Summer in Invercargill just doesn’t feel like summer in the rest of New Zealand. The city sits right at the southern tip of the South Island, so the season stays mild instead of hot.
You can expect average daytime highs around 18–19 °C (64–66 °F) and cooler nights near 9–10 °C (48–50 °F).
You’ll notice more sunshine hours than in winter, but even during the warmest months, clouds and rain don’t really go away. Light jackets often come in handy, especially with the steady winds that sweep across the flat Southland Plains.
The sea stays cold, averaging about 12–13 °C (54–55 °F), so most people don’t swim.
What’s nice about summer here? It’s the balance of long daylight hours, comfortable temperatures, and fewer extremes than you’d get in other seasons.
You’ll get days that feel pleasantly warm without being overwhelming. Evenings cool down enough that you’ll want an extra layer.
This mix works well for both outdoor exploring and more relaxed travel.
Overview of Invercargill’s Summer Climate
Invercargill gets mild summers with frequent cloud cover, steady winds, and regular rainfall.
You can expect cool nights, moderate daytime warmth, and conditions that often feel different from much of New Zealand.
Typical Summer Temperature Range
During summer, daytime highs usually reach 18–19 °C (64–66 °F). Nighttime lows often fall near 9 °C (48 °F).
Most days, temperatures stay in this narrow range, so the climate feels stable but on the cooler side compared to other regions.
Heatwaves don’t happen often, but sometimes they do. On the warmest days, the temperature can climb above 27 °C (81 °F), and in a few years it’s even gone past 30 °C (86 °F).
These warmer spells don’t last long and are usually followed by cooler, breezy days.
Even in January and February, evenings stay chilly. Packing layers matters because nights can feel closer to early autumn than midsummer.
The sea remains cold, averaging 12–13 °C (54–55 °F), so swimming isn’t really comfortable for most.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Invercargill’s summer weather comes from its southern latitude and exposure to the Southern Ocean.
You’ll notice frequent westerly winds bringing both moisture and cooler air. These winds make Invercargill one of the windiest places in New Zealand.
Rain falls often, with about 10–14 wet days per month in summer. Precipitation averages 85–115 mm monthly, so plan for showers.
Rain usually arrives in short bursts rather than long storms, but it keeps the landscape green.
Cloud cover stands out as another feature. The city gets only about 6 hours of sunshine per day in summer, so skies are often overcast or partly cloudy.
Humidity levels stay moderate to high, usually between 75–80%, which can make the air feel damp even when temperatures are mild.
Comparison to Other New Zealand Cities
Compared to northern cities like Auckland or Wellington, Invercargill’s summer is definitely cooler and less sunny.
Auckland averages highs around 24 °C (75 °F) in January, while Invercargill sticks closer to 19 °C (66 °F). Nights are colder in the south, often dropping below 10 °C (50 °F).
Rainfall spreads out more evenly in Invercargill. Unlike Christchurch, which dries out in summer, Invercargill keeps getting steady precipitation.
This makes the region greener, but also a bit less predictable for outdoor plans.
Wind is another big difference. Wellington is the windiest city, but Invercargill comes second, with frequent gusts shaping the weather.
If you’re used to calmer conditions in central or northern New Zealand, the persistent breezes here will probably stand out.
Monthly Breakdown of Summer Weather
Summer in Invercargill brings the mildest and longest days of the year. Temperatures stay cool compared to most of New Zealand.
Rain falls often, but sunshine hours are at their highest, so you get a mix of bright days and damp spells.
December Weather Highlights
December marks the start of summer and a noticeable shift from spring’s cooler air.
Average highs rise to about 16.8°C (62.2°F), while lows hover near 8–9°C (46–48°F).
Daylight stretches out to more than 15 hours, making it one of the months with the longest days.
This extra light is great if you want to maximize your time outdoors.
Rainfall averages around 65–70 mm, so showers are regular. Winds are common but not extreme, and humidity stays moderate.
The mix of mild temperatures, long daylight, and steady rainfall creates a comfortable but changeable start to summer.
January Weather Highlights
January is usually the warmest month in Invercargill.
Average highs reach 17.1°C (62.8°F), and lows sit around 10°C (50°F). These numbers may seem cool, but it’s as warm as it gets here.
You’ll get about 15.3 hours of daylight, which means long evenings outdoors.
Rainfall is a bit higher than December, averaging 70–76 mm, but showers don’t usually last long.
Humidity levels stay near 80%, so the air can feel damp even when it’s not raining.
Winds can pick up, though they rarely disrupt travel. January brings mild warmth, long days, and occasional rain, making it a pleasant month to explore.
February Weather Highlights
February keeps the summer pattern going but starts a slow shift toward cooler weather.
Highs average 17.0°C (62.6°F), just a bit lower than January, while lows stay near 10°C (50°F).
Daylight drops slightly to around 14.5 hours, but evenings still feel long enough for outdoor plans.
Rainfall averages between 65–70 mm, so conditions stay damp but manageable.
Winds stay steady but aren’t as strong as in late winter. Humidity holds at about 80–81%, which adds to the cool, moist feel of the air.
February feels balanced, with mild warmth, consistent rainfall, and fewer daylight hours than January, but still plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors.
March Weather Highlights
March signals the end of summer and the start of early autumn.
Highs drop to about 16.1°C (61°F), and lows fall closer to 9°C (48°F).
Daylight shortens to about 12.5–13 hours, which is a noticeable change from December and January.
Rainfall averages 58–65 mm, just a bit lower than peak summer months, though wet days still happen often.
Humidity stays near 82%, making the air feel heavier on damp days.
Winds are steady, but not at their winter peak. March brings cooler evenings, shorter days, and a gradual shift from the mild summer climate to something wetter and colder.
Temperature Trends and Extremes
Summer in Invercargill feels mild compared to most other places in New Zealand.
You’ll get cool nights, moderate daytime highs, and the occasional spike of heat that stands out as a rare event.
Average Highs and Lows
Invercargill’s summer runs from December to February, and the average daily highs usually sit between 18–19 °C (64–66 °F).
Average lows hover around 9–10 °C (48–50 °F). The overall mean temperature stays close to 14 °C (57 °F) during the peak of summer.
Unlike northern cities, Invercargill doesn’t get long hot spells. The oceanic climate keeps temperature swings in check, so you won’t see extreme heat hanging around for days.
Weather data shows consistent mild conditions with frequent changes as weather systems move through.
These averages make summer comfortable for outdoor activities, but you should still bring a light jacket for cool evenings.
Record Temperatures
While the averages stay mild, Invercargill has seen occasional extremes.
On the hottest summer days, the temperature can reach 27–28 °C (81–82 °F). In rare cases, records have gone above 30 °C (86 °F), with the highest just over 32 °C (90 °F) in recent decades.
Cold outbreaks can happen even in midsummer. Weather records show temperatures dropping close to 0 °C (32 °F) during unusual Antarctic air intrusions.
For example, January once hit a low of -1 °C (30 °F), which shows how unpredictable southern weather can be.
These extremes don’t happen often, but they highlight the city’s exposure to both warm inland winds and cold southern systems.
If you’re planning a visit, it’s smart to pack for a wide temperature range.
Daytime vs Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime and nighttime conditions in Invercargill show a big contrast.
During the day, highs often reach the upper teens Celsius. Once the sun sets, temperatures drop quickly to single digits.
This happens because of the city’s southern latitude and relatively clear nights during settled weather.
The difference between day and night can be 8–10 °C (14–18 °F).
For example, a day at 19 °C (66 °F) might cool to 9 °C (48 °F) overnight.
This pattern means mornings often feel chilly, even in peak summer. You’ll probably start the day with a sweater and end it in lighter clothing.
Travelers should expect these swings and plan for layers to stay comfortable all day.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Humidity in Invercargill stays high year-round, and summer is no exception.
The air often feels damp, which really affects how warm or cool you feel—even when the temperatures are mild.
Comfort depends not just on temperature but also on how your body reacts to moisture in the air.
Typical Humidity Ranges
During summer, average relative humidity in Invercargill usually sits between 78% and 83%.
That’s pretty high compared to many other coastal cities.
Mornings often start with the highest levels, sometimes above 80%. As the day goes on, humidity can drop a bit, but it rarely dips below the upper 70s.
Nights tend to feel damp, especially when skies are cloudy or winds go light.
Because of this, even on days when the temperature reaches 18–20°C (64–68°F), the air can feel heavier than you might expect.
You might notice that clothing dries slowly, and indoor spaces without good airflow can feel stuffy.
Impact on Daily Life
High humidity changes how comfortable you feel outdoors. Physical activity, like walking or cycling, might feel more tiring.
Sweat evaporates slowly, so your body cools off less efficiently.
Travelers often find that wearing layers helps. A light, breathable shirt works well during the day.
A thin jacket is handy in the evening when dampness combines with cooler air.
For indoor comfort, good ventilation helps. Opening windows or using fans can make a big difference.
If you’re staying in local accommodation, you’ll probably notice homes are built to handle the damp, with things like dehumidifiers or strong airflow.
Variation Throughout Summer
Humidity doesn’t stay perfectly steady all summer.
December brings slightly lower levels, often closer to 78%. By January, when it’s warmest, humidity rises closer to 82–83%.
In February, levels may ease again, though they stay high compared to many other places.
The difference is small, but you might notice mornings in January feel stickier than those in December.
The combination of mild warmth and persistent moisture means you rarely get dry heat.
Instead, the weather feels consistently damp, shaping both outdoor activities and how you plan your day.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Invercargill has a cool, oceanic climate where rainfall stays steady throughout the year.
You can expect moderate precipitation most months, with no long dry season and only small shifts between wetter and drier periods.
Average Monthly Precipitation
Invercargill usually gets about 1,200–1,300 mm of precipitation each year. Most months see a similar amount of rain, but some are a bit wetter.
October is the wettest month with around 127 mm. July is the driest at about 83 mm.
Even during July, rainfall stays moderate when you compare it to much of New Zealand.
| Month | Avg. Precipitation (mm) |
|---|---|
| July | ~83 mm |
| October | ~127 mm |
| Annual Avg. | ~1277 mm |
The southern coast location means ocean air brings regular showers. People measure rainfall in millimeters, and you can really see how steady the pattern is by looking at the numbers.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Invercargill doesn’t just get a lot of rain—it rains pretty often, too. You’ll notice rain on many days each month, usually as light or moderate showers instead of long downpours.
Most months, weather data shows there are over 15 days with measurable precipitation. Odds are, you’ll run into rain at least once a week.
All this rain keeps the city green and helps local farms. The showers usually don’t last long, so you might see blue sky later the same day.
If you’re heading out, a rain jacket or umbrella is a smart idea.
Notable Wet and Dry Periods
Invercargill doesn’t really have a true dry season. Rain falls all year, though the amount shifts a little. Spring, especially October, is usually the wettest stretch.
July brings less rain, but you’ll still see regular showers even then.
The steady rainfall keeps rivers and soils in good shape. Locals and travelers should expect wet weather any time of year, though spring tends to bring heavier showers.
Wind and Cloud Cover in Summer
Summer in Invercargill feels shaped by steady winds from the Southern Ocean and lots of cloud cover. Most days are breezy, and the sky often stays gray or overcast.
Prevailing Wind Directions
Winds mainly blow from the west and southwest because of the city’s spot along the Southern Ocean. These directions take over during summer, bringing in cool, moist air.
Westerly winds usually feel mild and carry a hint of the sea. Southwest winds, though, tend to feel colder and can bring unsettled weather.
The flat land around Invercargill lets the wind move pretty freely. Breezes here often feel stronger than in places tucked away from the coast.
If you’re visiting, be ready for wind, especially if you plan to spend time outside. Even warm days can feel chilly with a southwest breeze.
Typical Wind Speeds
Wind is always part of Invercargill’s weather, and summer doesn’t break that trend. Average wind speeds usually sit between 15 to 20 km/h (9 to 12 mph), but stronger gusts can show up.
The city’s wide-open exposure to the Southern Ocean means you’ll sometimes feel sudden bursts of wind. Gusts above 30 km/h (19 mph) happen pretty often, especially when the weather changes fast.
These winds can make outdoor activities more challenging. For example, cycling or walking by the coast can feel tougher on windy days. Still, the breezes help cool things down when it gets warm.
If you’re planning a visit, pack a light windproof jacket. Even in summer, the wind can make things feel cooler than you’d expect.
Cloud Cover Variability
People often call Invercargill New Zealand’s cloudiest city, and summer doesn’t really break that trend. Skies here stay overcast or mostly cloudy for more than half the season.
You’ll notice a mix of cloud types, but those low, gray stratus layers show up a lot. They block out direct sunlight and give Invercargill its muted summer vibe.
Some days, you’ll catch a break with clearer skies. Still, long stretches of bright, sunny weather? Those are pretty rare compared to other places in New Zealand.
Even on dry days, clouds tend to hang around.
If you’re making plans, just expect the light to change a lot. Photography, sightseeing, or outdoor events feel different under these cloud-filtered skies, but honestly, the softer light can be nice—less glare, less sunburn.