Town in Canterbury, New Zealand
Kaikoura weather by month and the best time to visit
When to go to Kaikoura
Whales are here year-round, sperm whales especially. Dec–Mar is warmest with dusky dolphins and seal pups; Jun–Jul has humpbacks but cold, windier days.
Kaikoura weather by month
Average daily high, rainfall and conditions.
- Jan20°49 mm
- Feb20°47 mm
- Mar19°55 mm
- Apr16°69 mm
- May14°63 mm
- Jun12°81 mm
- Jul11°73 mm
- Aug12°65 mm
- Sep13°56 mm
- Oct15°69 mm
- Nov17°55 mm
- Dec19°57 mm
Monthly averages
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20°C68°F | 14°C58°F | 49 mm | 73% | Pleasant |
| February | 20°C68°F | 15°C58°F | 47 mm | 74% | Pleasant |
| March | 19°C66°F | 14°C56°F | 55 mm | 76% | Pleasant |
| April | 16°C61°F | 12°C53°F | 69 mm | 79% | Cool |
| May | 14°C57°F | 10°C50°F | 63 mm | 81% | Cool |
| June | 12°C53°F | 8°C47°F | 81 mm | 82% | Cool |
| July | 11°C51°F | 8°C46°F | 73 mm | 82% | Cold |
| August | 12°C53°F | 8°C46°F | 65 mm | 82% | Cool |
| September | 13°C56°F | 8°C47°F | 56 mm | 79% | Cool |
| October | 15°C58°F | 10°C49°F | 69 mm | 77% | Cool |
| November | 17°C62°F | 11°C52°F | 55 mm | 75% | Cool |
| December | 19°C65°F | 13°C56°F | 57 mm | 75% | Pleasant |
Best months across New Zealand
| Place | Best months | Warmest month |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland | Dec–Mar | Feb (24°C) |
| Queenstown | Jul–Aug, Dec–Mar | Jan (20°C) |
| Wellington | Jan–Apr | Feb (19°C) |
| Christchurch | Dec–Mar | Jan (24°C) |
| Rotorua | Nov–Apr | Jan (23°C) |
| Wanaka | Jul–Aug, Dec–Mar | Jan (21°C) |
| Taupo | Nov–Apr | Jan (24°C) |
| Bay of Islands | Dec–Apr | Feb (24°C) |
| Milford Sound | Nov–Apr | Feb (16°C) |
| Lake Tekapo | Nov–Apr | Feb (22°C) |
| Coromandel | Dec–Apr | Feb (24°C) |
| Tauranga | Dec–Apr | Feb (23°C) |
| Dunedin | Dec–Mar | Jan (16°C) |
| Nelson | Dec–Apr | Feb (25°C) |
| Waiheke Island | Dec–Mar | Feb (24°C) |
| Kaikoura | Dec–Mar | Jan (20°C) |
| Franz Josef | Dec–Apr | Feb (19°C) |
Quick answers
What is the best month to visit Kaikoura?
Dec–Mar. Whales are here year-round, sperm whales especially. Dec–Mar is warmest with dusky dolphins and seal pups; Jun–Jul has humpbacks but cold, windier days.
When is the rainy season in Kaikoura?
Rain peaks in June with about 81 mm. No month averages 150 mm or more.
What is the hottest month in Kaikoura?
January, with average highs of 20°C (68°F).
How cold does Kaikoura get?
The coolest nights are in July, averaging 8°C (46°F).
More about Kaikoura
Going to Kaikoura solo?
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Sources
- NASA POWER climatology (2001–2020)
- Whale Watch Kaikōura
- Great Journeys New Zealand: Coastal Pacific
- Kaikōura District Council
- Department of Conservation
- Health NZ: Kaikōura Health
Climate averages are modelled from NASA POWER (MERRA-2) for 2001–2020 at about 50 km resolution, so coasts and valleys can differ a little. Temperatures are adjusted by 1.1°C for the city's elevation. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.