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Town in Canterbury, New Zealand

Lake Tekapo weather by month and the best time to visit

Updated October 2026Sources
Nov–AprBest time to visit

When to go to Lake Tekapo

Nov–Apr is warm for lake and hiking; mid-Dec brings lupins. Winter has clear skies for stars but is freezing and may close roads.

Lake Tekapo weather by month

Average daily high, rainfall and conditions.

PleasantHotRainyCool or coldBest months
0°5°10°15°20°25°JFMAMJJASOND
Average highAverage lowRainfall

Monthly averages

MonthHighLowRainHumidityConditions
January22°C72°F11°C51°F104 mm73%Pleasant
February22°C72°F11°C51°F85 mm73%Pleasant
March20°C67°F9°C48°F85 mm78%Pleasant
April16°C60°F6°C43°F92 mm83%Cool
May12°C53°F4°C39°F100 mm89%Cool
June8°C47°F2°C35°F95 mm91%Cold
July8°C46°F1°C34°F86 mm91%Cold
August10°C49°F2°C36°F88 mm89%Cold
September13°C55°F3°C38°F89 mm84%Cool
October15°C59°F5°C40°F103 mm81%Cool
November18°C64°F7°C45°F104 mm78%Cool
December20°C68°F9°C49°F113 mm76%Pleasant

Best months across New Zealand

PlaceBest monthsWarmest month
AucklandDec–MarFeb (24°C)
QueenstownJul–Aug, Dec–MarJan (20°C)
WellingtonJan–AprFeb (19°C)
ChristchurchDec–MarJan (24°C)
RotoruaNov–AprJan (23°C)
WanakaJul–Aug, Dec–MarJan (21°C)
TaupoNov–AprJan (24°C)
Bay of IslandsDec–AprFeb (24°C)
Milford SoundNov–AprFeb (16°C)
Lake TekapoNov–AprFeb (22°C)
CoromandelDec–AprFeb (24°C)
TaurangaDec–AprFeb (23°C)
DunedinDec–MarJan (16°C)
NelsonDec–AprFeb (25°C)
Waiheke IslandDec–MarFeb (24°C)
KaikouraDec–MarJan (20°C)
Franz JosefDec–AprFeb (19°C)

Quick answers

What is the best month to visit Lake Tekapo?

Nov–Apr. Nov–Apr is warm for lake and hiking; mid-Dec brings lupins. Winter has clear skies for stars but is freezing and may close roads.

When is the rainy season in Lake Tekapo?

Rain peaks in December with about 113 mm. No month averages 150 mm or more.

What is the hottest month in Lake Tekapo?

February, with average highs of 22°C (72°F).

How cold does Lake Tekapo get?

The coolest nights are in July, averaging 1°C (34°F).

More about Lake Tekapo

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Sources

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 3.7°C for the city's elevation. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.