"its all so beautiful... I want to see every season."

 

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Summer - December to February

Average temperatures:
Max: 23 to 26C
Min: 9 to 11C

Average monthly rainfall:
33-50mm

Warm to hot days cooling down to a pleasant sleep-friendly temperature at night. By the summer solstice (approx 21 Dec) the sun rises at 5.50am and does not set until 9:30pm, meaning that the hottest part of the day is often between 3-6pm. Layered clothing is the go. You can start off the morning in a cardigan or long-sleeved top and be in a sleeveless top and shorts by the afternoon. You will definitely need a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as the ultra violet index in Central Otago is high. Rain is rare but early summer can be windy so a light windproof layer is also a good idea.

 

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Autumn - March to May

Average temperatures:
Max: 13.6 to 22 C
Min: 1.5 to 7.3C

Average monthly rainfall:
22-27mm

As the weather cools the Autumn trees start to blaze with colour. The days get shorter with the sun rising at 7.30am and setting at 7.45pm. After daylight saving has ended, the sun rises at around 7-7.20am and sets at around 5.30-6pm. Bring some light-weight woollen layers and a medium-weight coat. On still sunny days you can still get about in a t-shirt but it will cool right down when the sun sets.

Note: Daylight saving ends on the first Sunday in April.

 

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Winter - June to August

Average temperatures:
Max: 8  to 12.5 C 
Min: -2.4 to 0.5 C

Average monthly rainfall:
17.5-31.5mm

Early winter can bring snow showers to the valley with between 5- 20cm falling on Hill House a couple of times during the season. The St Bathans range and Dunstan mountains turn white and at sunset glow a rosy pink. On the shortest days in winter the sun rises at 8am and sets at 5pm. You will need gloves, hat, scarf and a warm winter coat. Thermal under clothes and sturdy slip-proof boots are also a good idea.

 

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Spring - September to November

Average temperatures:
Max: 16.4 to 21C
Min: 2 to 7C

Average monthly rainfall:
21-30.5mm

The local ski fields are open until the first week of October and snow can fall on the mountain tops and very occasionally in the valley throughout September. The days get longer with the sun rising at 6.30am and setting at 6.30pm. After daylight saving has begun, the sun rises at around 6-6.30am and sets at around 7-8pm. Winter woolens will still be needed in September but you can bring a lighter weight coat. Later in the season you will be comfortable in a long sleeved t-shirt during a sunny day. Nights and mornings will still be crisp and Spring can also be windy so bring some warmer layers and a windproof coat.

Note: Daylight saving starts on the last Sunday in September and ends on the first Sunday in April.


Useful Weather Links

  • Metservice: New Zealand's National weather service. The Hill House experiences a weather mix between Wanaka and Central Otago. It is generally dryer and colder than Wanaka but not as cold as Alexandra.
  • COLA Charts : More complex weather information