Taupo Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Taupo.

Climate overview of Taupo

Taupo, Waikato, New Zealand, experiences significant temperature variation throughout the year. Summers bring daytime highs of 23°C (73°F) in February, while winters cool to 11°C (52°F) in July.

Rainfall is high, totalling around 1345 mm (53 in) per year. September is the wettest month and March the driest. The most sunshine falls in January, with an average of 7.5 hours of daily sunshine.

Taupo Weather by Month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Taupo — and find the best time to visit.

Monthly Temperature in Taupo

Depending on the time of the year, temperatures range from comfortable to chilly in Taupo. Average maximum daytime temperatures range from a comfortable 23°C (73°F) in February, the warmest time of the year, to a chilly 11°C (52°F) during cooler months like July.

At night, you can expect temperatures ranging from 12°C (54°F) in February to around 4°C (39°F) during July.

Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.

Temperature ranges by month

Rainfall in Taupo

Taupo has a relatively rainy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 1345 mm (53 in) of rainfall annually. Year-round, Taupo has a balanced climate with minimal variation in precipitation. The difference between the wettest month, September, with 131 mm (5.2 in), and the driest month, March, with 89 mm (3.5 in), is minimal. For more details, please visit our Taupo Precipitation page.

The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow

Sunshine Hours in Taupo

Seasonal changes in sunshine hours are quite dramatic in Taupo. While January receives considerable daily sunshine with up to 7.5 hours, June marks the darkest time of the year, where sunshine is scarce with only 3.2 hours of sunlight per day.

Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.

Monthly hours of sunshine

Daily hours of sunshine

Best Time to Visit Taupo

During the months of January, February, March and December, Taupo enjoys pleasant weather with average temperatures ranging from 20°C (69°F) to 23°C (73°F). These months are perfect for sightseeing and exploring.

Rainfall during this time ranges from 89 mm (3.5 in) in March to 122 mm (4.8 in) in December. This means you can expect a mix of sunny days and occasional showers.

Looking for inspiration on where to travel this year? We have a tool that recommends destinations based on your ideal conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

Frequently asked questions about the climate in Taupo

What is the best time to visit Taupo?

January, February and March typically offer the most optimal weather in Taupo. In contrast, June, July and August tend to have less optimal conditions.

What temperatures can I expect in Taupo?

Daytime highs range from 11°C (52°F) in July to 23°C (73°F) in February. Nighttime lows range from 4°C (39°F) to 12°C (54°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.

How much rain does Taupo get?

Annual rainfall is around 1345 mm (53 in). September is the wettest month with 131 mm (5.2 in), while March is the driest with 89 mm (3.5 in).

How sunny is Taupo?

Taupo receives around 1,970 hours of sunshine per year. January is the sunniest month with 224 hours, while June is the cloudiest with just 97 hours.

Taupo 3-Day Forecast

Taupo 3-Day Forecast

Taupo on the map

Taupo is highlighted — select any city to see its climate.

Popular this month

Where to go in July — average daytime high across popular destinations.

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Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.