Auckland's temperature barely moves, but the weather changes all day. Every month averages at least 10 rain days, and showers blow through and clear in an hour, so a light rain shell beats a heavy coat all year. The sun is strong when it does come out, even at 20°C (68°F).
Auckland weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 23°C73°F | 23°C73°F | 21°C70°F | 20°C68°F | 17°C63°F | 16°C61°F | 15°C59°F | 14°C57°F | 16°C61°F | 18°C64°F | 20°C68°F | 22°C72°F |
| Low | 17°C63°F | 17°C63°F | 15°C59°F | 15°C59°F | 12°C54°F | 11°C52°F | 10°C50°F | 8°C46°F | 11°C52°F | 12°C54°F | 14°C57°F | 16°C61°F |
| Rain days | 17 | 14 | 10 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 |
Season by season
Summer
December–FebruaryHighs of 22–23°C (72–73°F) and lows of 16–17°C (61–63°F), which is pleasant, but January is also the wettest month at 17 rain days. Pack shorts and T-shirts, a rain shell and serious sun protection for Waiheke, Piha and the ferry decks.
Autumn
March–MayMarch is the driest month at 10 rain days and still 21°C (70°F), a great time for beaches and the Coast to Coast Walkway. By May it's 17°C (63°F) with 16 rain days. Add a warm layer for evenings as the season goes on.
Winter
June–AugustMild but damp. Highs are 14–16°C (57–61°F) and lows drop to 8°C (46°F) in August, with 12 to 14 rain days a month. It rarely gets truly cold, so a fleece or light puffer under a waterproof shell beats a heavy winter coat.
Spring
September–NovemberChangeable and windy. Highs climb from 16°C (61°F) to 20°C (68°F), with 15 to 16 rain days a month. Pack layers you can add and drop through the day, and keep the rain shell in your bag.
What to bring to Auckland
0 of 21 packedAuckland showers come and go all day, and a light, seam-sealed waterproof shell means you're never caught out on the waterfront.
Light enough to carry every day, which is the point in a city with at least 10 rain days in every single month.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
Weather sealing on the zips keeps your phone dry on the Waiheke ferry or the walk up Mount Eden when a shower blows in.
- Nalgene 32 oz Wide Mouth BottleWater Bottles & Hydration
There's no fresh water on Rangitoto, so carry a tough, leak-proof quart up the summit track.
Almost every Auckland trip starts with a long-haul flight, and firm 20-30 mmHg calf compression helps with swollen legs over those hours in the seat. Check with a doctor first if you have a circulation condition.
- Sony WH-1000XM5Tech & Power
Active noise cancellation cuts the engine rumble on the long flight in, so you land in Auckland less worn out.
Its Australian plug fits New Zealand's Type I sockets, and the USB ports charge your phone and camera at once.
Clothing
- Merino or fleece midlayer · 1Lows of 8–11°C in Jun–Sep
- Quick-dry T-shirts · 4
- Long pants · 2
- Swimsuit · 1Summer beaches Dec–Mar at 22–23°C highs
- Sun hat · 1The sun is strong even at 20°C
Footwear
- Walking shoes with grip · 1
- Sandals · 1
Gear
- Sunglasses · 1
- Compact umbrella · 1At least 10 rain days every month
Health and toiletries
- SPF 50 sunscreen · 1Strong sun, even on cool days
- Lip balm with SPF
Documents and money
- Passport
- Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Tech
- Phone charger and cable
What shoes should you pack for Auckland?
Bring comfortable sneakers for the city and a pair with grip for the volcanic cones and walking tracks. Rangitoto's tracks cross rough lava rock, and the west coast tracks around Piha get muddy after rain. Clean any hiking shoes before you fly, because biosecurity checks for soil.
What do people wear in Auckland?
Aucklanders are casual. Jeans, a merino or fleece layer and a rain jacket get you into nearly any bar or restaurant in Ponsonby or the Viaduct. Jandals, the local word for flip-flops, are normal at the beach, and nobody blinks at walking gear in the city.
What plugs does Auckland use?
New Zealand uses Type I sockets, the angled flat pins, at 230V. It's the same plug as Australia. Everyone else needs an adapter.
Tours and things to do in Auckland
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Auckland.
What should you leave at home for Auckland?
Leave fruit, meat and honey at home, or declare them, because New Zealand biosecurity is strict and undeclared food gets you fined. Clean the soil off hiking boots and camping gear before you pack. And skip the heavy winter coat, even August's low is 8°C (46°F).
Packing for Auckland: questions people ask
Does it rain a lot in Auckland?
Yes, but in short bursts. Every month averages between 10 and 17 rain days, so carry a light rain jacket all year.
What should I wear in Auckland in winter?
Layers and a waterproof jacket. June to August highs are 14–16°C (57–61°F) with lows down to 8°C (46°F), so a fleece under a shell is plenty.
What should I pack for Auckland in summer?
Light clothes, sun protection and a rain shell. Highs are 22–23°C (72–73°F), and January still has 17 rain days.
Do I need a plug adapter for New Zealand?
Yes, unless you're coming from Australia. New Zealand uses Type I sockets at 230V.
What can't I bring into New Zealand?
Undeclared food, plants and soil cause the most trouble. Declare any food on your arrival card and clean hiking boots before you travel.
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