New Zealand weather in September
September is the first month of spring in New Zealand. Find out why it’s a great time to travel.
September in New Zealand heralds the arrival of spring. The weather starts to get warmer, the days longer, and flowers everywhere are in bloom.
September used to be the month of Pet Day at my rural primary school in the Coromandel — our ‘pets’ were in fact calves and lambs, fresh from the season.
We would halter our calves and walk them round the ring to win ribbons for leading and presentation.
My memories of Pet Day are all pretty sunny. Although the weather can still be very changeable, September is a lovely time to explore New Zealand.
Here’s what you need to know about New Zealand weather in September.
Is September a good time to visit New Zealand?
September is a delightful time to explore New Zealand as the country transitions from winter to spring. Milder temperatures and smaller crowds can make visiting in September nice, although it’s not quite beach weather.
The ski season usually wraps up in early September, and later in the month is when daylight savings starts.
New Zealand weather in September
The ski season typically runs until mid September, depending on snowfall. And in mountainous areas in both the North and South Islands, there can still be snowy weather.
I’ve been hiking in Tongariro National Park in September — around the base of Ruapehu, not even at high altitudes — and was caught in light snow. It was very beautiful, but this kind of weather means you need to be prepared with the right clothing.
In other parts of the North Island, rain is still pretty common. Wet, windy, blustery days can occur frequently during September.
But, you might also get bright, beautiful days when everything feels like it’s coming to life. Lots of flowers emerge in September, so it’s a nice time in the North Island to enjoy gardens.
In the lower South Island, September is still pretty cold. It doesn’t really start to warm up in Queenstown until November, so if you’re visiting in September you still want to pack warm clothes.
A lot of hikes into alpine areas are still inaccessible during September, but hiking at lower altitudes can be awesome, as the days aren’t too hot.
Days in September are starting to grow longer, but Daylight Saving doesn’t start until the last Sunday of September. This means dark, cold evenings are still common during this month.
What temperatures can you expect in New Zealand in September?
Here are some of the average high/low temperatures across the North and South Islands in September:
Auckland: 16° / 10° Celcius, or 60° / 50° Fahrenheit
Wellington: 14° / 8° Celcius or 57° / 46° Fahrenheit
Christchurch: 15° / 4° Celcius or 59° / 39° Fahrenheit
Queenstown: 13° / 2° Celcius or 55° / 35° Fahrenheit
In September, the weather in New Zealand is generally starting to become milder. However, the temperatures can vary depending on the region and the altitude.
In the North Island, temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) during the day. Nights can be cooler, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F).
In the South Island, temperatures are generally cooler than in the North Island during September. Daytime temperatures typically range from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F).
Nights can be quite cold, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F), especially in alpine regions.
Travel tips for visiting New Zealand in September
Early September is when the godwits arrive back in New Zealand. They fly all the way down from Alaska without stopping — the longest migratory route of any bird in the world. In some towns, we welcome them back by ringing church bells. September is a great time to see them in places like Farewell Spit and Miranda.
September snowmelt can make this month the most exciting time for white water rafting in New Zealand. Head to Taupo, Rotorua, or Queenstown to benefit from the adrenaline rush of barreling down some rapids.
During September, you can enjoy New Zealand’s gardens in full bloom. The Hamilton Gardens are particularly impressive at this time of year.
What to wear in New Zealand in September
September can still be pretty cold in New Zealand, so pack layers, even if it’s just having some wool jumpers to wear over your t-shirts.
On a sunny day in the North Island, jeans and a t-shirt will be warm enough, but as soon as the clouds roll in or the sun sets, you’ll feel the chill.
A lightweight rain jacket is always handy in case of unexpected showers.
In the South Island, you’ll still need warm layers, like merino base layers and a good insulated jacket.
Where to go in New Zealand in September
Myers Park in Auckland
Cathedral Cove in the Coromandel
Auckland
September can be a great month to visit Auckland. On fine days, you can catch the ferry over to Waiheke Island to go wine tasting, or head to the white sand beaches and coastal walks in Tawharanui. If it rains, you have plenty of museums, galleries, and cafes to take shelter in.
The Coromandel
If you visit rural areas like the Coromandel in September, you’ll see calves, lambs, even ducklings as you drive around the region. It might still be too cold for the beach, but September is a great month for exploring the Coromandel’s hiking trails.
There are also a couple of good hot springs in the Coromandel, for cooler weather. You can try the natural Hot Water Beach, or head to the Lost Spring in Whitianga.
Hawke's Bay
Famous for its vineyards and wineries, Hawke's Bay is a delightful place to enjoy wine tasting amid the spring blossoms.
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