New Zealand’s weather is strongly influenced by its mountains and the seas that surround it. Although extreme drops in temperature with the changing seasons are not experienced in the country, unexpected abrupt changes in weather may occur during any given day as tropical cyclones and cold fronts quickly blow in and out of the country. It is said that it is not uncommon to experience all the four seasons in one day especially in the South Island. It is of extreme importance for travelers then to be prepared for these unexpected and abrupt changes in weather and temperature when visiting New Zealand. Travelers are always advised to bring warm clothing well as rainwear with them even on a sunny day because rain might just suddenly pour on what started out as a sunny day.

Just like other temperate countries, New Zealand has four seasons. Spring in New Zealand is from September to November. During this time the weather in the country is generally cold and even frosty in some parts. It is at this time when the westerly winds are at their strongest. The western side of the South Island tends to be rainy during this season while the eastern side enjoys warm dry winds, which is great for outdoor activities. Springtime is the time when the country’s flora awakens from winter’s spell and starts to bud and bloom. The Alexandra in Central Otago and Hastings in Hawke’s Bay both celebrate the coming of spring with a blossom festival. Spring is also the perfect time for white water rafting since river water levels are high during this time due to the melting snow in the mountains. A wonderful sight during this time of the year too, would be the view of countless new born lambs frolicking in the plains at sunset. After all, New Zealand is home to about 40 million sheep.

When Europe and the rest of the countries in the Northern Hemisphere are experiencing low temperatures in the months of December to February, New Zealand is having its summer. Days during these months are long, warm and sunny with daylight lasting till 9:00 pm so the country observes daylight saving during this season. Summer nights are mild and cool. With air pollution at a minimum in this country UV rays from the sun are very strong during the summer months. Travelers are advised to wear sunscreen, sunglasses and hats to protect them from the harsh summer sun most especially if they are outdoors from 11 am to 4 pm. Summer is the best time to trek to the wonderful beaches of the country to swim, sunbathe, surf, go boating and engage in other exciting water sports. Summer is also the best season to go for hikes and walks in the bush. New Zealand’s autumn is from March to May. Temperature in the country slowly dips during this time of the year. Autumn can still be an ideal time for swimming but only until April because waters become uncomfortably cold in May. Being a generally temperate country most of the trees that thrive in New Zealand are evergreen although there are also deciduous trees that start to shed their leaves during this time. But before the leaves finally fall, their colors change to shades of yellow, orange and brown creating a colorful and beautiful autumn sight especially in Central Otago and Hawke’s Bay, which are renowned for their beautiful autumn.

New Zealand’s winter months are from June to August while countries in the Northern Hemisphere are experiencing the heat of summer. Temperatures drop during this time of the year in the whole country. Mountain ranges in both the North and South Island become covered with snow making them ideal skiing sites. Both the North and South island experience rainfall during winter with the North Island getting more rain than the South Island. If you are in for a winter adventure, visiting glaciers and beautiful snowcapped mountains, winter is the perfect time to schedule your trip to this beautiful country. In winter it is not rare for parts of the country to have long periods of chilly evenings and mornings followed by cool sunny days because of high pressure weather systems that prevail in the country during this time. Indeed New Zealand’s climate may seem a bit odd because of abrupt weather changes even during one given day.