The New Zealand weather in February is usually glorious and an ideal time to tour the country. February is the busiest month of the year as far as tourism goes, so can be quite busy at many of the attractions. However it is one of the better months weather wise, so there is a good chance you will want to know what the weather is going to deliver.
Summer Evening at Punakaiki
February is the official last month of summer, however of latter years most certainly does not mean the end of beach outings or long warm sunny evenings. Quite the opposite with many days recording temperatures in the high 20's with warm nights.
I like February even though the humidity in coastal areas can be very high.
New Zealand Weather In February
Note:- The data provided below is based on monthly mean results and does not reflect daily peeks and lows.
city | monthly temps (Celsius) | monthly sunshine (hrs) | monthly rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
Whangarei | 16 - 24° | 202 | 95 |
Auckland | 16 - 24° | 195 | 66 |
Rotorua | 13 - 23° | 206 | 94 |
Napier | 15 - 24° | 203 | 54 |
Wellington | 14 - 21° | 211 | 70 |
Nelson | 13 - 23° | 231 | 64 |
Christchurch | 12 - 21° | 195 | 42 |
Lake Tekapo | 8 - 21° | 221 | 36 |
Dunedin | 12 - 19° | 158 | 68 |
Milford Sound | 10 - 19° | | 455 |
Queenstown | 9 - 22° | 207 | 50 |
Hokitika | 12 - 20° | 187 | 189 |
* Note:- the above information is based on data provided by NIWA.
"Quick conversion from Celsius to Fahrenheit (Celsius) x 2 then add 32"
While it can still rain in February, the odds are very low. I usually spend the whole month in short sleeve shirts and shorts. No need for a jumper or sweater.
As can be seen in the figures above, Milford sound is still getting its fair share of rain. At the end of the day, it is one of the wettest places on earth. The likes of Lake Tekapo has minimal rain at this time of year as it is up in the high country (700m) and sheltered by the mighty Mount Cook which tends to take the moisture out of the westerly air.
In conclusion, February is a good time to take a campervan holiday in New Zealand.