Timaru, NZ
3:53 am
Jun 9, 2026
6°C
Feels like 5°C°
clear sky
5-Day Forecast
Hourly Forecast
Monday
5° / 7°°C
0 mm
0%
11 Km/h
68 %
102 kpa
0 mm/h
Today
6° / 13°°C
0 mm
0%
15 Km/h
68 %
103 kpa
0 mm/h
Tomorrow
5° / 13°°C
0 mm
0%
7 Km/h
70 %
103 kpa
0 mm/h
Thursday
6° / 11°°C
0.2 mm
20%
17 Km/h
74 %
103 kpa
0 mm/h
Friday
5° / 14°°C
0 mm
0%
12 Km/h
81 %
103 kpa
0 mm/h
Timaru’s Climate
Timaru has a temperate maritime climate with warm, dry summers and cool winters. The city sits in the rain shadow of the Southern Alps, which means it receives significantly less rainfall than the West Coast — typically around 550–600mm per year. That makes it one of the drier parts of the South Island.
Summer (December–February) is reliably warm, with average highs around 22–24°C. Nor’westers (warm, dry northwesterly winds that cross the Alps) can push temperatures into the high 20s or above 30°C for short periods. These winds also tend to lower humidity sharply.
Autumn (March–May) is often the most settled season — mild temperatures, fewer nor’westers, and generally calm conditions. Good weather for walking and outdoor activities.
Winter (June–August) brings cooler temperatures with average highs around 11–13°C. Frost is possible overnight in clear conditions, and the occasional southerly brings cold, wet weather up from Antarctica. Snow is rare in Timaru itself but common in the nearby ranges and on the road to the Mackenzie District.
Spring (September–November) is variable — some excellent days mixed with unsettled southerlies and occasional late frosts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Timaru get much rain?
Timaru is relatively dry for New Zealand — typically around 550–600mm of rainfall per year, well below the national average, thanks to the rain shadow effect of the Southern Alps.
When is the best time to visit Timaru for weather?
Summer (December to February) offers the warmest and most reliable weather. Autumn is also excellent — settled and mild. Winter is manageable but expect some cold southerlies.
What are nor’westers?
Nor’westers are warm, dry winds that cross the Southern Alps and descend onto the Canterbury Plains and South Canterbury coast. They can push Timaru temperatures well above 30°C and reduce humidity significantly, often causing rapid fire danger in rural areas.
Is Timaru windy?
Timaru can be exposed to strong winds — nor’westers from the northwest and cold southerlies are the most notable. The coast is open, so sea breezes and wind off the ocean are common. The city itself is reasonably sheltered compared to the open farmland to the south.