New Zealand is an island country in the Southern Hemisphere, known for its natural beauty, modern cities as well as aboriginal tribes. It has four typical seasons, summer, autumn, winter and spring. Unlike destinations in the northern hemisphere, New Zealand’s seasons are placed differently across the year. Each season here has its splendour to showcase and is quite distinct from each other. While weather in New Zealand attracts people throughout the year, summers are generally considered as the peak season. Summer does see a rise in tourist influx but there really isn’t a bad time to visit the island nation of New Zealand.

The country has plenty of exciting things to offer all throughout the year and does not disappoint anyone who decides to visit. With an array of exciting activities to pick and choose from and numerous festivals spread across the year, New Zealand is a destination without any single best time to visit.

In keeping with the seasonal conditions of the southern hemisphere, New Zealand’s summers are spread across the months of December, January and February; making for the most unconventional Christmas, warm and bright. Commonly known as New Zealand’s Christmas tree, the Pohutukawa tree begins to bloom. The amazing red of the tree decorates the landscape in New Zealand. Summer in New Zealand is considered as the peak season and sees a rise in the number of tourists coming in.

Summer is relatively warmer and even considered hot by many. While temperatures differ based on the region one is visiting, the average temperatures range from over 21°C to about 31°C. Most outdoor activities like cycling, hiking and trekking up trails and routes open up in summer. This is also the best time of the year to take a dip in the oceans surrounding the country while Snorkelling, Sailing and Kayaking also become coveted. Festivals like the Wellington Fringe Festival and the Marlborough Food and Wine Festival are also held in summer.

The hot summer draws to a close with the beginning of March and autumn sets in at the end of March. The temperatures drop, making autumn much cooler. The average temperature ranges from 7°C to about 21°C. Autumn in New Zealand is the season for hiking while the whole country transforms into an orange Hue. New Zealand is absolutely breath-taking and there is no better way to absorb it than to hike up the beautiful outdoors. While the days are still relatively longer than in winter, the air starts to feel chilly. The first batch of snow arrives on the peaks and by the end of May, winter begins to set in. Autumn in New Zealand is usually considered as the quietest part of the year with not many people visiting. So if you are the kind of person that likes quiet, then this is the time for you. Autumn is also the time to catch the Hokitika Wildfoods Festival. This is the best way to accustom oneself with the variety of food on the island.

Winter is one of the best times to visit New Zealand. While the northern islands don’t experience a cold winter as such, the southern islands have good snowfall and chilly days. The temperatures vary for both the north and the south but on an average they range between 2°C to 16°C. The Southern Alps are one of the most important winter attractions on the island and New Zealand has one of the best ski rinks in the world, making it an ideal winter sport destination. Snowboarding and sledging are also very popular among sports enthusiasts.

Winter is also a good time to trek and experience the snow-laden landscape and take a dip in the many hot pools later. A number of festivals happen during the winter months in New Zealand. For instance, the Matariki festival, which is a celebration of the year to come and of the prosperity it will bring. The Queenstown Winter Festival is yet another example. The winter festival is one of the biggest parties in New Zealand with numerous cultural events, live music, skiing competitions and plenty more.

Spring usually starts off in the month of September and is greeted by smiling faces. The temperatures begin to climb again, preparing for a new year and the summers. The average temperature ranges between 5°C to 18°C. The whole place takes on a multicolour attire. Plenty of fruit trees are in full bloom and the sight of the lambs running around is sure to bring a smile to every face. Spring here is also known as the waterfall season as the various falls here have been fed well and multiply, making it a good season to explore the outdoors. Spring is not very crowded, making it more attractive. Many food and wine festivals also happen around now and is sure to enrich the experience in New Zealand.