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Best time to travel to New Zealand

Comparison of the best months to travel to New Zealand

Month	5-point rating	Reason
January		The peak of summer, with stable weather, perfect for the beach and outdoors.
February		The end of summer, with less heat, and the best time for sightseeing continues.
March		There are many sunny days and it is comfortable. There are few crowds, so you can travel at a leisurely pace.
April		The arrival of autumn brings beautiful autumn leaves, but the temperature drops slightly.
May		The hours of daylight decrease and the weather is unstable. This month is not suitable for sightseeing.
June		The beginning of winter, with the cold in full swing. Ski season begins in the South Island.
July		It's cold because it's winter, but it's the best month for skiing.
August		The end of winter. It's cold, but there are few tourists, so you can stay quietly.
September		With the arrival of spring, nature sprouts. It's comfortable and there are plenty of activities.
October		The season when flowers bloom. The weather is stable and it's a month suitable for sightseeing.
November		The weather is spring to early summer, so you can enjoy the outdoors comfortably.
December		Summer begins and it's the holiday season. There are many events and it's lively.

The most recommended month is "February"

February is the best season to travel to New Zealand. In New Zealand, which is in the southern hemisphere, this month is midsummer, but the temperature is not as high as in Japan's summer and the humidity is relatively low, so it is very comfortable to spend time there. Due to the long north-south terrain, you can enjoy beach resorts and marine activities in the North Island, and trekking and nature exploration in the South Island, making it a diverse tourist destination. The weather is stable during this time of year, with relatively little precipitation, so there is also the advantage that travel schedules are not easily affected by the weather. In addition, February is also the end of the school holiday season, and the congestion at major tourist destinations gradually eases, allowing you to enjoy your trip in a relaxed atmosphere. There are many photogenic natural landscapes, and it is a very balanced travel month where you can enjoy both cultural experiences and activities.

The least recommended month is "May"

Traveling to New Zealand in May is not recommended due to the unstable weather and restrictions on activities. This month is the transition period from autumn to winter, and sudden drops in temperature and weather changes are likely to occur, making it unsuitable for outdoor sightseeing. The autumn leaves are at the end of their season, so you may feel that it is a little half-hearted to enjoy the scenery. It is also still early for the ski season, which begins in earnest from June onwards, and it is difficult to fully enjoy winter leisure activities. In addition, as it is the low season for tourism, some facilities and tours may be closed or shortened, limiting your options for sightseeing. Although travel costs are slightly cheaper, the lack of sights and activities means that visiting in other seasons will be more fulfilling.

Recommended months for different trip types

Trip type	Recommended month	Reason
First trip	February and November	The weather is stable, allowing you to enjoy both major cities and nature in a balanced way.
Enjoy nature	February and March	The temperature and weather are the most stable, making it ideal for trekking and visiting natural parks.
Enjoy skiing	July and August	Winter is in full swing, and the ski resorts on the South Island are fully open.
Beach resorts	January and February	The best season for summer, with plenty of beach and marine activities.
Photography and videography	October and November	With flowers in full bloom and the air clear, you can take beautiful photos.
Quiet time	September and October	There are relatively few tourists, so you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.
Traveling with children	December and February	Good weather, plenty of activities, and plenty of facilities for families.