Weather in Timaru

Planning your day in Timaru? Check out the latest weather data, forecasts, and useful charts right here to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.

The climate in Timaru, located in New Zealand, can be described as temperate. The city experiences distinct seasons, offering visitors diverse weather conditions throughout the year. Overall, the weather here is quite mild, without extreme temperature fluctuations, making it an attractive destination to visit at various times.

Summer in Timaru (from December to February) is usually warm and pleasant. Average temperatures during this period range from 14.9°C to 16.7°C, while maximum daytime temperatures can reach 21.6°C. Winters (from June to August) are cool here, but not severe. Average temperatures drop to 5.1°C - 6.2°C, with minimum nighttime temperatures around 1.0°C - 1.5°C. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with moderate temperatures.

Regarding precipitation, rainfall in Timaru is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, albeit in small amounts – averaging 2-4 mm per month. The number of days with precipitation varies from 10 to 17 per month, indicating frequent but typically light rain or drizzle. There is no pronounced rainy season in terms of volume, however, December sees the highest number of days with precipitation, while April, May, and June see the fewest.

The climate in Timaru is characterized by moderate temperatures throughout the year, with clearly defined seasons. The warmest month is usually January, when the average temperature reaches 16.7°C, and daytime highs can rise to 21.6°C. The coldest month is considered to be July, with an average temperature of 5.1°C and nighttime lows dropping to an average of 1.0°C. The annual range of average temperatures is from 5.1°C to 16.7°C, indicating an absence of extreme heat or severe frost.

The summer months in Timaru, covering December, January, and February, bring pleasant warmth. In January, the hottest month, the average maximum temperature is 21.6°C, and the average minimum is 11.7°C. In February, the figures are slightly lower: an average maximum of 20.6°C and a minimum of 10.5°C. Summer days are usually warm and sunny, ideal for walks and outdoor activities, while the evenings bring a refreshing coolness.

Winter in Timaru, from June to August, is distinguished by cool weather but without severe freezes. In July, the coldest month, the average temperature holds at 5.1°C, with daytime highs reaching an average of 9.2°C, and nighttime lows potentially dropping to 1.0°C. Similar conditions are observed in June (average temperature 5.6°C, min 1.5°C, max 9.7°C). Throughout the year, noticeable diurnal temperature variations are observed in Timaru, where the difference between the daily maximum and nightly minimum can be around 8-10°C, so it is recommended to have several layers of clothing with you.

Although the total monthly rainfall in Timaru is low and remains steadily within a narrow range of 2 to 4 mm, the frequency of rainy days shows more noticeable seasonal dynamics. This means that despite the absence of heavy downpours, the likelihood of getting caught in the rain changes noticeably from month to month.

The highest amount of precipitation, at 4 mm each, traditionally falls in February, November, and December. At the same time, December also leads in the number of days with precipitation — averaging 17 days. November follows closely with 15 rainy days, and October has about 14 such days. The "driest" months, both in terms of volume (only 2 mm) and frequency of precipitation (about 10 rainy days), are April, May, and June. August and September are also characterized by a low precipitation level of 2 mm, but with a slightly higher frequency of rain (11-12 days).

This ratio — a small total volume of moisture and relatively frequent occurrence, especially during certain periods (for example, 4 mm of precipitation distributed over 17 days in December) — indicates that Timaru is characterized predominantly by light and short-lived rains or drizzle. Given that average minimum air temperatures even in the depths of winter (July) are around +1.0°C, it is safe to say that snowfall in the city is an extremely rare, if not exceptional, phenomenon.

When planning a trip to Timaru, it is important to consider the changeable weather of New Zealand, which is characterized not only by temperature fluctuations but also by potential wind. The key principle when packing your suitcase should be layering. Even in the warm months, evenings can be cool, and the temperature can change noticeably during the day. Given that the number of days with precipitation is quite high throughout the year (from 10 to 17 days per month), a light waterproof and windproof jacket or a compact umbrella will become your faithful companions. Don't forget comfortable walking shoes, as Timaru and its surroundings are perfect for exploration on foot.

In summer (December-February), when the average temperature hovers around 15-17°C and the maximum reaches 20-22°C, you will need light items: t-shirts, shorts, dresses. However, do not forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as well as a light sweater or cardigan for evening walks. In winter (June-August), the average temperature drops to 5-6°C, with minimum values around 1-2°C. At this time, warm clothes are necessary: sweaters, fleece jackets, insulated trousers, a beanie, a scarf, and gloves. Be sure to bring a warm, windproof, and waterproof jacket, as winter days can be quite cold and windy.

In spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May), the weather in Timaru is transitional. In spring, average temperatures gradually rise from 8°C to 13°C, and in autumn, they decrease from 14°C to 8°C, while daytime highs in these seasons can reach 13-19°C. Nights and mornings remain cool. During these periods, layered clothing will be most useful: t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, jumpers, and a waterproof jacket will allow you to feel comfortable regardless of the weather's whims. Regardless of the season, a power adapter may come in handy if your devices have a different plug type.