New Zealand Weather in July

Is July a good time to visit New Zealand?

July is a great time to visit New Zealand for winter activities and low-season prices. It’s generally cold, although much more mild the further north and closer to the sea you get. In particular, July is a fabulous time to visit New Zealand for skiing and snowboarding, as well as enjoying some of the clearest starry night skies in the world. 

What is the weather like in New Zealand in July?

July in New Zealand is cold, with wintry conditions setting in and freezing temperatures reaching many regions. However, the diverse geography and climate of New Zealand means that the weather differs greatly in July depending where you want to go, and some northern areas still see temperatures above or around 15°C (59°F). In many parts of the North Island this is also the wettest time of year, however – but the opposite is true in parts of the South Island and the West Coast. 

For a better idea of what to expect on a potential trip to New Zealand during July, here’s a breakdown of average temperatures, sunshine hours and rainfall levels by location:

Average temperatures in New Zealand in July

On the whole, temperatures range from cold to mild across New Zealand in July. In parts of the far north (including Auckland), the average daily temperature for July is still above 10°C (50°F), while it dips below 5°C (41°F) in parts of the South Island and interior regions. 

Where you really notice a difference in temperatures across different parts of New Zealand in July, however, is in the extremes of highs and lows: in Auckland and Northland, 20°C (68°F) days can happen, while in Queenstown and Central Otago, nighttime temperatures are below freezing on average.

Here’s a closer look at average temperatures in New Zealand in July, by location:

Average sunshine hours in New Zealand in July

July is the middle of winter in New Zealand, and so sunshine hours are relatively low around the country overall. This is partly impacted by the shortened daylight lengths at this time, but the amount of sunshine to expect also depends on exactly where you plan to go. Cities like Christchurch and Dunedin can see crisp, clear blue winter skies during July, and you can still expect around 4-5 hours of sunshine per day in northern areas like Auckland and Rotorua.

Average rainfall in New Zealand in July

For some of New Zealand’s biggest cities and major population areas in the North Island, July is a wet time of year. July is typically the wettest month of the year in Auckland and Wellington, with at least a bit of rain to be expected every few days. 

At the same time, there is actually lower average rainfall levels in July than during summer in places like Dunedin and Milford Sound. Other South Island destinations, like Christchurch and Queenstown, also have low levels of rainfall (and a small number of wet days) in July. 

Best things to do in New Zealand in July

Hit the slopes

July is maybe the best time to visit New Zealand for a ski holiday. From the world-class ski resorts of Wānaka and Mount Ruapehu to the local club fields of Canterbury and Taranaki, there’s a wide range of ski and snowboard destinations to suit all ability levels. 

Spot the Southern Lights and starry skies

Winter is when nights are at their longest and starry skies their deepest in New Zealand. That makes July a great time to hunt for Aurora Australis (a.k.a. The “Southern Lights”), particularly in the bottom half of the South Island. It’s an important time culturally, too, as the Matariki star cluster usually appears in the night sky during June or July. This event is celebrated as a public holiday in New Zealand and marks the beginning of the Māori new year. 

Whale watching in Kaikōura

The picturesque South Island town of Kaikōura is a well-known destination for spotting some of New Zealand’s best marine wildlife. July is a particularly good time for whale watching, since this is the season when majestic humpback whales are passing by on their migration cycle. Whether going by boat or plane, you may be able to spot a number of other whale species, as well as plenty of playful dolphins and seals!

Taupō Winter Festival

For a lively, vibrant, revitalizing winter activity, don’t miss the Taupō Winter Festival during July. With light shows and carnival performances, live music and interactive workshops, a pop-up ice rink and plenty of delicious food, the Taupō Winter Festival combines art, culture, family fun and warming winter vibes. 

Ready to go?

If you’re ready to start planning your trip to New Zealand in July, you can contact First Light Travel to help put together your own customized travel itinerary. Alternatively, you can peruse a number of New Zealand self-drive tour itineraries and information on their website, New Zealand travel blog, and extensive New Zealand travel guide.