Climate Insights for Invercargill
Invercargill City, Southland, New Zealand
Climate Overview
The climate in Invercargill is temperate. The average annual temperature is 11°C and approximately 1,240 mm of precipitation falls per year. Invercargill receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Invercargill is in the Southern Hemisphere. The seasons are reversed: summer runs from December to February, while winter falls between June and August. The summer months are: January, February, December. The coldest months are July, June, August, when temperatures can drop to 5°C.The climate in Invercargill is temperate. The average annual temperature is 53°F and approximately 48.8 in of precipitation falls per year. Invercargill receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Invercargill is in the Southern Hemisphere. The seasons are reversed: summer runs from December to February, while winter falls between June and August. The summer months are: January, February, December. The coldest months are July, June, August, when temperatures can drop to 42°F.
Temperature
Invercargill sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 5°C to 19°C. January is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 19°C with a mean of 15°C. July is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 5°C and an average of 7°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 6°C between highs and lows. The sharpest temperature change occurs between May and June, with a 2°C shift in average temperatures.Invercargill sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 42°F to 66°F. January is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 66°F with a mean of 59°F. July is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 42°F and an average of 45°F. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 10°F between highs and lows. The sharpest temperature change occurs between May and June, with a 4°F shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Invercargill is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 1,240 mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 103 mm per month. The wettest month is October, averaging 125 mm of rainfall. September and November also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is August, with just 83 mm. That's 42 mm less than October, the wettest month. Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, so there is no pronounced dry or wet season to plan around.Invercargill is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 48.8 in of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 4.1 in per month. The wettest month is October, averaging 4.9 in of rainfall. September and November also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is August, with just 3.3 in. That's 1.7 in less than October, the wettest month. Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, so there is no pronounced dry or wet season to plan around.
Wind
Invercargill is mildly breezy, with an average annual wind speed of 19km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is September, averaging 21km/h, noticeable enough to affect lighter outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in June, with average winds dropping to 17km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying by only 4km/h between the calmest and windiest months.Invercargill is very windy, with an average annual wind speed of 12mph. For context, sustained winds below 7mph are generally light, while anything above 16mph is considered strong. The windiest month is September, averaging 13mph, which can feel quite blustery and may affect outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in June, with average winds dropping to 11mph, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying by only 2mph between the calmest and windiest months.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Invercargill is during February, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 15°C with modest rainfall averaging 98 mm per month. By contrast, January can be uncomfortably hot with highs reaching 19°C, while July is the coldest period with lows dropping to 5°C. Despite being the best months overall, some rain is still likely. Pack a waterproof layer and plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.The best time to visit Invercargill is during February, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 59°F with modest rainfall averaging 3.9 in per month. By contrast, January can be uncomfortably hot with highs reaching 66°F, while July is the coldest period with lows dropping to 42°F. Despite being the best months overall, some rain is still likely. Pack a waterproof layer and plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Invercargill based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.The table below shows monthly climate averages for Invercargill based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in miles per hour (mph). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.