First Light Marathon

25 Jan 2025

Climate & Weather in New Zealand

Below you can read about typical race day weather, Aotearoa New Zealand's climate, and see the average weather conditions in Tairāwhiti Gisborne and Wellington.

Aotearoa New Zealand's Climate

Aotearoa New Zealand has a largely temperate climate. Since most of the country lies close to the coast, it has mild temperatures all year-round, abundant sunshine, and moderately high rainfall. Although Aotearoa New Zealand does not have a large temperature range, weather can change unexpectedly, so it is important to be prepared for sudden changes, especially out in nature. Additionally, it can feel much colder than it looks when the sun goes down, so a jacket is a good idea even in the summer. 

 

Temperature & Precipitation

See the average temperatures and precipitation per month below in the tables. 

  JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Gisborne                        
Day time temperature 25°C  / 77°F 24°C  / 75°F 23°C  / 73°F 20°C  / 68°F 17°C  / 62°F 15°C  / 59°F 14°C  / 57°F 15°C  / 59°F 17°C  / 63°F 19°C  / 66°F 21°C  / 70°F 23°C  / 73°F
Night time temperature 14°C  / 57°F 14°C  / 57°F 12°C  / 54°F 10°C  / 50°F 7°C  / 45°F 5°C  / 41°F 5°C  / 41°F 6°C  / 43°F 7°C  / 45°F 9°C  / 48°F 11°C  / 52°F 12°C  / 54°F
Precipitation (mm) 59 mm  / 1.53 in  70 mm  / 1.62 in  98 mm  / 1.81 in  96 mm  / 1.80 in  93 mm  /  1.78 in  129 mm  / 1.99 in  124 mm  /  1.96 in  114 mm  / 1.90 in  95 mm  / 1.80 in  63 mm  / 1.57 in  57 mm  / 1.51 in  73 mm  / 1.65 in 

 

  JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Wellington                        
Day time temperature 21°C  / 70°F 22°C  / 72°F 20°C  / 68°F 18°C  / 64°F 15°C  / 59°F 13°C  / 55°F 12°C  / 54°F 13°C  / 55°F 15°C  / 59°F 16°C  / 61°F 18°C  / 64°F 20°C  / 68°F
Night time temperature 13°C  / 55°F 13°C  / 55°F 12°C  / 54°F 10°C  / 50°F 8°C  / 46°F 6°C  / 43°F 6°C  / 43°F 6°C  / 43°F 7°C  / 45°F 9°C  / 48°F 10°C  / 50°F 12°C  / 54°F
Precipitation (mm / in) 66 mm  / 1.59 in  54 mm  / 1.45 in  80 mm  / 1.70 in  97 mm  / 1.80 in  110 mm  / 1.89 in  119 mm  / 1.94 in  126 mm  / 1.97 in  114 mm  / 1.90 in  87 mm  / 1.74 in  86 mm  /  1.74 in  77 mm  / 1.67 in  82 mm  / 1.71 in 

Source: Climate data

 

Expectations at First Light Marathon

February is the last month of summer in Aotearoa New Zealand, so we are expecting race day temperatures to be warm and humid. However, the race starts shortly before sunrise, meaning that it will be chilly at the start. We recommend wearing outer layers to the start line that can be left behind in a personal bag at a manned bag drop station. 

Although summer is the driest season, chance of rain in February is still around 20% each day. The weather in Aotearoa New Zealand can change quickly, so it is a good idea to come prepared.