New Zealand weather in August
August is the final month of winter in New Zealand, when signs of spring start to blossom.
I grew up on a dairy farm, so August to me will always signal the start of calving season.
The 1st of August is when calves start to arrive, so the month is a chaotic return to milking, feeding calves, and trekking around the farm in muddy boots.
For non-farmers, August is one of the coldest and wettest months of the year.
However, August is the last month of winter. By the end of the month, the first signs of spring usually start to arrive. Keep an eye out for bright yellow daffodils bursting to life in green fields in full flush of growth.
Here’s what you should know about New Zealand weather in August.
Is August a good time to visit New Zealand?
August can be a good time to visit New Zealand if you enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. You’ll also be treated to stunning snowy landscapes in the South Island. It’s also off-peak travel season for most of New Zealand, which can mean cheaper flights and accommodation.
However, as the last month of winter, August can be cold, wet, and dark, with days still short even with spring around the corner.
Hiking trails are more limited than in summer, some roads can be closed due to snow or flooding, and beaches aren’t as fun in the rain.
Head for natural hot pools, glow worm caves, and other outdoor adventures that benefit from the winter weather, like white water rafting on rivers high with winter rain.
New Zealand weather in August
In August, New Zealand is still firmly in the grip of winter.
In the North Island, average daytime temperatures range from about 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F).
In the South Island, average temperatures range from approximately 8°C to 13°C (46°F to 55°F).
August is still a prime month for snowfall in the alpine regions. Ski resorts in both the North and South Islands offer excellent conditions for winter sports.
August is one of the wettest months of the year in the North Island. In Auckland one August, it rained every day for three weeks straight. The average rainfall for Auckland in August is 12 days.
The dampness can make it feel even colder than it really is, and you have to be careful your shoes don’t go mouldy in the closet.
However, even wet and miserable mornings can turn into bright, sunny days in August. And in parts of the South Island, August can be drier than the summer months.
What temperatures can you expect in New Zealand in August?
Here are some of the average high/low temperatures across the North and South Islands in August:
Auckland: 14° / 7° Celcius, or 57° / 44° Fahrenheit
Wellington: 12° / 7° Celcius or 53° / 44° Fahrenheit
Christchurch: 11° / 1° Celcius or 51° / 33° Fahrenheit
Queenstown: 8° / -1° Celcius or 46° / 30° Fahrenheit
Temperatures can vary significantly in New Zealand during August.
In the North Island, average daytime temperatures range from about 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). Nighttime temperatures can drop to around 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F).
It’s rare to get a frost overnight, but it can happen.
Higher altitude areas of the North Island, such as the Central Plateau and Tongariro National Park, can experience colder temperatures and sub-freezing nights.
This means popular hikes like the Tongariro Crossing are only an option for very well-equipped mountaineers.
In the South Island, average high temperatures generally range from 8°C to 13°C (46°F to 55°F). Nighttime temperatures in the South Island can drop significantly, often reaching 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F).
Mountainous regions, including Queenstown and Wanaka, experience colder temperatures.
Travel tips for visiting New Zealand in August
The winter months — from May through to September — are the best time to see the Southern Lights in New Zealand, thanks to the long, dark nights.
August is low season in New Zealand, so outside of ski hotspots Queenstown and Wanaka, you won’t need to worry about booking things in advance.
Keep your plans flexible — it can happen that big bucket list activities like taking a helicopter to a glacier are cancelled or postponed because of the weather, so allow yourself extra time in destinations to account for the weather.
If you plan to drive in mountainous or snowy areas, make sure your vehicle is equipped for winter driving conditions,
If you don't have your own winter sports equipment, you can often rent gear at ski resorts. However, it's a good idea to book rentals ahead of time during the winter season.
Winter is a great time for whale watching in Kaikōura, as migrating humpback whales and orcas pass through the area.
What to wear in New Zealand in August
On an August hike in Lewis Pass that got a bit snowy
New Zealand isn’t a fancy country (leaving aside New Zealand Fashion Week, which usually takes place in August).
That’s great news for visitors. You can wear outdoor gear every day in August — it’s practical, convenient, and warm. Think a decent wind and waterproof jacket, merino base layers, and Patagonia fleeces.
I love wearing my merino track pants from Mons Royale in the colder months. In fact, anything from Mons — an ethical merino clothing brand designed in Wanaka — is great for wearing in New Zealand winter.
I’m a fan of my Mons puffer jacket as well, which uses wool instead of down feathers as insulation.
The further south you go, the more warm clothing you’ll need. In the North Island you probably won’t need gloves, but if you’re heading to Christchurch or the lower South Island, it’s a good idea to pack a pair.
Where to go in New Zealand in August
The Redwoods Tree Walk in Rotorua
Crates of the Moon in Taupo
Taupo and Rotorua
The naturally thermal springs around Rotorua and Taupo make this geothermal area an obvious destination in winter.
Enjoy bathing in hot pools or hiking through lush forest.
Other places with epic hot pools:
Maruia Hot Springs on the West Coast of the South Island
Tekapo
Longer nights mean August can be a great month to go stargazing in New Zealand.
Tekapo and Aoraki Mount Cook are great destinations for this, as they are located in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
To really make the most of the experience, book into a cosy cabin that has skylight windows, like Skyscape, Skylark Cabin, or the Nightsky Cottage, for a snug way to enjoy the stars.
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