North Island New Zealand Weather in February

Average Temperatures in the North Island in February

The average temperatures across the North Island are very warm throughout the whole month of February, and it is usually the hottest month of the year in many places. Nighttime low temperatures rarely fall below 10°C (50°F), even in the sub-alpine Taupō region, while high daytime temperatures over 25°C (77°F) are common. 

Here’s a breakdown of what average temperatures to expect in the North Island in February, by location.

Average Sunshine Hours Per day in the North Island in February

February is one of the sunniest months all across the North Island, with well over 200 average sunshine hours in the month for many regions. Combined with the long summer daylight hours, this makes February a great time to visit the North Island, since you can pack a lot into a day, with good weather often lasting well into the night! 

Average rainfall in the North Island in February

Generally, February is a relatively dry month in the North Island, compared with other times of the year. The coming end of “true” summer means that some areas get changing weather patterns, which can mean a few more rainy showers in some parts, but also more dry spells in others. For example: there’s typically less rainfall in Auckland and Taupo during February, on average, than there is in January; while in subtropical Northland and the coastal Bay of Plenty there’s more rainfall, on average, in February than there is in January. 

Overall, however, there’s little to worry about in terms of running into rain on your North Island self-drive road trip or vacation itinerary during February, with no region or city getting more than 7 wet days across the entire month!

Best Things to do in the North Island in February 

Swim, surf, or soak up the sun at the beach 

Whether you like the idea of getting out on the water or simply soaking up the sun on the beach, February is a fantastic time to hit one of the North Island’s many world-class beaches. From the black sands of Piha and sparkling coves of the Bay of Island, to the famous surf breaks of Taranaki and the Coromandel Peninsula, it really is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to North Island beaches. February is the best time of year to visit them, so don’t think twice about putting a beach stop on your North Island itinerary during February.

Make the most of “festival season”

New Zealand’s festival season is in full swing across February. Whatever you’re into, there’s bound to be something to tickle your fancy: Auckland’s renowned Pasifika Festival celebrates New Zealand’s Pacific Island connections, the New Zealand Festival of Arts attracts world-class international and local acts to Wellington, Napier celebrates its unique architectural heritage over Art Deco Weekend, and Waitangi Day (6th February) events mark the most significant event in the history of New Zealand’s indigenous Māori and colonising Pākehā populations

Māori culture immersion in Rotorua

Rotorua is a great place to visit in February for anybody wanting to learn more about New Zealand’s indigenous Māori culture. See an authentic haka and other traditional cultural performances at Te Huia, or stay overnight and enjoy a traditional hangi (earth-oven steamed meal) at Te Pā Tū for the full immersive experience

Like the sound of a North Island holiday in February?

Take a look at the different North Island tour packages and self-drive itinerary options provided by First Light Travel. 

Contact FLT’s travel advisers directly, online, to customise your own version. If you still have questions, the many articles on FLT’s dedicated New Zealand travel blog could help to answer them.

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