Weather in Rotorua

Stay up to date with the latest weather conditions in Rotorua. In this section, you will find current data, forecasts, and useful charts to help you plan your time in the city.

Rotorua, located in New Zealand, enjoys a temperate climate with distinct seasons. The weather here is quite mild year-round, without extreme temperature fluctuations, making the city attractive to visit at any time.

The summer months, from December to February, are generally warm and pleasant, with average temperatures around 18°C and maximums reaching 22-23°C. Winter, from June to August, brings cooler weather: the average temperature hovers around 8-9°C, and nightly lows can drop to 5°C. Rainfall in Rotorua is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, without a pronounced rainy season. Although the monthly amount of precipitation is not high, rainy days occur regularly, so light waterproof clothing may come in handy.

Rotorua experiences a noticeable annual temperature variation: from average minimums of about 5°C in the depth of winter (July-August) to average maximums reaching 22-23°C at the peak of summer (January-February). The warmest months are January (average temperature 18.4°C) and February (18.0°C), when daytime temperatures can reach 22-23°C, and nights remain warm with a minimum temperature of around 13-14°C. July (average temperature 8.3°C) and August (8.7°C) are considered the coldest, with night temperatures dropping to 5.1-5.2°C, and daytime temperatures rarely exceeding 11-12°C.

The summer months in Rotorua, from December to February, are characterised by pleasantly warm weather. During the day, the thermometer usually shows between 21°C and 23°C, dropping to a comfortable 13-14°C at night. Winter, lasting from June to August, brings coolness but without extreme frosts. Daytime temperatures during this period usually stay within 11-12°C, while night temperatures can drop to 5-6°C. Daily temperature fluctuations are quite noticeable year-round, averaging between 6°C and 9°C, which suggests having both light and warmer clothing in your wardrobe for evening walks, even in summer.

The transitional seasons – spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) – demonstrate a smooth change in temperature regimes. In autumn, starting from March with an average temperature of about 15.9°C (maximums up to 20.1°C, minimums down to 11.7°C), there is a gradual cooling to May averages of 11.2°C (maximums up to 14.6°C, minimums down to 7.7°C). Spring brings gradual warming: from an average of 10.1°C in September (maximums up to 13.7°C, minimums down to 6.5°C) to a more comfortable average of 14.6°C in November (maximums up to 18.7°C, minimums down to 10.5°C), preparing the city for the onset of summer warmth.

In Rotorua, precipitation falls throughout the year, and based on total volume, it is difficult to identify a clearly defined rainy season or dry period. The monthly amount of precipitation remains relatively low and stable, fluctuating primarily in the range of 3 mm to 5 mm. This indicates that heavy and prolonged downpours are not characteristic of the region; rather, one can expect moderate or light rains.

Despite the small total volume, rain in Rotorua is a fairly frequent phenomenon. The number of days with precipitation per month varies from 11 to 16, meaning that about a third or even half of the days in a month can be rainy. The highest volume of precipitation, about 5 mm, is usually recorded in July and September. Regarding frequency, November stands out as the month with the most rainy days – an average of 16. Also, the period from August to December is characterised by an increased frequency of precipitation, when the number of such days is consistently 15 or more. The least amount of precipitation (3 mm) falls in March and April, and the lowest number of rainy days (on average 11) is observed in February, April, and May. Given this picture, a light waterproof jacket or umbrella will be a useful addition to your luggage at any time of the year.

When planning a trip to Rotorua, remember the changeable weather and the principle of layering in clothing, which will be relevant at any time of the year. Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, as there are many interesting places to explore in the city and its surroundings. Considering that rainy days are not uncommon here, even with a small total amount of rainfall, a light waterproof jacket or a compact umbrella will become your reliable companions. Do not forget sunscreen and a hat, especially if your trip falls during the summer months, as the New Zealand sun can be quite active. And, of course, don't forget your swimsuit – the famous geothermal springs of Rotorua are accessible for visiting all year round!

In summer, from December to February, it is usually warm in Rotorua, so the basis of your wardrobe will be light clothing: T-shirts, shorts, summer dresses. However, evenings can bring coolness, so grab a light sweater or cardigan. In winter, from June to August, the temperature drops noticeably, and you will need warmer items: sweaters, fleece jackets, a warm and preferably windproof jacket, as well as a hat, scarf, and gloves, especially for evening walks or if you are sensitive to the cold. Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) are transitional seasons with changeable weather. At this time, layering will be especially helpful: combine T-shirts with jumpers or light jackets to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day.