February weather forecast
New Zealand

February in New Zealand carries forward the summer warmth from January, with temperatures fluctuating within a similar range. The average temperature in the North Island regions such as Auckland and Wellington maintains around 20°C (68°F), while the South Island cities like Christchurch and Dunedin exhibit a slightly lower average temperature near 16°C (60.8°F).

The far north of the North Island continues to embrace a sub-tropical climate with higher temperatures and humidity. In contrast, the South Island's Central Otago and Canterbury's interior, with their semi-arid climates, remain temperate yet can encounter spikes in temperature due to the prevailing Foehn winds.

Compared to January, February’s weather remains consistent in terms of temperature. However, February signifies the conclusion of the peak summer period, with a gradual transition towards autumn that commences from March. The duration of sunshine begins to reduce, though it still offers around six to seven hours of daylight per day, adequate for outdoor explorations.

Historically, February has witnessed some of the highest temperature records in New Zealand, such as the 42.4°C (108.3°F) observed in Rangiora and Marlborough in 1973. This indicates the possibility of occasional heatwaves, predominantly in the South Island's coastal regions.

February maintains similar sea temperatures as January, with a range from 18°C (64.4°F) to 21°C (69.8°F), suitable for water-based activities. However, the risk of tropical cyclones persists in this month. Despite the sporadic weather threats, February remains an attractive time for visitors who prefer warm weather and wish to avoid the height of the tourist season.

Heading into March, the temperatures start to drop subtly, and the weather slowly transitions into the mild and calmer autumn climate, offering a different but equally enticing experience for visitors.

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• Auckland - February »
  In Auckland in February, the average water temperature is 21.3°C (70.3°F). On the first day of February in Auckland, New Zealand, sunrise is at 6:35 am and sunset at 8:32 pm.
• Wellington - February »
  The month with the warmest seawater in Wellington, New Zealand, is February, with an average sea temperature of 17.1°C (62.8°F). The months with the least rainfall in Wellington are January and February Rain falls for 8 days and accumulates 20mm (0.79") of rain.
• Christchurch - February »
  With an average sea temperature of 16.1°C (61°F), February is the month with the warmest seawater in Christchurch. The month with the warmest seawater in Christchurch is February, with an average sea temperature of 16.1°C (61°F).
• Hamilton - February »
  February is the warmest month in Hamilton, with the temperature often reaching an average high of 24.3°C (75.7°F) and an average low of 13.2°C (55.8°F). In Hamilton in February, during 6.2 rainfall days, 69mm (2.72") of precipitation is typically accumulated.
• Tauranga - February »
  The month with the warmest seawater in Tauranga is February, with an average sea temperature of 21.3°C (70.3°F). Tauranga's temperatures peak on average in February, reaching 22.2°C (72°F) at their highest and 15.4°C (59.7°F) at their lowest.
• Napier - February »
  With an average sea temperature of 19.9°C (67.8°F), February is the month with the warmest seawater in Napier. The arrival of February in Napier brings an average high-temperature of a still warm 24.2°C (75.6°F), closely following the temperature pattern of January.
• Dunedin - February »
  With an average sea temperature of 13.8°C (56.8°F), February is the month with the warmest seawater in Dunedin. February is the month with the most rainfall in Dunedin, New Zealand.
• Palmerston North - February »
  Palmerston North witnesses the warmest weather in February, with temperatures averaging a high of 23.5°C (74.3°F) and a low of 13°C (55.4°F). Palmerston North's February weather reaches an average high of 23.5°C (74.3°F) and an average low of 13°C (55.4°F), making it the warmest month.
• Nelson - February »
  February is the month when Nelson experiences its warmest temperatures, averaging a high of 22.6°C (72.7°F) and a low of 13.3°C (55.9°F). February is the month when Nelson sees the average highest temperatures, with a high of 22.6°C (72.7°F) and a low of 13.3°C (55.9°F).
• Rotorua - February »
  The month with the least rainfall in Rotorua is February, when the rain falls for 12.3 days and typically collects 45mm (1.77") of precipitation. Rotorua's peak temperatures tend to occur in January and February, with an average high-temperature of 22.7°C (72.9°F).
• New Plymouth - February »
  February and March, with an average sea temperature of 19°C (66.2°F), are months with the warmest seawater in New Plymouth, New Zealand. The month with the least rainfall in New Plymouth is February, when the rain falls for 7.7 days and typically collects 85mm (3.35") of precipitation.
• Whangarei - February »
  The month with the warmest seawater in Whangarei is February, with an average sea temperature of 21.4°C (70.5°F). February is the month with the warmest seawater in Whangarei, New Zealand, with an average sea temperature of 21.4°C (70.5°F).