On 1 July 2025, NIWA merged with GNS Science to become Earth Sciences New Zealand.

Climate & Weather

Understanding our variable and changing climate is critical for managing resources and reducing risks.

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    Tuna - glass eels

    Glass eels (about 5.5 to 7.0 cm) arrive in fresh water during spring, especially during September and October, although they may be present from July to December.
  • Glaciers don't lie

  • Annual

    Publication series
    Annual Climate Summaries from 2000 to present.
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    Mean daily maximum temperatures (°C)

    These datasets are available in a range of formats.
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    National

    National climate maps
  • El Niño maps and charts

    View a collection of maps showing the impact of past El Niño and La Niña events.
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    Map E South

    Education Resource
    The climate of this zone is greatly dependent on the lie of the massive Southern Alps to the west.
  • Winter 2020 – NZ’s warmest winter on record

    Media release
    New Zealand has just experienced its warmest winter on record, according to official NIWA climate data.
  • Northland

    Northland, with its northern location, low elevation and close proximity to the sea is characterised by a mild, humid, and rather windy climate.
  • New Zealand Drought Monitor

    Service
    The New Zealand Drought Monitor is a system for keeping track of drought conditions across New Zealand based on a standardised climate index.
  • Native forests absorbing more carbon dioxide

    Media release
    New Zealand’s forests and other land areas may be absorbing up to 60% more carbon dioxide than has been calculated, with much of this uptake likely occurring in native forests, NIWA scientists have discovered.
  • Daily climate maps

    These climate maps are updated daily and are based on data from our National Climate Database.