New Zealand Climate

Climate and Clothing

New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, so summer runs from December till February (Christmas Day is often the hottest day of a New Zealand summer), while the winter months are June till August.  New Zealand enjoys a mostly temperate climate, although the nation’s long, thin shape can see dramatic climate changes from region to region.  The North Island can see subtropical summers, while the South Island suffers Antarctica’s icy winds.

If you are planning on staying in New Zealand during winter, you should pack warm, wet weather footwear (such as gumboots or waterproof lace up boots), thermal underwear, warm sweaters (which New Zealanders call jumpers) and a wind and waterproof jacket.

The mild summer months see New Zealanders enjoying an outdoors lifestyle.  The strong ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun make it easy to get sunburned, even on cloudy days.  Overexposure to the sun can lead to life threatening skin cancer in later life, so it is important to reduce the sun’s affects wherever possible.  
The advertising slogan ‘slip, slop, slap’ – slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat – has become important advice for anyone enjoying a New Zealand summer.  You should bring a wide brimmed hat, long sleeved shirts made from cool, natural fibres (such as cotton) and a long sleeved sun shirt to protect yourself from the sun.  

Sunscreen is very important, especially if you have fair skin, and should be reapplied regularly.  Zinc cream is one of the strongest types of sunscreen and can be purchased from most New Zealand retailers (especially in towns close to the beach.) 

Be sure to apply sunscreen whenever you are in the sun, even if you’re just waiting at a bus stop or walking to the supermarket to get groceries.
New Zealander’s dress casually and weather appropriately.  The habit of removing ones shoes before entering a house has become popular, especially in sandy and snowy regions.