What to expect from New Zealand weather in November
November in New Zealand is the last month of spring
November is a good time to see spring flowers
November is the last month of spring in New Zealand, and usually the first month of warmer weather.
Around November is when we usually start to eat dinner outside in evening sunshine, and when we start to get excited about summer plans.
It can be a mixed bag in terms of weather, with bright sunny days and gloomy days equally.
Unpredictability is a big part of November weather — as is the case with almost every month in New Zealand.
If you’re planning on travelling to New Zealand in November, you should be prepared for everything from spring weather to wintery conditions. You might be in balmy t-shirt weather one day and facing rain storms the next.
Usually, one of my favourite November events is the Grey Lynn Park Festival. It’s a free festival in the park, where lots of people lay out picnic blankets and sip gin and tonics in the sun.
It’s one of the first events that makes it feel like summer has arrived.
But in 2023 it was wet and miserable — not the summer vibe at all. In 2022, heavy rain meant it was cancelled altogether. Fingers crossed for a sunny 2024 event.
If you don’t mind rolling the dice with the rain radar, November can be an awesome time to travel New Zealand.
Here’s the quick overview of November in New Zealand:
The weather varies from warm to wet and cold — pack layers
It’s an awesome time to visit for hiking and enjoying the outdoors without summer crowds
It’s also a great time for enjoying campervan travel.
Is November a good time to visit New Zealand?
November is one of the best months to visit New Zealand, with warm, dry weather and summer right around the corner. The days get longer each day of the month, and for most of the country, winter is just a memory.
At the same time, the summer crowds have yet to arrive — most New Zealanders don’t take holidays or travel until late December — so it’s a great time to explore.
Usually, though, November has a mix of weather. On sunny days it can be nice and warm but there are often also days where it’s grey and cold, and I find myself rugging up in warm jumpers.
The promise of summer is definitely in the air, but it doesn’t typically get hot until after Christmas.
So while November is a good time to visit, you should still pack some warm clothes.
New Zealand weather in November
New Zealand weather is mild and even warm.
November is relatively dry in many parts of New Zealand, with fewer rainy days compared to the spring months of September and October.
November offers longer daylight hours, which make it a great time to enjoy outdoor activities. By the end of November, the sun rises before 6am in Auckland, and doesn’t set until 8.25pm.
November is a good month for hiking, biking, kayaking, and exploring New Zealand's trails and national parks.
This is the time of year when we start to spend more time outside again, with sunset picnics on the beach after work, longer walks on the weekend, and even beach days.
It’s usually still quite chilly in the. evenings though, so while we might have dinner al fresco you still need to wear a jumper.
What temperatures can you expect in New Zealand in November?
Here are some of the average high/low temperatures across the North and South Islands in November:
Auckland: 20° / 12° Celcius, or 68° / 53° Fahrenheit
Wellington: 17° / 11° Celcius or 62° / 51° Fahrenheit
Christchurch: 19° / 8° Celcius or 66° / 46° Fahrenheit
Queenstown: 18° / 6° Celcius or 64° / 42° Fahrenheit
In November, New Zealand is transitioning from spring to early summer, and the temperatures become increasingly pleasant.
The North Island generally experiences warmer temperatures than the South Island in November thanks to its more temperate climate.
Daytime temperatures in the North Island typically range from 17°C to 23°C (63°F to 73°F). Nights are cooler, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F).
Even on hotter, sunny days, I usually find myself putting a jumper on as soon as the sun goes down in November. It’s also quite cool in the shade or when the breeze picks up.
In the South Island, daytime temperatures are slightly cooler than in the North Island, ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). Nights can be cooler as well, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 12°C (45°F to 54°F).
Inland and alpine areas, such as Queenstown and Wanaka, will have cooler temperatures than coastal parts of the South Island.
Daytime highs may range from 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F), and nighttime temperatures can drop significantly, often falling below freezing, especially in the alpine regions.
Travel tips for visiting New Zealand in November
November is the last off season month before summer kicks off in New Zealand. If you want to visit popular attractions without the crowds, November is a great time to travel.
November is when the lupins start flowering around Lake Tekapo — they reach their peak in December.
The weather will be much warmer in the North Island, so November can be a great month to visit Northland and the Bay of Islands, or the Coromandel Peninsula.
What to wear in New Zealand in November
In New Zealand in November, the number one rule is that you should pack clothes you can layer easily.
You might get warm during the day, but the nights are still cool.
Bring a lightweight jacket or windbreaker for cooler mornings and evenings. It's a good idea to choose one that's waterproof or water-resistant in case of light rain.
New Zealand's sun can be strong in November, even on cloudy days, so pack a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses with UV protection, and sunscreen to protect yourself from UV rays.
In some regions, sandflies and mosquitoes can start to be annoying in November, so you might want to consider packing insect repellent.
Where to go in New Zealand in November
Tekapo
November is a great time to visit Lake Tekapo to see the lupins. I went in November, and as you can see in the photo above, I enjoyed sunshine in a sundress.
Northland
Head up to the northernmost beaches of New Zealand in November, and you’ll have them mostly to yourself.
The weather is warm enough for swimming and sunbathing, but you won’t have to deal with the crowded campgrounds, as you would in December.
You might also find these guides to New Zealand weather by month helpful:
