What to expect from New Zealand weather in February
Sunny summer days make February a prime month for visiting New Zealand
February in New Zealand promises balmy days and sunshine, and the celebratory mood of summer continues with a string of music festivals and beach getaways.
This is one of my favourite months to travel New Zealand, and I usually have plans to escape Auckland city every weekend in February.
But, as with every month in New Zealand, there’s always the chance of rain.
Here are my thoughts on what it’s like to visit at this time, and what you need to know about the weather in New Zealand in February.
Is February a good time to visit New Zealand?
February is one of the best months to visit New Zealand. The weather tends to be sunny and settled across the country. As one of the warmest months in New Zealand, February is a good month for exploring the beaches of the North Island, as well as hikes in the South Island.
Sunny, warm weather means February is a prime month for exploring New Zealand’s rivers, lakes, and coastlines.
Most locals have a favourite swimming hole rivers around the country, and sports like surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking and just doing bombs off the end of jetties keep most people occupied on the weekends.
February is a great month for events, with music festivals like Splore and Shipwrecked, as well as other events like the Marlborough Food and Wine Festival.
School holidays generally wrap up in early February, so the domestic summer crowds start to tail off but the good weather continues.
New Zealand weather in February
In February, temperatures are generally comfortable, ranging from around 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) during the daytime.
Even though this is one of the warmest months, evenings can still be cool, which is typical of New Zealand at any time of year.
The days are long, with the sun rising between 6.30-7am and setting between 8.30-8pm.
However, nothing is guaranteed when it comes to weather in New Zealand.
I’ve been to Splore, a music festival near Auckland, many times. It’s one of my favourite things about the month of February, usually taking place on one of the last weekends of the month.
Yet despite being a summer music festival, somehow there is often at least one day of rain during the three day event, and one year there was such torrential downpours the main stage became a mud pit.
So, you can never be entirely sure of sunshine in February. On average, there are around 6 days of rainfall in February in Auckland.
The weather in New Zealand in late February continues to be warm and typically sunny. Although February is technically the last month of summer, the warm, dry, settled weather continues well into March and usually early April.
Is it cold in New Zealand in February?
The weather in New Zealand in February is rarely cold. Temperatures might dip to 10°C (50°F) overnight, but unless you’re dancing outside all night at a summer festival, or spending the night in an alpine hiking hut, this is rarely an issue.
I recommend packing at least one warm layer for February, but most of the time you can expect the weather to be mild.
Does it rain a lot in New Zealand in February?
February is generally one of the drier months in New Zealand, especially in the eastern and northern parts of both the North Island and the South Island.
However, New Zealand's weather is variable and rainfall patterns can vary from region to region.
The North Island tends to be warmer and drier than the South Island in February.
In cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Hawke's Bay, February is considered a relatively dry month with lower rainfall. You can expect occasional showers or drizzle, but extended periods of heavy rain are less common during this time.
The South Island can be drier in February, especially in the eastern regions like Marlborough and Central Otago.
On the West Coast of the South Island, particularly in places like Fiordland and the Westland/Tai Poutini National Park, rainfall is more frequent and can be heavy throughout the year, including February.
The weather in New Zealand in February and March makes these months popular for visiting New Zealand. Learn more about New Zealand weather in the summer months:
What temperature can you expect in New Zealand in February?
Here are some of the average high/low temperatures in February across the North and South Islands:
Auckland: 24° / 16° Celcius, or 75° / 60° Fahrenheit
Wellington: 21° / 14° Celcius or 70° / 57° Fahrenheit
Christchurch: 22° / 12° Celcius or 71° / 53° Fahrenheit
Queenstown: 22° / 9° Celcius or 71° / 48° Fahrenheit
February is a warm month, and while temperatures can soar to 30°C (considered a very hot temperature for New Zealand), averages typically hover around early to mid twenties.
Although temperatures are typically warmer in the North Island, the range of climates across the country means regions like Christchurch and Central Otago can actually enjoy warmer, drier summers than places like Wellington, which is notoriously windy and wet.
Sea temperatures tend to get much colder in the South Island — I’ve been swimming off the southern coast of Fiordland in February and the water was about 14°C, while in Auckland it can be 22°C and I can go surfing without a wetsuit.
Travel tips for visiting New Zealand in February
6 February is Waitangi Day, a national public holiday. Accommodation can be harder to find around this time, so book in advance.
Wear sunscreen! February is a hot and sunny month, so make sure to pack a hat and plenty of sunscreen.
February is less busy than January, but still peak travel season for New Zealand, so book activities and accommodation early.
Early February is cherry season, so supermarkets suddenly have huge punnets of cherries. Fresh cherries are the perfect beach snack or road trip food — they don’t last for long, so get them before they’re gone.
New Zealand summer events in February
February is a great time to visit New Zealand as the summer season is in full swing, and there are many exciting events and festivals taking place across the country.
Auckland Lantern Festival: Held in Auckland's Albert Park, this vibrant festival celebrates Chinese New Year with stunning lantern displays, cultural performances, and delicious food stalls. It’s a must-see event that highlights the cultural diversity of Auckland.
Splore Festival: My favourite event! Located at Tapapakanga Regional Park near Auckland, this music and arts festival offers a unique combination of live music, art installations, workshops, and sustainability initiatives. It’s a magical, colourful festival right by the beach — you can be swimming and enjoy music from the main stage at the same time.
The Art Deco Festival in Napier: Napier is renowned for its well-preserved Art Deco architecture, and during this event, the entire city steps back in time to the 1930s. Enjoy vintage cars, music, and fashion during this event in mid-February.
What clothes to pack for New Zealand in February
If you’re visiting New Zealand in February, you can pack summer clothes with a few warmer layers.
Pack lightweight and breathable tops, t-shirts, and shorts for the warm days. Bring a couple of long-sleeved shirts for sun protection and cooler evenings.
You’ll probably want to spend a lot of time outside, so practical hiking clothes are useful. New Zealand’s dress code is usually casual, and even more so in summer.
A wide-brimmed hat or a cap will protect you from strong UV rays, and of course swimwear is essential in February.
Make sure you also bring a good supply of sunscreen — you’ll need it.
For footwear, I live in Birkenstocks all through February, but any sandals or flip flops will become your default footwear during this month.
Evenings can get cooler, so having a light jacket or sweater is handy. And while rain is less likely in February, it's always a good idea to have a lightweight waterproof layer.
The best things to do in New Zealand in February
In February, the weather is warm and the sea temperatures are still pleasant.
This makes it an ideal month for visiting beaches, swimming in New Zealand’s rivers, and maybe giving surfing a go at our famous surf spots like Raglan.
Other water sports are also awesome during February.
Go kayaking in the serene waters of the Marlborough Sounds, snorkelling around the Bay of Islands, or enjoy stand up paddleboarding at tranquil bays near Auckland.
February is also a great time to visit vineyards in places like Waiheke or Martinborough.
The rows of vines are bushy and green during the summer months, and the vineyards often have al fresco dining or tasting options, so you can enjoy basking in the sun and taking in the views with a glass of chilled rose in your hand.
Where to go in New Zealand in February
Golden Bay
February is a great time to visit the beaches of Golden Bay, near Nelson. Explore the far reaches of Abel Tasman National Park, see sunsets at Wharariki Beach, or enjoy beverages in the sunshine at laid back local joints like the Mussel Inn.
Whangarei
The beaches around Whangarei and the Tutukaka Coast are some of the best in the entire country, in my opinion.
February is a great time to explore the region, as the campgrounds will be quieter but you can still soak up quintessential New Zealand summer.
Head to Matapouri Bay and nearby Woolley’s Bay for epic freedom camping spots, and swim at the pristine Whale Bay. The Te Whara Track is one of the best day hikes in New Zealand, and finishes up at the gorgeous Smuggler’s Bay.
The Hawkes Bay and Napier
The east coast of New Zealand enjoys some of the warmest weather in summer, with the Hawkes Bay bathed in sunshine in February.
It’s this glorious climate which makes the region so ideal for producing wine and fruit, and makes it a great destination for hiking and cycling.
New Zealand accommodation in February
Summer in New Zealand is the ideal time to go camping. Make the most of February’s pleasant climate and consider travelling New Zealand in a campervan.
Or, enjoy the many glamping options around the country. It’s a great time of year for an outdoor bath.
During February, accommodation in popular destinations like Aoraki Mount Cook might be harder to find, so be sure to book in advance.
Prices for accommodation also tend to be higher in February, especially in areas like Queenstown.
