Climate Insights for Rotorua
Rotorua Central, Rotorua Lakes District, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Climate Overview
The climate in Rotorua is temperate. The average annual temperature is 13°C and approximately 1,380 mm of precipitation falls per year. Rotorua receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Rotorua 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 August, July, June, when temperatures can drop to 5°C.The climate in Rotorua is temperate. The average annual temperature is 55°F and approximately 54.3 in of precipitation falls per year. Rotorua receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Rotorua 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 August, July, June, when temperatures can drop to 41°F.
Temperature
Rotorua sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 5°C to 23°C. January is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 23°C with a mean of 18°C. August is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 5°C and an average of 8°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 8°C between highs and lows. The sharpest temperature change occurs between April and May, with a 3°C shift in average temperatures.Rotorua sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 41°F to 73°F. January is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 73°F with a mean of 64°F. August is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 41°F and an average of 47°F. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 14°F between highs and lows. The sharpest temperature change occurs between April and May, with a 5°F shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Rotorua is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 1,380 mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 115 mm per month. The wettest month is July, averaging 145 mm of rainfall. September and November also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is January, with just 98 mm. That's 46 mm less than July, the wettest month. Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, so there is no pronounced dry or wet season to plan around.Rotorua is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 54.3 in of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 4.5 in per month. The wettest month is July, averaging 5.7 in of rainfall. September and November also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is January, with just 3.9 in. That's 1.8 in less than July, the wettest month. Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, so there is no pronounced dry or wet season to plan around.
Wind
Rotorua is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 11km/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 13km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in February, with average winds dropping to 10km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying by only 3km/h between the calmest and windiest months.Rotorua is mildly breezy, with an average annual wind speed of 7mph. For context, sustained winds below 7mph are generally light, while anything above 16mph is considered strong. The windiest month is September, averaging 8mph, noticeable enough to affect lighter outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in February, with average winds dropping to 6mph, 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 Rotorua is during January and March, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 17°C with modest rainfall averaging 99 mm per month. By contrast, August can be quite cold with temperatures 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 Rotorua is during January and March, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 62°F with modest rainfall averaging 3.9 in per month. By contrast, August can be quite cold with temperatures dropping to 41°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 Rotorua 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 Rotorua 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.