Weather
Seasonal notes for late March – mid April
Avg High
20–22°C
Avg Low
12–14°C
Rainfall
80–100mm/mo
UV Index
Moderate–High
Late March is end-of-summer — warm days, cooler evenings. Pack a light waterproof; rain is possible any time.
Avg High
17–20°C
Avg Low
10–12°C
Rainfall
Variable
UV Index
Moderate
Famously windy. Ferry crossings can be choppy — motion sickness tablets recommended.
Avg High
15–20°C
Avg Low
4–8°C
Rainfall
Variable
UV Index
High
Highly changeable mountain weather. Clear mornings can turn to rain quickly. Alpine areas near freezing overnight.
Avg High
23–26°C
Avg Low
16–18°C
Rainfall
Low
UV Index
Very High
Comfortable early autumn. UV is dangerously high even on overcast days — SPF 50+ essential.
Avg High
29–31°C
Avg Low
22–24°C
Rainfall
100–150mm/mo
UV Index
Extreme
Hot and humid, end of wet season. Reef water 27°C. Watch for stingers Oct–May — wear a stinger suit.
Avg High
20–23°C
Avg Low
11–13°C
Rainfall
Low
UV Index
High
Four seasons in a day — layers always. Great Ocean Road can be windy and cool at the Apostles.
Activity-specific notes
Kayaking & Snorkelling — NZ
NZSouth Island coastal water sits at 16–18°C in late March. A wetsuit top is strongly recommended for any in-water tours.
Snorkelling — Great Barrier Reef
AUReef water in April is around 27°C — comfortable without a wetsuit, though a rash vest helps with sun protection.
Dark Sky Observing — Tekapo
NZNew moon: 17 April 2026 — excellent for stargazing. South Island nights drop to 4°C, so pack warm layers.
Hiking
NZShoulder season — fewer crowds, but tracks can be muddy after rain. Sunset around 7:15pm in late March.