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.

  • NIWA weather screenshot

    UVI smartphone apps

    Several apps that provide forecasts of the UV index (UVI) are available for smartphones. 
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    'Eleven-station' series temperature data

    Research Project
    Temperature trends from 1930s to present day
  • West Coast

    West Coast is New Zealand’s wettest region, and this may be attributed to its exposure to the predominant westerly airflow over the country, combined with the orographic effect of the Southern Alps.
  • Climate data and activities

    We provide an overview of New Zealand climate data for use in school projects.
  • NZ's warmest and wettest winter on record

    Media release
    NIWA’s climate scientists can now confirm what you may have suspected. After carefully poring through more than a century’s worth of data, it has been officially determined that winter 2022 was Aotearoa New Zealand’s warmest and wettest on record.
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    Map Alpine

    Education Resource
    Mountainous areas are subject to heavy snowfalls, high winds, and low temperatures. Semi-permanent snow and ice fields exist at about 1000-1100 metres during winter.
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    West Coast

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    How do we determine past climate?

    Information about past climate is obtained from piecing evidence together from various sources.
  • Otago

    The climate of Otago is perhaps the most diverse of any region in New Zealand.
  • PARTneR (Pacific Risk Tool for Resilience)

    Research Project
    Understanding how hazards impact people and the environment provides the foundation for informed decision making for a resilient Pacific.
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    Mean 10cm earth temperature (°C)

    These datasets are available in a range of formats.