Annual average weather for South Island, New Zealand

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Annual Average Weather for South Island, New Zealand

The annual average maximum daily temperature is 17.1°C (62.7°F) which is not that warm but sunbathing may be possible on some clear days. The annual average water temperature is typically 15.7°C (60.2°F) which is cold for swimming, a full wet suit is required to spend any length of time in the sea. Annually there are on average 13.0 days of rain per month and 5.8 hours of sun per day.

When is the best time to visit South Island?

The best months to visit South Island are January, February, March, December, for the best beach weather, the most sunshine and optimal sunbathing and swimming conditions with the least chance of rain.

The sea is best for swimming between December and May when the sea temperature is above the average 16°C (60°F) which is cold for swimming, a full wet suit is required to spend any length of time in the sea.

Can you sunbathe in South Island year round?

No, you can't sunbathe in South Island all year round. Some months are too cold for sunbathing, however you might enjoy other beach activities such as taking a walk, going hiking along trails or just enjoying the scenery.

More info about the annual temperatures and sunshine.

Can you swim in South Island year round?

No, you can't swim in South Island all year round.

The warmest sea water temperatures in South Island are found in February when they peak at 19°C (67°F) and lowest in August when they dip to 13°C (55°F).

The sea temperature is above average for swimming between December and May when the sea temperature is above 16°C (60°F) which is cold for swimming, a full wet suit is required to spend any length of time in the sea.

More info about the annual sea temperatures

When is the hottest month in South Island?

The hottest month in South Island is February when the average maximum temperature is nice and warm and makes sunbathing pleasant on clear days 22°C (72°F), average temperature is 18°C (64°F) and average minimum temperature is 15°C (58°F).

More info about the annual temperatures and sunshine.

When is the coldest month in South Island?

The coolest month in South Island is July when the average maximum temperature is 12°C (54°F), average temperature is 9°C (48°F) and average minimum temperature is 6°C (43°F).

More info about the annual temperatures and sunshine

When is the sunniest month in South Island?

The sunniest days in South Island are in December which has the most hours of sunshine per day. In December the sunshine percentage is 51.4% making it quite sunny but with occasional periods of cloudy and overcast skies. There are 7.6 hours of sunshine per day.

More info about the annual sunshine.

When is the least sunny month in South Island?

May has the least sunshine. In May the sunshine percentage is 41.9% making it quite sunny but with regular periods of cloudy and overcast skies. There are 4.2 hours of sunshine per day.

More info about the annual sunshine.

When is the driest month in South Island?

The driest month in South Island is January with 3cm (1.2inches) of rain and the least days of rain with 8.5 days with some rain, a quite rainy time to visit the beach.

More info about the annual rainfall

When is the wettest month in South Island?

The wettest month in South Island is April with 5.8cm (2.3inches) of rain and August has the most days of rain with 15.6 days with some rain, a wet time to visit the beach.

More info about the annual rainfall.

When is the sea the coldest in South Island?

The coldest sea water temperatures in South Island are found in August when they dip to 13°C (55°F) which is very cold and bracing, it's not recommended you swim with out a full wet suit.

More info about the annual sea temperatures.

When is the sea the warmest in South Island?

The warmest sea water temperatures in South Island are found in February when they peak at 19°C (67°F) which is comfortable for swimming though some may prefer warmer water.

More info about the annual sea temperatures.

When is the most humid month in South Island?

The most humid month in South Island is February with a dew point (an indicator of humidity) of 11°C (52°F) which is very comfortable.

More info about the annual humidity.

When is the least humid month in South Island?

The least humid month in South Island is July with a dew point of 7°C (44°F) which is a bit dry for some.

More info about the annual humidity.

When is the windiest month in South Island?

The most windy month in South Island is October when the average maximum windspeed is 21KM/H (13MPH) and the average wind speed is 12KM/H (8MPH).

More info about the annual wind conditions.

Annual Temperature for South Island

The hottest month in South Island is February when the average maximum temperature is 22°C (72°F), average temperature is 18°C (64°F) and average minimum temperature is 15°C (58°F).

The coolest month in South Island is July when the average maximum temperature is 12°C (12°F), average temperature is 9°C (48°F) and average minimum temperature is 6°C (43°F).

Annual Sunshine for South Island

The longest days in South Island are in December, with an average of 14.8 hours of daylight per day. June has the shortest days with an average of 9.5 hours of daylight per day.

The sunniest days in South Island are in December which has the most hours of sunshine per day. The sunshine percentage is 51.4% making it quite sunny but with occasional periods of cloudy and overcast skies. There are 7.6 hours of sunshine per day.

May has the least sunshine. The sunshine percentage is 41.9% making it quite sunny but with regular periods of cloudy and overcast skies. There are 4.2 hours of sunshine per day.

The ultraviolet index is the highest in January when it reaches 12.8 and lowest in June when it reaches 1.9.

An ultraviolet index reading above 11 indicates an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Unprotected skin risks burning in less than 10 minutes. Take all precautions because unprotected skin and eyes can burn in minutes. Tanning will be safest before 10am and after 4pm but only with a good application of sun screen. For those with sensitive skin stay in the shade and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days. Watch out for relections from water that may increase ultraviolet exposure.

Annual Sea Temperature for South Island

The warmest sea water temperatures in South Island are found in February when they peak at 19°C (67°F) and lowest in August when they dip to 13°C (55°F).

The sea is best for swimming between December and May when the temperature is above 16°C (60°F) which is cold for swimming, a full wet suit is required to spend any length of time in the sea.

Annual Rainfall for South Island

The wettest month in South Island is April with 5.8cm (2.3inches) of rain and August has the most days of rain with 15.6 days with some rain, a wet time to visit the beach.

The driest month in South Island is January with 3cm (1.2inches) of rain and the least days of rain with 8.5 days with some rain, a quite rainy time to visit the beach.

Annual Humidity for South Island

The most humid month in South Island is February with a dew point (an indicator of humidity) of 11°C (52°F) which is very comfortable.

The least humid month in South Island is July with a dew point of 7°C (44°F) which is a bit dry for some.

Annual Wind Speed for South Island

The most windy month in South Island is October when the average maximum windspeed is 21KM/H (13MPH) and the average wind speed is 12KM/H (8MPH).

The least windy month in South Island is May when the average maximum windspeed is 16KM/H (10MPH) and the average wind speed is 8KM/H (5MPH).

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