A month-by-month overview of Oceania’s weather
From the grand outback of Australia to the mountains of New Zealand, Oceania is a massive and diverse continent. This diversity is mirrored in its climate, so, when deciding on the best time for your Oceania vacation, there are a number of things to consider.
One thing you should remember, as Oceania is on the southern hemisphere, the seasons are inverted. For example, if you visit Australia in December expecting the coldness of winter, you will find yourself in glorious sunshine. Instead, Summer in Oceania is during December, January, February.
Best Time To Visit
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- Hike the trails of Mount Cook National Park
- Join in the excitement at the New Zealand Sevens rugby tournament
- Spot dolphins off the coast of South Island
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- Savor fine wine and food at the Marlborough Food and Wine Festival
- Head to beaches of Mount Maunganui for some fun under the sun
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- Spot wildlife in beautiful Fjordland
- Enjoy New Zealand’s stunning natural scenery on a Great Walk route – such as the Routeburn Track and the Abel Tasman Coast Track
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- Surround yourself in the breathtaking fall foliage in Hawke’s Bay
- Stargaze in Lake Tekapo
- Cycle down the Queen Charlotte Track in Marlborough Sounds
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- Seafood lovers unite at the Bluff Oyster Festival
- Hang out by the Wellington waterfront for some whale and orca watching
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- Welcome winter at the Queenstown Winter Festival
- Explore the breathtaking, snow-covered Franz Josef Glacier
- Set off on a whale-watching cruise in Kaikoura
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- Celebrate Matariki, the Maori New Year, at the Te Papa Museum in Wellington
- Soak in a hot spring in Rotorua
- Hit the slopes at Mount Ruapehu in North Island
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- Take in the spectacular scenery at Milford Sound
- Savor an explosion of flavors at Visa Wellington on a Plate
- Winter hike across the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
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- Say hello to spring with Nelson’s Cherry Blossom Festival
- Stroll through Christchurch, the Garden City of New Zealand
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- Discover the harbor city of Wellington
- Attend the Auckland Heritage Festival
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- Visit Hobbiton, the site of The Lord of The Rings film
- Walk through a tunnel to reach the spectacular Tunnel beach in Dunedin
- Savor a traditional Maori Hāngī meal at the Bay of Plenty
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- Ring in the New Year in Gisborne – the first city in the world to welcome the New Year
- Enjoy the pristine beaches of New Zealand, along with generous servings of fish and chips
- Sip on world class Pinot Noir at a winery in Central Otago
New Zealand
The climate of New Zealand is far more varied than that of nearby Australia, with significant changes in rainfall and temperature depending on where you are in the country. For example, South Island is quite alpine, with snow-capped mountain ranges (as seen in the popular Lord of the Rings films) and vast glaciers. So it can be quite cold, even reaching 14°F (-10°C) in the winter. Northern New Zealand, however, is subtropical with temperatures even getting as high as 86°F (30°C) in the summer and roughly 59°F (15°C) in the winter.
Top Things to do
- Explore Rotorua National Park (all year long)
- New Zealand International Comedy Festival (May)
- Matariki Festival (June-July)
Australia
No matter where you are in the country, or what time of the year you come, Australia is a warm country. However, summer (November- February) is an intensely hot time of the year reaching a maximum temperature of around 80°F (26°C), or even higher temperatures. If you prefer cooler weather, you may find it a good idea to avoid visiting Australia during the peak of summer.
Luckily, though, the inverted seasons mean that during the northern hemisphere’s summer months (June-August) Australia’s temperature is hot, but not overly so, reaching a maximum temperature of roughly 64.4°F (18°C).
In addition, Australia tends to see very little rainfall all year round.
Top Events and Celebrations in Australia
- Australian Tennis Open (January)
- Visit the stunning Uluru rock face (all year long, but the summer heat can make visiting it uncomfortable)
- Melbourne International Comedy Festival (February-March)
What to Pack for Oceania
Summer: December – February
In December, focusing on light, comfortable clothes is essential, and make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen to protect you from the worst effects of the heat. As the temperature is extremely warm in January, be sure to wear thin, light clothing, and strong sunscreen. You may also find it useful to pack good quality sunglasses and a sunhat. Bringing a large water bottle would also be useful, as drinking water will be essential if you spend time outside. Mosquito repellant is also a good idea. Remember to pack swimming gear too as taking a dip in the pool or in the ocean will seem extremely attractive in the hot weather.
In February too, be sure to pack warm weather gear, but as you are in fall, you may find sem-frequent rainfall in New Zealand. Bringing a waterproof layer or poncho (though perhaps not a full raincoat) could be a good idea, especially if you intend to visit the beautiful South Island.
Fall: March – May
As the weather is no longer quite so baking hot in April, it is a good time to do some outdoor activities. Bringing appropriate clothing and gear is a good idea depending on what you wish to do. This being said, ensuring that you’re prepared for the warm weather is also essential. If you are only spending time in Australia and northern New Zealand, then wearing the usual warm-weather clothing should be fine in May. However, the further south you go in New Zealand, the more layers you should consider wearing.
Winter: June – August
Generally speaking, packing some layers no matter where you are can be a good idea, though don’t be surprised if sometimes you don’t need them. The further south you go in New Zealand, cold-weather clothes such as scarves, woollen hats, and fleeces as well as good quality waterproof clothing are worth remembering, as the rainfall is heavy in June.
In July, much of Australia remains warm, so pack accordingly. However, given the heavy rainfall and cold you may experience the further south you go in New Zealand, layers and warm clothing should be prioritised. In August, although the weather is beginning to change, ensuring you pack for cool-to-cold weather is advisable.
Spring: September – November
As with everywhere else, spring is the best time to visit Oceania. As you are likely to experience some hot days and some relatively cool days in September, packing for both is smart. Remember, winter has only just passed, so remembering to focus on packing for more cooler days than warm ones may be a good idea. October is really an ideal month to visit, with pleasant days and plenty of sunshine. In November, when summer is fast approaching, packing comfortable, lightweight clothes is important. However, if you intend to go to New Zealand’s South Island, an extra layer or two can’t hurt.
If you have any questions, our experts will be glad to answer them for you. Get in touch with us for an Oceania travel plan that is tailored according to your interests and preferences.
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Best Places To Visit in Oceania
Safety
Oceania is considered one of the safest places in the world. Despite this, it’s good to take some basic precautions to ensure that you are always safe while traveling. Here are the top Australia and New Zealand safety tips from our experts.
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