Wanaka Weather, When to Go and Climate Information

(Wanaka, Otago, South Island, New Zealand)

Being sited on the southerly side of the South Island and in Central Otago, Wanaka tends to experience a slightly cooler and somewhat more cloudy climate than Christchurch, to the north-west. The weather is noticeably warmer on the North Island, with temperatures in cities such as Auckland, Hamilton, Napier and Wellington generally being several degrees higher for most months.

However, that said, Wanaka is not a cold city and do see more than enough sunshine to please most travellers. Worth noting, since this resort lies in New Zealand and within the Southern Hemisphere, the climate and seasons are reversed, with summer falling between December and February, and the colder winter months generally being between June and August, or thereabouts.

Seasonal Climate Variations / When to Go

During the summer months, the climate in Wanaka and this part of Otago is generally warm and stays above 20°C / 68°F, peaking at 25°C / 77°F or even higher on the sunniest of days, when occasionally temperatures even top 30°C / 86°F. The summer also sees less rainy weather, although the evenings can feel much cooler than you would usually expect.

As autumn approaches, temperatures slowly begin to drop, particularly towards the end of May. The winter climate in Wanaka can feel fairly cold, with some overnight frosts and snow appearing on the surrounding mountaintops in August and September, and occasionally within the town itself. However, by October, the days soon begin to warm up once more, although the snowcapped mountains can take a while to begin their thaw.

Wanaka Weather and Climate Chart (Averages)

	Maximum	Minimum
January	23°C / 73°F	9°C / 48°F
February	21°C / 70°F	10°C / 50°F
March	19°C / 66°F	8°C / 46°F
April	17°C / 63°F	6°C / 43°F
May	11°C / 52°F	2°C / 36°F
June	8°C / 46°F	1°C / 34°F
July	8°C / 46°F	0°C / 32°F
August	10°C / 50°F	1°C / 34°F
September	13°C / 55°F	3°C / 37°F
October	16°C / 61°F	5°C / 41°F
November	19°C / 66°F	7°C / 45°F
December	21°C / 70°F	9°C / 48°F