Whanganui has a mild, maritime climate with four distinct seasons and relatively low rainfall for a North Island coastal city. The annual average is around 950mm — making it one of the drier cities on the west coast of the North Island. Summers are warm, winters are cool but rarely harsh, and the settled conditions of autumn are a particular highlight. The live weather widget below shows current conditions.
Whanganui, NZ
6:48 am
Jun 9, 2026
9°C
Feels like 7°C°
broken clouds
5-Day Forecast
Hourly Forecast
Monday
9° / 10°°C
0 mm
0%
11 Km/h
85 %
102 kpa
0 mm/h
Today
5° / 13°°C
0 mm
0%
32 Km/h
88 %
103 kpa
0 mm/h
Tomorrow
5° / 12°°C
0 mm
0%
8 Km/h
90 %
104 kpa
0 mm/h
Thursday
8° / 14°°C
0 mm
0%
24 Km/h
91 %
103 kpa
0 mm/h
Friday
7° / 15°°C
0.2 mm
20%
21 Km/h
93 %
104 kpa
0 mm/h
Whanganui by Season
Summer (December–February) brings warm, settled days with average highs of 22–24°C. Sea breezes off the Tasman keep the coast comfortable even during hot spells. This is the best time for beach visits to Castlecliff and Kai Iwi and for river activities in the national park.
Autumn (March–May) is widely considered Whanganui’s best season — temperatures remain mild (average highs around 17–18°C in April), humidity drops, and the settled conditions make it ideal for walking, cycling, and driving the River Road.
Winter (June–August) is cool with average highs of 12–14°C. Frosts are uncommon in the city itself but occur inland. Snow does not fall in Whanganui at city level, though Mt Ruapehu is snow-capped and visible on clear days. The cultural attractions — museum, gallery, markets — make winter perfectly viable for a visit.
Spring (September–November) warms gradually, with some unsettled periods before the more reliable summer pattern establishes. Average highs move from around 14°C in September to 19–20°C by November.
Key Climate Facts
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Annual rainfall | ~950mm |
| Mean annual temperature | 13.2°C |
| Hottest month (average high) | 22.4°C (January) |
| Coolest month (average high) | 13.2°C (July) |
| Snow in the city | Extremely rare |
| Climate type | Oceanic / Marine west coast (Cfb) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather like in Whanganui?
Mild and maritime — warm summers, cool winters, and moderate rainfall spread fairly evenly through the year. One of the drier cities on the North Island’s west coast.
What is the best time to visit Whanganui?
Summer (December–March) for beaches and river activities; autumn (March–May) for the most settled weather and comfortable temperatures.
Does it snow in Whanganui?
Extremely rarely at city level. The volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park to the north are snow-capped through winter and are visible from Whanganui on clear days.
How much rain does Whanganui get?
Around 950mm per year on average, spread fairly evenly through the year, with June typically the wettest month.
Is it windy in Whanganui?
Moderate sea breezes are common on the coast and near the river mouth, particularly on summer afternoons. The city itself is reasonably sheltered from the prevailing westerlies.
Where to Learn More
MetService — Whanganui Forecast — official New Zealand weather forecasts for Whanganui.
Climate Data — Whanganui — monthly average temperatures and rainfall data.