Climate & Weather

Sea surface temperatures in the southern Tasman Sea rose to exceptionally high levels in late 2017 and early 2018. These temperatures were far above any others previously observed at that time of year in the region, and extended west from New Zealand to Tasmania and mainland southeast Australia.

Ideas for projects using climate data

These datasets are available in a range of formats.

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.

The main characteristic of the Marlborough climate is its dryness. Summer droughts are frequent, and the region is often swept by warm, dry northwesterlies.

Climate data and common terms explaining the causes and effects of climate change.

Several apps that provide forecasts of the UV index (UVI) are available for smartphones. 

Temperature trends from 1930s to present day

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.

View annual, seasonal and monthly summaries of temperature, rainfall and sunshine data from across New Zealand.