City, New Zealand
Nelson weather by month and the best time to visit
When to go to Nelson
Dec–Mar is sunny and best for Abel Tasman; Jan is busiest. Autumn is calm. Winter days are crisp, with some storms.
Nelson weather by month
Average daily high, rainfall and conditions.
- Jan25°71 mm
- Feb25°60 mm
- Mar23°68 mm
- Apr19°88 mm
- May15°95 mm
- Jun12°104 mm
- Jul11°84 mm
- Aug13°81 mm
- Sep15°80 mm
- Oct17°91 mm
- Nov20°66 mm
- Dec22°95 mm
Monthly averages
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25°C77°F | 14°C57°F | 71 mm | 70% | Pleasant |
| February | 25°C77°F | 14°C57°F | 60 mm | 69% | Pleasant |
| March | 23°C73°F | 12°C54°F | 68 mm | 74% | Pleasant |
| April | 19°C65°F | 10°C50°F | 88 mm | 81% | Pleasant |
| May | 15°C59°F | 8°C46°F | 95 mm | 87% | Cool |
| June | 12°C54°F | 6°C43°F | 104 mm | 91% | Cool |
| July | 11°C52°F | 5°C41°F | 84 mm | 90% | Cool |
| August | 13°C55°F | 6°C42°F | 81 mm | 89% | Cool |
| September | 15°C59°F | 7°C44°F | 80 mm | 85% | Cool |
| October | 17°C63°F | 8°C47°F | 91 mm | 82% | Cool |
| November | 20°C67°F | 10°C50°F | 66 mm | 78% | Pleasant |
| December | 22°C72°F | 12°C54°F | 95 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 Nelson?
Dec–Apr. Dec–Mar is sunny and best for Abel Tasman; Jan is busiest. Autumn is calm. Winter days are crisp, with some storms.
When is the rainy season in Nelson?
Rain peaks in June with about 104 mm. No month averages 150 mm or more.
What is the hottest month in Nelson?
February, with average highs of 25°C (77°F).
How cold does Nelson get?
The coolest nights are in July, averaging 5°C (41°F).
More about Nelson
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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 3.5°C for the city's elevation. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.