Like any other place on the North Island, Rotorua is a historic city with pleasant weather patterns almost all year round. Experienced here are four distinct seasons, including spring, winter, autumn, and summer. Spring comes but attracts the least visitors, while summer is characterised by long hours of sunshine, which makes it ideal for outdoor explorations and sightseeing. During this time, the temperatures rise as high as 29 degrees Celsius. Winter, at the opposite end, is a chilly season during which the temperatures decline down to 12 degrees Celsius or thereabouts. While you can visit Rotorua at any time of the year, summer is usually the best and peak season. Let’s now talk about how the weather in Rotorua looks like during different seasons of the year, as well as the things to do during those seasons.
Summer
Summer is the time when Rotorua is at its warmest and usually lasts from December to February, with temperatures varying from 21 to 29 degrees Celsius. With long sunshine hours and days, it is a perfect season for those who love outdoor activities. You could take a dip in one of the many Rotorua’s lakes or go hiking. Since Rotorua occasionally experiences slightly wet summers, which are sometimes accompanied by heavy rainfall, you may need to carry an extra pair of clothes for change after your outdoor activity.
Numerous festivals and events mark the summer season in Rotorua. The events will make your visit even more exciting. With an influx of tourists at its peak in this season, the city is busiest and liveliest during this time. The high inflow of tourists also means that the demand for virtually every service rises, ranging from accommodation to transport and food. It is better to make any bookings in advance to avoid a last-minute hassle.
Spring
During spring, the temperatures begin to rise, and conditions become warm and nice again, making the season very pleasant. Rotorua experiences temperatures ranging from 13 to 21 degrees Celsius during spring, which lasts from September to November. The season is usually associated with new life cycles as you will see lambs bouncing and flowers beginning to bloom during this time.
With the crowds having left for the year, the demand for most services goes down in spring, and that is why you will come across lots of great deals. For those who like quiet and peace, spring is actually the best time to visit Rotorua. There are also some events on at this time, including the popular Rotorua Bike Festival, which runs for days. If you’re a fan of biking, Rotorua has plenty in store for you during this season, and you will also get to watch marathons.
Winter
The season lasts from June to August, and the temperatures are at their lowest in Rotorua during this time, usually ranging from 9 to 15 degrees Celsius. The sunshine will typically be very short, causing air nips. With the temperatures being low, you will need to carry warm clothes just to ensure you don’t freeze or catch a cold.
While you may not have a lot to do outdoors during winter, Rotorua is home to lots of hot springs and pools, which are best enjoyed when the outdoor is cold. Some of these natural pools and springs have spa facilities, which help you to relax and keep cold at bay. However, Rotorua experiences a drop in the inflow of tourists in winter, thanks to that one thing: the cold.
Autumn
Autumn spans from March to May, and one thing about it in Rotorua is that it comes with a warm climate. The temperatures range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, and the daylight is not as long as the summer daylight. It is an excellent season for outdoor activities, including sightseeing, hiking, and mountain biking, which Rotorua is known for. Although the latter months may not be very encouraging for outdoor activities, such as swimming, the beginning of the season is usually warm enough. So you can take a quick dip before it is too late. Alternatively, you could still take advantage of Rotorua’s hot pools and springs.