Weather in New Plymouth

Planning to spend time in the city of New Plymouth? Get the latest weather updates and forecasts in this section. Here, you will find up-to-date data and useful charts to help you plan your day.

The climate in New Plymouth, located in New Zealand, can be characterised as temperate maritime. It is typical for mild temperatures throughout the year, without sharp fluctuations or extreme heat and cold. Average annual temperatures range comfortably: the warmest months are January and February with an average temperature of around 18°C, while the coolest are July and August, when the average temperature is approximately 10.5°C.

Seasons in New Plymouth are clearly defined. Summer (December–February) is usually warm and pleasant, with maximum temperatures reaching around 20°C. Winter (June–August) is mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 8–9°C. One of the defining features of the weather is frequent rainfall throughout the year. Although the monthly precipitation volume in millimetres is low (from 4 to 7 mm), the number of rainy days is quite significant, ranging from 11 to 19 days per month. This means that light rain or drizzle is a common occurrence in New Plymouth.

The annual temperature trend in New Plymouth is characterised by moderate values. January and February stand out as the warmest months: the average temperature in January is around 18.0°C (in February 17.8°C), daytime highs reach 20.2°C (20.1°C in February), and nighttime lows hover around 15.7°C (15.6°C in February). The coolest months are July and August, when the average temperature drops to 10.6°C and 10.5°C respectively, daytime highs are around 12.4°C – 12.5°C, and nighttime lows can reach 8.8°C – 8.6°C. Thus, the annual temperature range is quite comfortable, without extreme heat peaks or severe frosts.

The summer months in New Plymouth, falling between December and February, are characterised by pleasant warmth. Average daily highs range from 18.9°C in December to 20.2°C in January. Nights also remain warm, with minimum temperatures around 14.5°C – 15.7°C. Such weather is ideal for walking and outdoor activities without being exhausting due to intense heat.

Winter in New Plymouth, which lasts from June to August, is distinguished by cool but not freezing weather. Average maximum temperatures during these months are around 12.4°C – 13.3°C, while average minimums drop to 8.6°C – 9.6°C. Temperature fluctuations between day and night throughout the year are not very significant, usually amounting to about 4–5 degrees, which indicates a stable temperature regime. Even in the coldest months, the weather remains relatively mild.

In New Plymouth, precipitation occurs throughout the year, and there is no distinct dry season or torrential rain season. Nevertheless, a certain seasonality in rainfall distribution can be observed. Overall, the number of rainy days is quite high for most of the year, suggesting frequent but not necessarily heavy rains.

The highest amount of precipitation usually falls during the Southern Hemisphere winter months. Thus, July is the month with the highest average precipitation, reaching 7 mm. However, September stands out for the number of rainy days, with precipitation observed on average for 19 days. May, June, and August are also characterised by increased humidity, with 6 mm of precipitation in May, August, and September, and between 15 and 18 rainy days.

Drier conditions are observed during the summer months and in mid-spring. January, February, March, and October are the "driest" months in terms of total precipitation, which is about 4 mm. At the same time, February stands out with the fewest rainy days — an average of 11. Despite this, even during these periods, the probability of rain remains, although to a lesser extent than in other months.

When packing for a trip to New Plymouth, it is worth remembering its temperate maritime climate, characterised by frequent rainfall and changeable weather throughout the year. The average annual number of rainy days is quite high (from 11 to 19 per month), so a waterproof and windproof jacket is your main companion. Comfortable walking shoes, ideally waterproof, are also extremely important for exploring the city and its picturesque surroundings without discomfort. The principle of layering clothing is especially relevant here, as it will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes.

In summer (December to February), New Plymouth is usually warm, with an average temperature of around 18–20°C. At this time, light t-shirts, shorts, and trousers will come in handy, but do not forget to pack a light sweater or fleece jacket for evening walks or cooler days. Sunscreen and a hat are mandatory, as the New Zealand sun can be intense even on cloudy days. In winter (June to August), the temperature drops to an average of 10–13°C, so you will need warm sweaters, trousers, and more substantial outerwear under which you can wear several layers. Regardless of the season, a compact umbrella will not go amiss, although in windy weather, a jacket with a hood may prove to be a more practical solution.