New Zealand has recorded its 4th-warmest July since records began in 1909, according to the Earth Sciences New Zealand (formerly NIWA) latest Monthly Climate Summary.

The mild start to winter for most of the country in June continued through July, with the nationwide average temperature of 9.2°C. for July being 1.1°C above the 1991-2020 July average. It was New Zealand’s 4th-warmest July since Earth Sciences New Zealand's seven station temperature series began in 1909, says Earth Sciences NZ climate scientist Gregor Macara.

"Nine locations observed their warmest July on record, including Hokitika and Chatham Island, where records date back to 1866 and 1878, respectively."

Temperatures were above or well above average for most the country, says Macara. The highest temperature was 22.7°C, observed at North Canterbury’s Waipara West on 29 July.

Rainfall was above or well above normal for northern, central and southern parts of the North Island, Tasman, Buller, Nelson, and Marlborough, but below or well below normal for Southland, Otago, Canterbury, and the eastern North Island from Napier to Castlepoint. The highest 1-day rainfall was 164 mm, recorded at Motueka on 11 July.

The three sunniest locations in 2025 so far are Taranaki, Bay of Plenty, and Auckland. Of the six main centres in July 2025, Auckland was the warmest, wettest, and sunniest, Christchurch was the coolest and driest, and Dunedin was the least sunny.

Note:

There is more detailed information on the key climate highlights for July 2025, including for the regions and main centres, notable extremes and weather events, the Nelson-Tasman floods and slips, and a record for Milford Sound in the full report at Monthly | Earth Sciences New Zealand | NIWA

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