Weather in Gisborne

Stay informed about the current weather conditions in the city of Gisborne. In this section, you will find fresh weather reports and forecasts to help you plan your journey effectively.

The climate of Gisborne can be described as moderately warm and maritime, making this city one of the sunniest and most pleasant places in New Zealand. Thanks to the proximity of the ocean, there are no extreme temperature fluctuations here: summer delights with comfortable warmth without exhausting heat, while winter remains mild, without severe frosts or snowfall.

The warmest period falls on the summer months — from December to February — when the air warms up to an average of +23°C, creating ideal conditions for beach holidays and surfing. Winter (from June to August) is quite gentle here: daytime temperatures usually stay around +10...+13°C, and night temperatures rarely drop below +6°C, allowing for comfortable exploration of the city and surroundings even in the cool season.

Precipitation in Gisborne falls quite evenly throughout the year, so there is no distinct rainy or dry season. On average, there are between 9 to 13 days with precipitation per month; however, rains are often short-lived, quickly giving way to the clear weather for which this region is famous.

The climate in Gisborne is characterised by mildness and comfort, without extreme temperature fluctuations, making the city attractive to visit all year round. The warmest period is the New Zealand summer: in January and February, average daily maximums reach 23.4°C — 23.6°C. This time is ideal for beach holidays and active tourism, as the weather is pleasantly warm but rarely exhaustingly hot.

The winter months, from June to August, bring coolness, yet strong frosts are uncharacteristic for this region. July is considered the coldest month, when the average temperature is about 9.9°C, and night-time readings can drop to 6.6°C. During the day, the air usually warms up to 13–14 degrees, which allows one to enjoy walks if warm clothing is taken care of in advance.

Travellers should also take into account noticeable daily temperature fluctuations. Throughout the year, the difference between daytime warmth and night-time coolness averages 7–8 degrees. Even at the height of summer, when days are sunny and warm, evenings can be quite fresh, so having a light jacket or sweater in your luggage will be very useful.

Precipitation in Gisborne is distributed surprisingly evenly throughout the year, so it is difficult to single out a pronounced rainy season or a period of complete drought. Thanks to such a climate, the region remains green and picturesque at any time. Rain here is a regular occurrence, but judging by statistics, it is rarely heavy or prolonged, rather resembling short-term showers or light drizzle.

The frequency of rainy days varies slightly: from 9 to 13 days per month. Even in the summer season (December–February), when tourists expect only sun, the number of days with precipitation remains at the level of 10–13. However, the total volume of precipitation in millimetres is extremely small, suggesting that rains are usually very light in nature and rarely interfere with travellers' plans.

If you are looking for the period with the lowest probability of precipitation, pay attention to April — statistically the driest month with approximately 9 rainy days. Conversely, June, November, and December are the leaders in rain frequency (about 13 days), so when setting off on a trip at this time, do not forget to take a light raincoat or umbrella.

Gisborne is famous for its pleasant climate, yet the weather in New Zealand is known for its variability, so when packing your suitcase, it is worth being ready for different scenarios. For the summer months (December–February), when the air warms up to a comfortable 23°C, light clothing made of natural fabrics, shorts, and t-shirts are ideal. Pay special attention to sun protection: UV radiation is very intense here, so high SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and quality sunglasses are necessary even on cloudy days.

In the cool season (from June to August), temperatures can drop to 6–7°C, so the best strategy will be the layering principle. Take thermal underwear, a warm fleece jumper, and a windproof jacket with you — this will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day. Even if you are travelling in summer, a light windbreaker or hoodie will come in handy for evening walks along the coast, where it is often windy.

Statistics show that rainy days in Gisborne happen regularly throughout the year (on average 10–13 days per month), although precipitation is often short-lived. Therefore, a compact raincoat or waterproof membrane jacket will become your best friends; they are often more practical than an umbrella due to possible gusts of wind. Also, be sure to bring comfortable, broken-in walking shoes, as the region is rich in natural attractions that are best explored on foot.