| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
 | | |  | |  | | | | | | |
Key
| The best time to travel |
| A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of |
 | Travel is possible, but this is not the best time of year |
 | Travel is not recommended |
| Snow or ski season |
New Zealand has four seasons, broadly opposite to ours, but generally mild and temperate: the north is usually warmer than the south, and the central mountain ranges tend to cause a ‘rain shadow’, with eastern areas being drier than the western coast, an effect particularly pronounced on the South Island.
Summer, from December to March, is ideal for water activities with temperatures averaging from the mid to high 20s°C. Spring, from September to November, is good for exploring with the countryside blooming into life and temperatures from 15-20°C. Autumn, with its turning leaves and gentle sun, is in April and May and tends to be a little warmer than the spring. Winter, from June to August, is perfect for skiing in the mountains though at sea level temperatures rarely fall below 5°C. The North Island, in particular, is mild year-round while there’s always snow dusting New Zealand’s highest mountain peaks.
New Zealand attracts a huge number of visitors during the peak months of January and February, filling the best accommodation; you’ll need to book the more popular places in advance. By waiting just a little longer, you can take advantage of the lack of other visitors, enjoy the pick of the accommodation and experience New Zealand as it should be – peaceful and untouched.