October Weather
If you plan on visiting New Zealand during October, then you are onto a good thing weather-wise.
From October onwards, the capital city Wellington enjoys its best weather – with average temperatures of between 17 and 21°C. However, Wellington is well-known for being the windiest city in New Zealand – the strongest wind recorded was in the month of October (a gust of 215km/h). Do not declare 'summer' too soon!
October Weather – Average Max Temperatures
Throughout the rest of the country, October weather is characteristically mild – not too hot or too cold, although warm clothing and wet weather attire may be needed for rainy days. The daily temperatures gradually rise throughout the month with averages as below:
North Island
- Auckland 18°C
- Rotorua 16°C
- New Plymouth 16°C
- Wellington 15°C
South Island
- Nelson 17°C
- Christchurch 17°C
- Queenstown 15°C
- Invercargill 14°C
Gardeners' Delight
For gardeners and horticulturists, October weather makes visiting gardens, both private and public, an absolute pleasure. Spring flowers are blooming, colours are bright and vivid and with over 80% of trees, ferns and flowering plants endemic to New Zealand, there is a host of new plants to discover. There are many gardens open for visiting throughout the year with the New Zealand Garden and Art Festival to look forward to in the first week of November.
Taranaki Garden Spectacular – At the end of October, this world class event opens to showcase superb gardens created by talented Taranaki gardeners with a stimulating events programme.
More Gardens to Visit
- Heritage Park Rhododendron Charitable Trust, Kimbolton, Manawatu
- Wellington Botanical Gardens, Wellington
- Te Puna Quarry Park, Bay of Plenty
- Hollard Gardens, Taranaki
- Otari Wilton's Bush, Wellington (native plants only)
- Christchurch Botanical Gardens
Weather By Month
Our overview of New Zealand's typical weather by month can help you plan your holiday, unmissable highlights for the month (e.g. events and festivals), sightseeing and activities and even your packing. But do be warned – these are not weather forecasts, so expect some of the unexpected during your stay!
| Spring Weather | Summer Weather | Autumn Weather | Winter Weather |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | December | March | June |
| October | January | April | July |
| November | February | May | August |
Weather in the Major Centres
Find out: where to expect 'four seasons in one day', where to find New Zealand's semi-tropical regions, which city is the sunniest, where to experience the most rainfall and discover which city is the country's windiest.
| North Island Weather and Climate | South Island Weather and Climate |
|---|---|
| Auckland | Christchurch |
| Bay of Islands | Queenstown |
| Rotorua | |
| Wellington |
