Global CityIntelligence

Climate

Climate in Palmerston North

Palmerston North, New Zealand has a oceanic climate. The annual average temperature is about 17.1°C and the city receives roughly 1100 mm of precipitation across 184 rainy days a year, with around 732 hours of sunshine. The warmest month is Jan (highs near 25.2°C) and the coldest is Jul (lows near 9°C). These are deterministic, latitude- and region-based planning estimates — not a forecast or measured station data; check current conditions with an official meteorological service before travel.

Climate zone
Oceanic
Comfort score
82/100

Climate overview

Palmerston North, New Zealand has a oceanic climate. The annual average temperature is about 17.1°C and the city receives roughly 1100 mm of precipitation across 184 rainy days a year, with around 732 hours of sunshine. The warmest month is Jan (highs near 25.2°C) and the coldest is Jul (lows near 9°C). These are deterministic, latitude- and region-based planning estimates — not a forecast or measured station data; check current conditions with an official meteorological service before travel.

Data year 2025; last updated 2026-05-16.

Climate zone

Köppen-style classification derived deterministically from latitude and regional precipitation regime.

Climate zone

Palmerston North is classified as Oceanic. This reflects its annual temperature range and the seasonal pattern of its rainfall.

Average temperatures

Annual averages and seasonal extremes.

Average temperatures

  • Annual average17.1°C
  • Warmest monthJan (25.2°C)
  • Coldest monthJul (9°C)
  • Comfort score82/100

Rainfall overview

Annual precipitation and how it is distributed across the year.

Rainfall overview

Palmerston North receives about 1100 mm of precipitation a year over roughly 184 rainy days. The wettest month is Jun and the driest is Dec.

Sunshine overview

Estimated annual sunshine and its seasonal pattern.

Sunshine overview

Palmerston North sees an estimated 732 hours of sunshine a year, concentrated in the warmer months around Jan.

Monthly climate table

Month-by-month estimates of temperature, rainfall, rainy days, and sunshine.

Monthly climate table

Palmerston North monthly climate table
MonthHighLowRainRainy DaysSunshine
Jan25.2°C18.2°C76 mm1397 h
Feb24.5°C17.5°C85 mm1484 h
Mar22.9°C15.9°C90 mm1568 h
Apr20.6°C13.6°C109 mm1834 h
May18.3°C11.3°C114 mm1925 h
Jun16.6°C9.6°C119 mm2022 h
Jul16°C9°C109 mm1826 h
Aug16.6°C9.6°C90 mm1547 h
Sep18.3°C11.3°C85 mm1460 h
Oct20.6°C13.6°C76 mm1377 h
Nov22.9°C15.9°C76 mm1387 h
Dec24.5°C17.5°C71 mm12105 h

Best months to visit

Months with the mildest temperatures and lower rainfall, by the deterministic comfort heuristic. Not a tourism ranking.

Best months to visit

By temperature and rainfall, the most comfortable months in Palmerston North are Nov, Dec, Jan. Conditions vary year to year — verify with a current forecast before booking.

Seasonal summary

Average conditions by season.

Seasonal summary

  • Summer

    25°C / 18°C

    232 mm rain

  • Autumn

    21°C / 14°C

    313 mm rain

  • Winter

    16°C / 9°C

    318 mm rain

  • Spring

    21°C / 14°C

    237 mm rain

Climate comfort score

A 0–100 composite of temperature balance, rainfall, sunshine, seasonality, and winter/summer extremes; higher means more comfortable. Used consistently across the platform.

Climate comfort score

Palmerston North has a climate comfort score of 82/100, a very comfortable year-round climate by this measure. The score weights mild temperatures most, then rainfall balance, sunshine, low seasonality, and the absence of extreme winter cold or summer heat.

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