Weather in Palmerston North

Planning your day in the city of Palmerston North? Check out the latest weather data, forecasts, and useful charts right in this section.

The climate in Palmerston North, New Zealand, is generally temperate, with maritime features. This means there are no sharp temperature contrasts between seasons and the weather is fairly mild year-round. Summer (December-February) is warm and comfortable: the average air temperature hovers around 17-18°C, while maximums reach a pleasant 20-22°C. Winters (June-August) are cool but not severe, with average temperatures around 9-10°C and minimum values rarely dropping below 6°C.

Palmerston North has four distinct seasons. Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) are characterised by mild, transitional temperatures. A distinctive feature of the local climate is the even distribution of rainfall throughout the year, although the total amount is low (2-4 mm per month). However, the number of rainy days is quite high – from 10 to 18 per month, indicating frequent but usually light or short-lived rains. There is no pronounced rainy season or dry period here, making the weather relatively stable and predictable for trip planning.

The climate in Palmerston North is characterised by moderate temperatures throughout the year, without extreme heat or severe frosts. The warmest months are usually January and February, when the average temperature reaches 18.3°C and 17.8°C respectively, and maximum daytime temperatures rise to 22.0°C. The coolest period falls in July and August, with an average temperature of about 9.3°C - 9.6°C and minimum night-time temperatures dropping to an average of 6.4°C. The annual range of average temperatures is quite smooth, which is typical for a maritime climate.

The summer months in Palmerston North, from December to February, bring pleasant warmth. Daytime highs usually hover around 20-22°C, creating comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. Nights also remain warm, with average minimum temperatures around 13-14°C. Significant exhausting heat is not observed here; the weather rather invites walks and enjoying nature.

Winter, lasting from June to August, is mild and cool in Palmerston North. Average daytime temperatures stay within 12-13°C, while night-time temperatures drop to 6-7°C. Severe frosts are rare, although the temperature may approach the freezing point on the coldest nights. The difference between day and night temperatures is noticeable but not extreme, averaging 6-8°C throughout the year. This means that even on warm days, evenings can be quite fresh, and in winter, one should be prepared for cool weather, especially in the morning and night hours.

In Palmerston North, precipitation is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, and there is no pronounced rainy season or drought period. A characteristic feature of the climate is frequent precipitation, but the total monthly amount is small. This means that frequent but not too intense rains or drizzle are typical for the city, rather than heavy downpours.

If we look at the monthly amount of precipitation, the "driest" month can be called January, when an average of only 2 mm falls. Slightly more precipitation, 4 mm each, is recorded in July, August, September, and December. However, in terms of the number of rainy days, the picture is somewhat different. Rains occur most frequently in September and October – an average of 18 days in each of these months. August is also distinguished by a high frequency of precipitation (17 days), followed by July and December (16 rainy days each).

The fewest number of days with precipitation falls on the summer months of the Southern Hemisphere: in February there are about 10, and in January and April – 11 each. Considering that average minimum temperatures remain significantly above zero even in winter, all precipitation in Palmerston North falls as rain. Snow is not characteristic for this region.

When planning a trip to Palmerston North, it is important to consider the changeable weather and frequent rainfall throughout the year. The key principle when packing your suitcase should be layering. Even in the summer months (December-February), when the average temperature holds around 17-18°C, evenings can be cool, so a light jacket or sweater will be useful. Given that the number of days with precipitation ranges from 10 to 18 per month, a waterproof windbreaker or light raincoat, as well as a compact umbrella, will become your faithful companions. Do not forget comfortable walking shoes, as you will surely want to explore the city and its surroundings.

In summer (December-February), you will need t-shirts, shorts, and light trousers, but it is also worth taking a jumper and a windbreaker. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are mandatory, as UV radiation in New Zealand can be quite intense. In winter (June-August), the average temperature drops to 9-10°C, so your wardrobe should include warm sweaters, a fleece jacket, an insulated waterproof jacket, a hat, a scarf, and gloves. In the transitional seasons – spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) – the weather is particularly unpredictable, so layered clothing, including both light and warmer items, will allow you to feel comfortable during any temperature changes and sudden rainfall.

Regardless of the season, always have a light waterproof jacket with you, as rain can start unexpectedly. Considering that the average amount of precipitation is small (2-4 mm per month), this will most often be a drizzling rain rather than a heavy downpour. An electrical adapter may also be useful if your devices have plugs of a different standard. Thus, a thoughtful approach to choosing clothes and accessories will ensure you a comfortable stay in Palmerston North at any time of the year.