Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand
Winter Climate Summary overview:
This was New Zealand’s third-warmest winter on record, with a nationwide average of 9.7°C. This was 1.1°C above the 1991-2020 winter average, making it New Zealand’s 3rd-warmest winter since Earth Sciences New Zealand’s seven station temperature series began in 1909. This may surprise a large portion of the population, especially in northern areas where winter temperatures were close to average. However, the exceptional warmth of June nationwide, and the relatively warm winter throughout the South Island, were the dominant features of the country’s overall seasonal temperature. Temperatures were above average (0.51-1.20°C above average) or well above average (>1.20°C above average) throughout the South Island. Temperatures were also above average for many parts of the North Island. The exception was parts of Northland, Auckland, Waikato, eastern Bay of Plenty, and Gisborne, where temperatures were near average (±0.50°C of average).
Rainfall was above normal, or well above normal, for Southland, Otago, southern and inland parts of Canterbury, and the West Coast. Rainfall was below normal for large parts of the North Island, including Manawatū-Whanganui, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, and much of Waikato, Auckland, and Northland. Rainfall was near for remaining parts of the country. Impactful heavy rainfall occurred from 5-9 July for eastern parts of the country, with three local states of emergency declared.
El Niño conditions were present in the tropical Pacific atmosphere and ocean, and strengthened considerably from mid-winter onwards.
Highlights:
- The highest temperature was 26.0°C, observed at Bromley (Christchurch) on 20 June. This was New Zealand’s second-highest winter temperature on record.
- The lowest temperature was -13.5°C, observed at Lake Tekapo on 12 July.
- The highest 1-day rainfall was 194 mm, recorded at Franz Josef on 26 August.
- The highest wind gust was 207 km/h, observed at Cape Turnagain on 23 August.
- Of the six main centres in winter 2026, Auckland and Tauranga were the equal-warmest, Tauranga was the sunniest, Christchurch was the coolest and driest, Wellington was the wettest, and Dunedin was the least sunny.
- The sunniest four regions in 2026 so far are Nelson (1823 hours), Whakatāne (1793 hours), New Plymouth (1760 hours) and Richmond (1722 hours).
August Climate Summary overview: Warm and wet for the South Island
Highlights:
- The highest temperature was 23.5°C, observed in Timaru on 25 August.
- The lowest temperature was -10.7°C, observed at Cass (inland Canterbury) on 6 August.
- The highest 1-day rainfall was 194 mm, recorded at Franz Josef on 26 August.
- The highest wind gust was 207 km/h, observed at Cape Turnagain on 23 August.
- Of the six main centres, Auckland was the warmest, Tauranga was sunniest and the wettest, Wellington was the least sunny, Christchurch was the coldest and the driest.
- The sunniest four regions in 2026 so far are Nelson (1823 hours), Whakatāne (1793 hours), New Plymouth (1760 hours) and Richmond (1722 hours).