Year-round weather and climate in Wanaka, New Zealand
Average temperatures in Wanaka run from an average low of 2°C36°F in August up to an average high of 23°C73°F in January. February is the driest month at 7 rainy days; September the wettest at 17. Here is the annual climate data, so you know what you are packing for.
Good to know
- Population
- 13K
- Currency
- NZD
- Language
- English / Māori
- Time zone
- Auckland
Best time to visit
For the warmest temperatures and best chance of outdoor activities, plan your trip around January, February, and March.
Rain character
Tropical Downpours: Expect intense bursts of rain during wetter months. Pack quick-drying footwear and a compact umbrella.
Day-to-night swing
Evening Chill: Temperatures drop by a noticeable 10°C18°F when the sun goes down. A light sweater or jacket is usually all you need for evening plans.
Seasonality Profile
Temperate Year-Round: A relatively mild climate year-round, avoiding both extreme temperature swings and dramatic dry/wet seasons.
Evening vibe
Cozy Indoor Culture: Evenings are generally crisp, damp, or sweltering. Nightlife centers around indoor venues.
Sightseeing stamina
All-Day Strolling: Weather is generally forgiving for long walking days. Comfortable sneakers are your most important packing item.
Average temperatures, sunshine, and rainfall
Average monthly weather in Wanaka, based on recent historical data. Essential insights on temperature swings, expected rainfall, and daily sunshine.
Bars span the average daily low to high. Feb is typically driest at 7 days (59mm); Sep the wettest at 17 days (288mm).
| Month | Average high | Average low | Sunshine hours | Rainy days | Total rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 23°C / 73°F | 13°C / 55°F | 12h | 9 | 89mm |
| Feb | 22°C / 72°F | 12°C / 54°F | 12h | 7 | 59mm |
| Mar | 19°C / 65°F | 10°C / 50°F | 10h | 12 | 105mm |
| Apr | 16°C / 61°F | 9°C / 47°F | 8h | 9 | 113mm |
| May | 12°C / 54°F | 6°C / 42°F | 6h | 11 | 120mm |
| Jun | 8°C / 47°F | 3°C / 38°F | 5h | 10 | 81mm |
| Jul | 8°C / 46°F | 2°C / 36°F | 6h | 8 | 71mm |
| Aug | 10°C / 49°F | 2°C / 36°F | 8h | 10 | 90mm |
| Sep | 12°C / 53°F | 3°C / 38°F | 9h | 17 | 288mm |
| Oct | 14°C / 57°F | 5°C / 41°F | 10h | 16 | 240mm |
| Nov | 18°C / 64°F | 9°C / 47°F | 12h | 12 | 112mm |
| Dec | 20°C / 68°F | 11°C / 52°F | 12h | 15 | 132mm |
Weather data by Open-Meteo.com (opens in a new tab)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the sunniest time of year to visit Wanaka?
The most sunshine in Wanaka comes around December, averaging 12 hours a month. If you're heading there then, pack your sunglasses and sunscreen.
What clothes should I pack for Wanaka?
Your packing list depends entirely on when you travel. Temperatures in Wanaka swing from an average low of 2°C36°F in August up to 23°C73°F in January. The Packola app builds a tailored packing list for you based on the live weather forecast for your exact travel dates.
Do I need to pack an umbrella for Wanaka?
Wanaka gets rain on about 136 days out of the year. The wettest month is September. If you're traveling during the rainy season, you'll definitely want to pack an umbrella and a light rain jacket.
Pack smarter.
Averages get you close, but the week you travel is what matters. Get the live forecast, a smart packing list, and discover the best local spots and activities in Wanaka with Packola.
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