Temperature

The temperate in New Zealand ranges from 20–30°C (68–86°F) in summer, and from 5–15°C (41-59°F) in winter. The coldest month is usually July and the warmest month is usually January or February.

Mean annual temperatures range from 10°C in the south to 16°C in the north of New Zealand.

In New Zealand there are small variations between summer and winter temperatures, although inland and to the east of the ranges the variation is greater (up to 14°C). Temperatures drop about 0.7°C for every 100 m of altitude.

Average Temperature in 2006

The national average temperature in 2006 was 12.4 °C, according to the NIWA climate centre. There were three warmer than normal months (April, May, and September) and three cooler than normal months (March, June, and December).

Out of the five main centres, Dunedin was the coldest, and Auckland the sunniest of the main centres.

Mean temperatures for five major centres 2006

Auckland 15.1
Hamilton 13.5
Wellington 12.5
Christchurch 12.0
Dunedin 11.1

Source: NIWA