Climate Insights for Whanganui
Whanganui District, Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand
Climate Overview
The climate in Whanganui is temperate. The average annual temperature is 14°C and approximately 1,225 mm of precipitation falls per year. Whanganui receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Whanganui 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: February, January, March. The coldest months are August, July, September, when temperatures can drop to 9°C.The climate in Whanganui is temperate. The average annual temperature is 58°F and approximately 48.2 in of precipitation falls per year. Whanganui receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Whanganui 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: February, January, March. The coldest months are August, July, September, when temperatures can drop to 49°F.
Temperature
Whanganui sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 9°C to 20°C. February is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 20°C with a mean of 18°C. August is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 9°C and an average of 11°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 3°C between highs and lows.Whanganui sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 49°F to 69°F. February is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 69°F with a mean of 65°F. August is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 49°F and an average of 51°F. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 6°F between highs and lows.
Precipitation
Whanganui is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 1,225 mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 102 mm per month. The wettest month is July, averaging 128 mm of rainfall. August and May also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is January, with just 79 mm. That's 50 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.Whanganui is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 48.2 in of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 4 in per month. The wettest month is July, averaging 5 in of rainfall. August and May also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is January, with just 3.1 in. That's 2 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
Whanganui is moderately windy, with an average annual wind speed of 22km/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 25km/h, noticeable enough to affect lighter outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in February, with average winds dropping to 19km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying by only 6km/h between the calmest and windiest months.Whanganui is very windy, with an average annual wind speed of 13mph. For context, sustained winds below 7mph are generally light, while anything above 16mph is considered strong. The windiest month is September, averaging 16mph, which can feel quite blustery and may affect outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in February, with average winds dropping to 12mph, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying by only 4mph between the calmest and windiest months.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Whanganui is during January, February and March, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 18°C with modest rainfall averaging 85 mm per month. By contrast, August can be quite cold with temperatures dropping to 9°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 Whanganui is during January, February and March, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 64°F with modest rainfall averaging 3.3 in per month. By contrast, August can be quite cold with temperatures dropping to 49°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 Whanganui 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 Whanganui 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.