain is a common event. Interestingly, the city does not experience a dry month, maintaining moisture around the year.
A close examination of Auckland's wind data shows a steady progression of wind speed from the calendar year's start, peaking in
September at 19km/h, and then decreasing towards year-end. While this wind data reveals Auckland's vulnerability to winds, it also highlights the city's lack of severe wind-related events such as tornadoes and gale-force winds.
Also noteworthy are Auckland's daylight hours and sunshine duration. Daylight hours range from 9.7 hours in June, the city's shortest day period, to 14.6 hours in
December, the longest day period. Similarly, sunshine duration varies from about 6.4 hours in August to 8.3 hours in December. This highlights Auckland's generous sunlight exposure during the summer season while maintaining a reasonable share during winter.
The best time to visit Auckland
Considering the temperature, rainfall, and sunshine duration, the best time to visit
Auckland would be from
December to
March. During these months, average high temperatures range between 19.3°C to 22.6°C and lows between 13.1°C to 17.5°C, making it comfortable for outdoor activities. Sunshine duration is notably high, reaching up to 8.3 hours in December. Although there is rainfall, it is lower compared to other months, maintaining an average of 44 to 57mm.
The worst time to visit Auckland
The months from
May to
August could be less inviting for tourists due to colder temperatures and higher rainfall. Temperatures fall to an average high of 14.8°C to 16.8°C, and the average low drops to 10.4°C to 13.1°C. Rainfall is at its peak, with an average of 60mm to 71mm, and the number of rainy days hitting nearly 18 to 19 days. The daily sunshine duration is at its lowest, giving only 6.4 to 7 hours.
Spring weather in Auckland
Spring in
Auckland spans from
September to
November and is characterised by a gradual rise in temperature, with monthly highs ranging between 14.8°C to 18.2°C, and lows between 10.9°C to 13.4°C. Rainfall starts to decline from its winter peak of 67mm in
August to 41mm in November.
Summer weather in Auckland
In summer, which is from
December to
February,
Auckland experiences its warmest and longest days with maximum daylight. High temperatures average from 19.3°C to 22.6°C, and lows range between 13.1°C to 17.5°C. Despite the warmth, rain persists, albeit at lower volumes.
Autumn weather in Auckland
Entering the city during the autumn months of
March to
May exposes visitors to falling temperatures, which range from 16.4°C to 21.3°C for highs and 11.8°C to 16.3°C for lows. Rainfall begins to intensify, hitting a peak at 63mm in May.
Winter weather in Auckland
The coldest months in
Auckland are
June to
August. Temperatures drop to between 13.8°C to 14.9°C for highs and 10.4°C to 13.1°C for lows. Rainfall peaks at 70mm in June, and the number of rainfall days reaches 18 to 19 days showing winter to be the wettest season in Auckland.
Weather in January
Auckland,
New Zealand, welcomes the new year with a characteristic maritime climate. The highest temperature in
January reaches about 21.9°C, signifying the delightful warmth of the peak summer season. Humidity remains high, and the city experiences frequent summer rainfall, all trademarks of the subtropical nature of Auckland's climate.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As the summer continues into
February,
Auckland's weather retains its temperate pattern. The sea temperature slightly rises to 21.3°C, inviting locals and tourists for a refreshing dip. Relative humidity remains constant and the wind is characteristically soft, comparing to other coastal areas.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March sees the end of summer and the onset of autumn in
Auckland. Sea temperatures start to cool down, dropping to 20.9°C from the
February peak. The increased weather stability leads to diminished wind speeds, enhancing the comfort level for outdoor activities.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The city of
Auckland embraces the full-fledged autumn climate in
April. The sea temperature continues to cool down, reaching a lower limit of 19.6°C. The number of rainfall days increases to 15.8, creating the classic damp autumn atmosphere.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May showcases obvious signals of winter's approach in
Auckland. Auckland experiences a significant increase in rainfall from 50mm in
April to 63mm. The temperatures, both terrestrial and marine, continue to drop, closely following the trend of the previous month.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June, the first month of winter in
Auckland, arrives with colder temperatures and consistent rainfall. The sea temperature drops to a winter low of 16.4°C, discouraging most water activities. The city experiences the chill of the wind, with mean speeds peaking at 18.6km/h.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
With
July,
Auckland nestles in the heart of winter with the lowest average temperatures and sea temperatures of 15.2°C. The chilly winds continue to blow at a similar speed as
June, making it one of the windiest times of the year.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August represents the last phase of winter in
Auckland and sets the foundation for the forthcoming spring. The sea temperatures start to rise slowly, reaching 14.7°C. The weather continues to be windy and rainy, with only a slight decrease from
July's totals.
Weather in August » Weather in September
With the arrival of
September,
Auckland ushers in the spring season. Sea temperatures begin to climb, hitting marks close to 15°C. The wind speed peaks to 19km/h, giving the city an early taste of the revitalizing spring breeze.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October,
Auckland enjoys beautiful spring weather, characterized by rising temperatures. Rainfall further decreases to 41mm, a substantial reduction compared to
September's 61mm. The temperatures continue their upward trend, and the sea warms up to a comfortable 15.7°C.
Weather in October »Weather in November
As the final month of spring,
November illustrates a further increase in temperatures in
Auckland. Sea temperatures continue to rise, promising a warm and leisurely seaside experience. Rainfall increases slightly, adding to the freshness of Auckland's airy surroundings.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December marks the beginning of summer in
Auckland with warmer temperatures and increased daylight hours. Sea temperatures rise to 18.4°C, creating ideal conditions for a variety of water-based activities. Auckland experiences a slight increase in rainfall, but it does not dampen the holiday spirits.
Weather in December » [Resources]