New Zealand records third-warmest winter on record
New Zealand experienced its third-warmest winter on record in 2026, with average temperatures 1.1C above the long-term seasonal norm. While the North Island saw near-average temperatures, the South Island faced significant warmth and extreme weather events, including heavy rain and flooding.
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This winter was New Zealand's third-warmest since records began, the country's climate monitoring agency says.
Earth Sciences New Zealand's (ESNZ) winter climate summary showed the average temperature across the country over June, July and August was 9.7C - 1.1C above the 1991-2020 winter average.
That made it the third-warmest winter since records began in 1909, behind 2022 (9.8C) and 2021 (also 9.7C).
The agency said this year's result might come as a surprise to some, as temperatures in the North Island were close to average.
"However, the exceptional warmth of June nationwide, and the relatively warm winter throughout the South Island, were the dominant features of the country's overall seasonal temperature."
Parts of the South Island recorded average temperatures that were more than 1.2C above their long-term averages, and 27 locations recorded their warmest winter ever.
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