Mountain town in Otago, New Zealand
Wanaka weather by month and the best time to visit
When to go to Wanaka
Dec–Mar is warm for lake swims and hikes; April brings autumn colors; Jul–Aug is ski season. Shoulder months are quiet and some tours pause.
Wanaka weather by month
Average daily high, rainfall and conditions.
- Jan21°134 mm
- Feb21°101 mm
- Mar19°104 mm
- Apr15°101 mm
- May11°124 mm
- Jun8°115 mm
- Jul7°105 mm
- Aug9°101 mm
- Sep12°121 mm
- Oct14°123 mm
- Nov17°117 mm
- Dec19°136 mm
Monthly averages
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21°C69°F | 10°C51°F | 134 mm | 77% | Pleasant |
| February | 21°C69°F | 10°C51°F | 101 mm | 78% | Pleasant |
| March | 19°C65°F | 9°C48°F | 104 mm | 82% | Pleasant |
| April | 15°C59°F | 6°C44°F | 101 mm | 86% | Cool |
| May | 11°C52°F | 4°C40°F | 124 mm | 92% | Cool |
| June | 8°C46°F | 2°C36°F | 115 mm | 94% | Cold |
| July | 7°C45°F | 1°C34°F | 105 mm | 94% | Cold |
| August | 9°C48°F | 2°C36°F | 101 mm | 91% | Cold |
| September | 12°C53°F | 4°C38°F | 121 mm | 86% | Cool |
| October | 14°C57°F | 5°C41°F | 123 mm | 83% | Cool |
| November | 17°C62°F | 7°C44°F | 117 mm | 80% | Cool |
| December | 19°C67°F | 9°C49°F | 136 mm | 78% | 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 Wanaka?
Jul–Aug, Dec–Mar. Dec–Mar is warm for lake swims and hikes; April brings autumn colors; Jul–Aug is ski season. Shoulder months are quiet and some tours pause.
When is the rainy season in Wanaka?
Rain peaks in December with about 136 mm. No month averages 150 mm or more.
What is the hottest month in Wanaka?
January, with average highs of 21°C (69°F).
How cold does Wanaka get?
The coolest nights are in July, averaging 1°C (34°F).
More about Wanaka
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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 3.9°C for the city's elevation. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.