Dunedin Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Dunedin.
Climate overview of Dunedin
Dunedin has a temperate maritime climate, influenced by a persistent cold front that brings changeable and cloudy weather year-round. Summers are mild, with January being the warmest month, averaging 19°C (66°F). Winters are also mild but often overcast.
January sees the highest rainfall, averaging 80 mm (3.1 in), while September is the driest month. Despite its beautiful beaches, sunshine is not always guaranteed.
Dunedin Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Dunedin — and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in Dunedin
In Dunedin, seasonal changes bring about a moderate variation in temperatures. Typically, average maximum daytime temperatures range from a pleasant 19°C (66°F) in January to a chilly 10°C (50°F) in the coolest month, July.
Nights vary from 10°C (50°F) in January to around 1°C (34°F) during the colder months.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Dunedin
Generally, Dunedin receives mid-range precipitation levels, with 973 mm (38 in) annually. The climate in Dunedin shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect high rainfall in December, the wettest month, with an average of 118 mm (4.6 in) of precipitation over 15 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month July offers drier and sunnier days, with around 52 mm (2 in) of rainfall over 15 rainy days. For more details, please visit our Dunedin Precipitation page.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine Hours in Dunedin
For those who appreciate different seasons, Dunedin serves as an ideal destination. Expect longer, more sun-filled days in December with an average of 6.1 hours of sunshine daily, and embrace the darker days in June, offering only 3.3 hours of daily sunlight.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Daily percentage of sunshine
Water Temperature in Dunedin
The mean water temperature over the year ranges from 9°C (48°F) in August to 13°C (55°F) in January.
Water temperature over the year
Humidity in Dunedin by Month
The relative humidity is high throughout the year in Dunedin.
The city experiences its highest humidity in May, reaching 80%. In November, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 71%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Wind Speed in Dunedin
The average wind speed over the year ranges from 3 m/s (6 knots) to 4 m/s (8 knots). It is lower in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September and December and higher in October and November. What does this mean?
The mean monthly wind speed over the year (meters per second)
Best Time to Visit Dunedin
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Dunedin
What is the best time to visit Dunedin?
February and March typically offer the most optimal weather in Dunedin. In contrast, June and July tend to have less optimal conditions.
What temperatures can I expect in Dunedin?
Daytime highs range from 10°C (50°F) in July to 19°C (66°F) in January. Nighttime lows range from 1°C (34°F) to 10°C (50°F).
How much rain does Dunedin get?
Annual rainfall is around 973 mm (38 in). December is the wettest month with 118 mm (4.6 in), while July is the driest with 52 mm (2 in).
How sunny is Dunedin?
Dunedin receives around 1,676 hours of sunshine per year. December is the sunniest month with 182 hours, while June is the cloudiest with just 98 hours.
Dunedin 3-Day Forecast
Dunedin 3-Day Forecast
Dunedin on the map
Dunedin is highlighted — select any city to see its climate.
Popular this month
Where to go in July — average daytime high across popular destinations.
Auckland
15°C (59°F) Paihia16°C (61°F) Wellington13°C (55°F) Rotorua13°C (55°F) Christchurch12°C (54°F) Nelson12°C (54°F) Taupo11°C (52°F) Queenstown3°C (37°F) 
Bucket list
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
The Tongariro Crossing in New Zealand
It is called the most beautiful walk in New Zealand, the Tongariro Crossing. The official hiking season starts late October until end of April.
White-water sledge and raft in Rotorua
We recommend to white-water sledge and raft in Rotorua in summer (January, February) when the Glacier melt fills the rivers. This is the best time.