The climate of Invercargill
Defined by the Köppen Climate Classification as a Marine west coast with warm summer,
Invercargill enjoys a temperate maritime climate and is situated on the southernmost part of
New Zealand. Throughout the year, the recorded average high temperature in the city varies from 9.7°C (49.5°F) in
July to 17.1°C (62.8°F) in
January and
February. Notably, temperature lows experience mineute fluctuations, with the lowest recorded average of 5.2°C (41.4°F) in
August and the highest of 10.3°C (50.5°F) in January.
The moisture aspect of Invercargill climate manifests primarily through rainfall. An overall average rainfall between 46mm (1.81") in August and 76mm (2.99") in January and
November, with the number of rainfall days reaching up to 21.5 in
October. The city also experiences regular snowfall in winter, mainly from
June to August, with the highest average of 13mm (0.51") occurring in August.
Humidity, certainly, plays a significant role in the comfort of the city's climate, with relative humidity ranging from 79% in various months to a peak of 83% in
May. UV Index falls within a narrow band throughout the year, typically varying between the index of 2 in June to 4 in other months. The average visibility in the city stands at 9km (5.6mi) throughout most of the year, except in June, when it extends to 10 km.
The best time to visit Invercargill
Weather-wise, the most favorable time to visit
Invercargill is between
December and
February. During these months, the city experiences the warmest temperatures, with high averages from 14.7°C (58.5°F) to 17.1°C (62.8°F) and lows between 7.5°C (45.5°F) to 10.3°C (50.5°F). These months also boast the longest daylight hours, reaching a maximum of up to 15.7 hours in December. The UV Index during these months is at 4, suggesting a lower risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.
The worst time to visit Invercargill
Conversely, the least favorable time to visit
Invercargill corresponds to the winter months of
June,
July, and
August. During this period, weather conditions are relatively cold, with high temperatures averaging between 9.7°C (49.5°F) to 11.9°C (53.4°F), and low temperatures ranging from 5.2°C (41.4°F) to 5.6°C (42.1°F). These months also usher in the shortest daylight hours (8.7 to 9.7 hours) in the year, coupled with the highest relative humidity levels, averaging at 82-83%, creating a rather damp and chilly atmosphere.
Spring weather in Invercargill
Spring in
Invercargill, spanning from
September to
November, signifies a gradual rise in temperature. High temperatures increase from an average of 11.9°C (53.4°F) in September to 14.7°C (58.5°F) by November, while low temperatures also rise from 5.4°C (41.7°F) to 7.5°C (45.5°F). Rainfall averages remain substantial at 53mm (2.09") to 76mm (2.99"), and daylight hours expand significantly from 11.8 hours in September to 14.9 hours by November.
Summer weather in Invercargill
December,
January, and
February make up the summer months in
Invercargill. High temperatures during this period hover between 14.7°C (58.5°F) and 17.1°C (62.8°F) while low temperatures vary from 7.5°C (45.5°F) to 10.3°C (50.5°F). Rainfall during the summer months stays between 65mm (2.56") and 76mm (2.99"). One notable feature of the summer period is the extended daylight hours reaching up to a maximum of 15.7 hours in December.
Autumn weather in Invercargill
Autumn sets its foot in
Invercargill during the months of
March,
April, and
May. As the season progresses, a steady drop in high temperatures from 16.1°C (61°F) to 11.9°C (53.4°F) can be observed, with a concurrent drop in low temperatures from 9.4°C (48.9°F) to 7.2°C (45°F). Autumn rainfall averages remain high, ranging between 58mm (2.28") and 65mm (2.56") across the three months.
Winter weather in Invercargill
The winter phase arrives in
Invercargill in
June and continues till
August. During this chill period, visitors can expect high temperatures to average between 9.7°C (49.5°F) and 11.9°C (53.4°F), with low temperatures shrinking down to 5.2°C (41.4°F) to 5.6°C (42.1°F). Winter months also witness average snowfall, which peaks at 13mm (0.51") in August. Daylight hours are considerably reduced during this season, with an average of 8.7 hours in June, gradually increasing to 10.2 hours by August.
Weather in January
January ushers in the new year with varying weather conditions in
Invercargill,
New Zealand. It sees the highest daylight hours at 15.3 hours out of all the months, signaling the peak of summer season. When compared to
February, January experiences a slightly higher average temperature, providing a warm and festive ambiance.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Feburary's weather in
Invercargill is moderately warm, following the trends of
January. The highs drop from 17.1°C (62.8°F) in January to 17°C (62.6°F), while the lows fall from 10.3°C (50.5°F) to 10°C (50°F). The transition to
March brings cooler temperatures, indicative of the upcoming autumn season.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The beginning of autumn in
March introduces a subtle temperature decrease in
Invercargill, continuing the progressive decline from the summer months. Relative humidity remains consistent at 82%, similar to that of
February, presenting an overall stable atmosphere.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April witnesses more drastic changes in
Invercargill's climate, as the severity of autumn intensifies. There's a drop in temperature to 14°C (57.2°F), starting from the 16.1°C (61°F) of
March, hinting towards the approaching winter.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks the beginning of the winter season in
Invercargill. The temperature highs drop significantly from 14°C (57.2°F) in
April to 11.9°C (53.4°F) in May. This period also sees an increase in relative humidity, going up to 83%, the highest in the whole year.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Invercargill’s
June weather can be described as a deep winter climate. This month records the lowest average highs in temperatures at 9.8°C (49.6°F). It also serves as a precursor to
July, known for the harshest weather conditions of the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the coldest month in
Invercargill, continuing the downward temperature trajectory from
June's 9.8°C (49.6°F) to reach this year's low at 9.7°C (49.5°F). Wind gusts peak at 30.4km/h (18.9mph), adding to the chilly ambiance.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August's weather brings a gradual end to the winter in
Invercargill. With an increase in temperature high to 10.7°C (51.3°F) from
July's 9.7°C (49.5°F), this month prepares the city for the upcoming season's mildness. The highest snowfall of the year at 13mm (0.51") reminds Invercargill’s dwellers and tourists of the lingering winter chill.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Invercargill welcomes Spring in
September with a notable warming trend. The high averages at 11.9°C (53.4°F), a stark contrast from
August's cooler temperature of 10.7°C (51.3°F). There's a marked decrease in relative humidity, from 82% to 80%, making it less moist than the colder months.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October, known for its blooming flowers and warming temperatures, continues the spring time in
Invercargill. In comparison with
September’s weather, temperatures continue to rise, encouraging a vivacious aura throughout the city.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Invercargill sees a continuation of mild and pleasing climate conditions, coming off from the rainy
October. The month is characteristic of its lower average wind speed at 18.2km/h (11.3mph), compared to the 19.1km/h (11.9mph) in October, offering a respite from the winds.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December marks the beginning of the summer period in
Invercargill, finishing off the year on a warmer note. There's a significant uptick in temperature highs, reaching 16.8°C (62.2°F) from
November's 14.7°C (58.5°F), setting the pace for bright sunny days.
Weather in December » [Resources]