AI-generatedHokitika at a glance
- Best time
- Feb
- Warmest month
- Feb · 20°
- Warmest sea
- Feb · 18.2°
- Sunshine a year
- 2,180 h
- Rain a year
- 2,582 mm
- Climate
- Maritime
- Time zone
- UTC+13 / UTC+12
- Elevation
- 6 m
Climate in Hokitika
Hokitika has a maritime climate with moderate summers and cool, often grey winters. February is the warmest month with average highs of 20 °C, while July is the coolest at 12 °C. With around 2,180 hours of sunshine a year, Hokitika is moderately sunny; February is the sunniest month with 8.9 hours a day.
Holiday weather through the year
Best time to visit Hokitika
The best time to visit Hokitika is in February. The sea stays too cool for a classic beach holiday: even in February it only reaches 18.2 °C. The wettest month is October with 281 mm of precipitation.
Hokitika through the seasons
How the weather changes over the seasons, with averages for each.
Hokitika in spring
Sep – Nov
Poor
- 14–17 °C by day
- Sea 14 °C
- 6.4 h of sun a day
- 54 rainy days in all
Hokitika in summer
Dec – Feb
Poor
- 19–20 °C by day
- Sea 17 °C
- 7.8 h of sun a day
- 45 rainy days in all
Hokitika in autumn
Mar – May
Poor
- 15–19 °C by day
- Sea 16 °C
- 5.2 h of sun a day
- 42 rainy days in all
Hokitika in winter
Jun – Aug
Poor
- 12–13 °C by day
- Sea 13 °C
- 4.5 h of sun a day
- 43 rainy days in all
Which month for what?
Beach & swimming
No month
Sea from 21 °C, warm and mostly dry
Sightseeing & hiking
No month
15–28 °C and not too much rain
Rainy months
All year
Rainy season or more than 12 rainy days
Find your perfect month
Tell us what you like and we rate every month in Hokitika for you.
Your best months: February
Based on the climate averages; tap a month to see its details.
Weather in October
Weather in October
Holiday weather in October
Poor
Best time to visit: February
Where to go in OctoberSea temperature in October
Keep in mindFrequent rain
A typical day in October
- Morning, 08:00: about 10°
- Midday, 13:00: about 15°
- Afternoon, 16:00: about 15°
- Evening, 20:00: about 13°
- Night, 23:00: about 10°
06:4619:57
Cool evenings: pack a jumper or a jacket.
Estimated from the average high and low: coolest around sunrise, warmest in mid-afternoon.
Light for photos in October
- Golden hour
- Morning 06:29–07:24 · evening 19:19–20:15
- Blue hour
- Morning 06:17–06:29 · evening 20:15–20:26
Golden hour: the sun between 4° below and 6° above the horizon; blue hour: 6° to 4° below it. Times for the 15th of the month; mountains and clouds shift the light.
October in Hokitika compared with home
Loading the climate at home …
Early or late October?
In October, daytime highs rise from about 15° at the start of the month to 16° at the end. The sea warms from 13° to 14°. The days get 1.4 h longer.
| October | 1 Oct | 31 Oct |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime high | 15° | 16° |
| Night-time low | 7° | 9° |
| Sea | 13° | 14° |
| Daylight | 12.5 h | 13.9 h |
What is the weather like in Hokitika in October?
In October, Hokitika is cool: daytime highs average 15 °C, and nights cool down to about 8 °C. The sea averages 13.5 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 5.6 hours of sunshine a day. It rains often – on about 20 days, adding up to 281 mm. All in all, October is not an ideal month for a holiday in Hokitika.
More details for October
- Daylight
- 13 h 11 min06:46 – 19:57
- UV index
- 7 · highclear sky, noon (estimate)All months
- Muggy days
- 0 daysdew point 18 °C or moreAll months
- Wind
- 17 km/haverage daily peakAll months
- Cloud cover
- 72 %on averageAll months
- Hot days
- 0 days30 °C or more
- Time zone
- UTC+13offset from UTC
How the score comes together
- Temperatureweight 35 %0 %
- Seaweight 25 %0 %
- Sunshineweight 20 %43 %
- Few rainy daysweight 20 %0 %
Each factor is rated from 0 to 100 % and weighted for the travel style “Sun, sea & sand”.
What to pack in October
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses & sun hat
- A jumper for the evenings
- Rain jacket or umbrella
Compare two months in Hokitika
Pick two months to see how the weather differs. A tick marks the clearly better value; for temperatures it depends on your plans.
February has the better holiday weather in Hokitika: score 40 against 9. In February, days are 5 °C warmer than in October. The sea is 5 °C warmer in February. February has 8 fewer rainy days. The sun shines 3 hours longer a day in February.
| Month | October | February |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday weather score | 9 | 40better |
| Daytime high | 15° | 20° |
| Night-time low | 8° | 13° |
| Sea | 13.5° | 18.2° |
| Sunshine | 5.6 h | 8.9 hbetter |
| Rainy days | 20 | 12better |
| Rainfall | 281 mm | 170 mmbetter |
Based on the climate averages 1996–2025.
Hokitika month by month
The typical weather for every month at a glance.
23January20° · Sea 18° · 6.4 h
In January, Hokitika is mild: daytime highs average 20 °C, and nights cool down to about 12 °C. The sea averages 17.5 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. Expect around 6.4 hours of sunshine a day. It rains often – on about 15 days, adding up to 206 mm. All in all, January is not an ideal month for a holiday in Hokitika.
Hokitika in January40February20° · Sea 18° · 8.9 h
In February, Hokitika is mild: daytime highs average 20 °C, and nights cool down to about 13 °C. The sea averages 18.2 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. The sun shines for around 8.9 hours a day. Rain is frequent, with about 12 rainy days and 170 mm in total. All in all, February is a so-so month for a holiday in Hokitika – and yet one of the best months here.
Hokitika in February19March19° · Sea 17° · 5.8 h
In March, Hokitika is mild: daytime highs average 19 °C, and nights cool down to about 11 °C. The sea averages 17.3 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. Expect around 5.8 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 13 rainy days and 172 mm in total. All in all, March is not an ideal month for a holiday in Hokitika.
Hokitika in March16April17° · Sea 16° · 6.1 h
In April, Hokitika is mild: daytime highs average 17 °C, and nights cool down to about 9 °C. The sea averages 16.3 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 6.1 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 14 rainy days and 200 mm in total. All in all, April is not an ideal month for a holiday in Hokitika.
Hokitika in April6May15° · Sea 15° · 3.7 h
In May, Hokitika is cool: daytime highs average 15 °C, and nights cool down to about 7 °C. The sea averages 15.1 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun is scarce, with only about 3.7 hours a day. It rains often – on about 15 days, adding up to 215 mm. All in all, May is not an ideal month for a holiday in Hokitika.
Hokitika in May10June13° · Sea 14° · 4.3 h
In June, Hokitika is cool: daytime highs average 13 °C, and nights cool down to about 5 °C. The sea averages 14.0 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 4.3 hours of sunshine a day. It rains often – on about 14 days, adding up to 214 mm. All in all, June is not an ideal month for a holiday in Hokitika.
Hokitika in June10July12° · Sea 13° · 4.1 h
In July, Hokitika is cool: daytime highs average 12 °C, and nights cool down to about 4 °C. The sea averages 13.2 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 4.1 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 14 rainy days and 187 mm in total. All in all, July is not an ideal month for a holiday in Hokitika.
Hokitika in July11August13° · Sea 13° · 5.2 h
In August, Hokitika is cool: daytime highs average 13 °C, and nights cool down to about 5 °C. The sea averages 12.6 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 5.2 hours of sunshine a day. It rains often – on about 16 days, adding up to 198 mm. All in all, August is not an ideal month for a holiday in Hokitika.
Hokitika in August12September14° · Sea 13° · 6.4 h
In September, Hokitika is cool: daytime highs average 14 °C, and nights cool down to about 6 °C. The sea averages 12.9 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 6.4 hours of sunshine a day. It rains often – on about 18 days, adding up to 251 mm. All in all, September is not an ideal month for a holiday in Hokitika.
Hokitika in September9October15° · Sea 14° · 5.6 h
In October, Hokitika is cool: daytime highs average 15 °C, and nights cool down to about 8 °C. The sea averages 13.5 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 5.6 hours of sunshine a day. It rains often – on about 20 days, adding up to 281 mm. All in all, October is not an ideal month for a holiday in Hokitika.
Hokitika in October17November17° · Sea 15° · 7.2 h
In November, Hokitika is mild: daytime highs average 17 °C, and nights cool down to about 9 °C. The sea averages 14.8 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun shines for around 7.2 hours a day. It rains often – on about 16 days, adding up to 229 mm. All in all, November is not an ideal month for a holiday in Hokitika.
Hokitika in November17December19° · Sea 16° · 8.1 h
In December, Hokitika is mild: daytime highs average 19 °C, and nights cool down to about 11 °C. The sea averages 16.3 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun shines for around 8.1 hours a day. It rains often – on about 18 days, adding up to 258 mm. All in all, December is not an ideal month for a holiday in Hokitika.
Hokitika in DecemberClimate in detail
Climate through the year
Long-term monthly averages. Tap a month to see its details.
Nights and sleep in Hokitika
How warm the nights get in each month, from the mean night-time low. Tap a month for details.
- Cold 0–8°
- Cool 8–15°
CoolOctober: nights around 8°. A duvet at night and a jumper for the evening.
The coolest nights are in July (4°), the warmest in February (13°). Nights fall below 8 °C on average from May to September, so the room should be heated.
Temperatures through the year
Average daytime high, night-time low and sea temperature per month.
| Month | Score | Day | Night | Sea | Sun | Rain days | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 23 | 20° | 12° | 17.5° | 6.4 h | 15 | 206 |
| FebruaryFeb | 40 | 20° | 13° | 18.2° | 8.9 h | 12 | 170 |
| MarchMar | 19 | 19° | 11° | 17.3° | 5.8 h | 13 | 172 |
| AprilApr | 16 | 17° | 9° | 16.3° | 6.1 h | 14 | 200 |
| MayMay | 6 | 15° | 7° | 15.1° | 3.7 h | 15 | 215 |
| JuneJun | 10 | 13° | 5° | 14.0° | 4.3 h | 14 | 214 |
| JulyJul | 10 | 12° | 4° | 13.2° | 4.1 h | 14 | 187 |
| AugustAug | 11 | 13° | 5° | 12.6° | 5.2 h | 16 | 198 |
| SeptemberSep | 12 | 14° | 6° | 12.9° | 6.4 h | 18 | 251 |
| OctoberOct | 9 | 15° | 8° | 13.5° | 5.6 h | 20 | 281 |
| NovemberNov | 17 | 17° | 9° | 14.8° | 7.2 h | 16 | 229 |
| DecemberDec | 17 | 19° | 11° | 16.3° | 8.1 h | 18 | 258 |
Climate averages 1996–2025 (sunshine partly WMO station normals 1991–2020), not a forecast. Data: Copernicus ERA5 / ERA5-Land via Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), NOAA OISST, WMO 1991–2020 (NOAA NCEI), GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Sources & licences
42.72° S, 170.97° E · 6 m · Pacific/Auckland
Sea temperature in Hokitika
Monthly sea surface temperature with the range of cooler and warmer years.
8 in 10 years: 12.8 – 14.3 °C
Swimming season: Always below 20 °C
- cold
- fresh
- refreshing
- pleasant
- warm
- very warm
The sea temperature in Hokitika ranges from 12.6 °C in August to 18.2 °C in February. Even at its warmest the sea stays below 20 °C, so swimming is bracing at best.
From May to July the sea is even warmer than the afternoon air. The sea temperature varies from year to year: in February, eight out of ten years were between 16.9 and 19.5 °C.
| Month | Average | Cool year | Warm year | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 17.5° | 16.3° | 18.9° | fresh |
| FebruaryFeb | 18.2° | 16.9° | 19.5° | fresh |
| MarchMar | 17.3° | 16.1° | 18.6° | fresh |
| AprilApr | 16.3° | 15.3° | 17.2° | cold |
| MayMay | 15.1° | 14.3° | 15.9° | cold |
| JuneJun | 14.0° | 13.1° | 14.6° | cold |
| JulyJul | 13.2° | 12.5° | 13.9° | cold |
| AugustAug | 12.6° | 12.0° | 13.4° | cold |
| SeptemberSep | 12.9° | 12.3° | 13.4° | cold |
| OctoberOct | 13.5° | 12.8° | 14.3° | cold |
| NovemberNov | 14.8° | 13.7° | 16.1° | cold |
| DecemberDec | 16.3° | 15.1° | 17.7° | cold |
Sunshine hours in Hokitika
Average hours of bright sunshine per day, next to the length of the day. Tap a month to select it.
In October, the sun shines for about 5.6 of 13.2 hours of daylight in Hokitika, 42 % of the daylight hours.
Sunshine hours: measured at the weather station 2 km away, averages 1991–2020 (WMO climate normals). Daylight is the time from sunrise to sunset on the 15th of the month.
Rain in Hokitika: rainy days and rainfall
A rainy day is a day with at least 1 mm of rain or snow; the amount is what falls in the whole month. Tap a month to select it.
In October, Hokitika has about 20 rainy days with 281 mm of rain in total.
UV index in Hokitika
How strong the sun is at noon, month by month, and how quickly unprotected skin burns.
- Clear-sky UV in October
- 7 · highSeek shade around midday; sunscreen SPF 30+, hat and sunglasses.
The sun is strongest in December (UV 9).
Minutes until sunburn in October
- Very fair skin
- about 20 min
- Fair skin
- about 25 min
- Light brown skin
- about 35 min
- Olive skin
- about 45 min
Rough guide for unprotected skin at noon under a clear sky; clouds lengthen the time, water, sand and snow shorten it. Sunscreen extends the time only partly.
Monthly values: clear-sky noon estimate from the sun's angle, ozone and altitude. UV today: Open-Meteo forecast.
Wind and clouds in Hokitika
How breezy and how cloudy Hokitika is through the year. Tap a month to select it on the whole page.
Wind
Typical daily peak of the wind in km/h: what the afternoon breeze usually reaches, not the gusts.
In October, the wind in Hokitika typically peaks at 17 km/h during the day: Beaufort 3, gentle breeze.
Breezy months for windsurfing and kiting
The daily breeze rarely reaches Beaufort 4 (20 km/h), so wind sports depend on single windy days.
Clouds
Average share of the sky covered by cloud, day and night.
In October, cloud covers on average 72 % of the sky over Hokitika: mostly cloudy, with about 5.6 hours of sunshine a day.
Wind: mean daily maximum of the hourly wind 10 m above ground (ERA5, 1996–2025). Gusts are stronger, and the model grid of about 28 km smooths out local effects such as capes and valley winds. Clouds: mean total cloud cover of all layers over day and night (ERA5, 1996–2025). Thin high cloud counts as cover even when the sun still shines through.
Planning a trip to Hokitika
Weather for your travel dates
Pick your arrival and length of stay, and we sum up the weather to expect.
Hokitika in the school holidays
How the weather suits the usual holiday periods. Dates vary by school and region, so each holiday uses the months it usually falls in.
Hokitika has its best school-holiday weather during the Christmas holidays (score 20) and its weakest during May half-term (score 7).
- 17
Easter holidays
Mar – Apr
Poor
- 18 °C by day
- Sea 17 °C
- 6.0 h of sun a day
- 13 rainy days a month
Keep in mind: Frequent rain
- 7
May half-term
May – Jun
Poor
- 15 °C by day
- Sea 15 °C
- 3.8 h of sun a day
- 15 rainy days a month
Keep in mind: Frequent rain
- 11
Summer holidays
Jul – Aug
Poor
- 13 °C by day
- Sea 13 °C
- 4.8 h of sun a day
- 15 rainy days a month
Keep in mind: Frequent rain
- 9
October half-term
Oct
Poor
- 15 °C by day
- Sea 14 °C
- 5.6 h of sun a day
- 20 rainy days a month
Keep in mind: Frequent rain
- 20
Christmas holidays
Dec – Jan
PoorBest holidays
- 19 °C by day
- Sea 17 °C
- 7.3 h of sun a day
- 16 rainy days a month
Keep in mind: Frequent rain
Based on the climate averages 1996–2025.
Getting there
Flying from
- Nonstop flight
- about 23 h 10 min
- Distance
- 18,850 km
- Time zone
- UTC+13
- Jet lag
- About 12 days (12 h east)
Rule of thumb for flying east: for a few days before, go to bed and get up a little earlier, and get plenty of morning light at your destination.
Most routes need a change of planes, which adds time.
Estimated from the straight-line distance: 30 minutes for take-off and landing plus 830 km/h cruising speed.
Compare & alternatives
Hokitika compared
Put Hokitika side by side with another destination.
Hokitika vs Greymouth
In October the holiday weather in Hokitika and Greymouth is about equally good (score 9 vs 8). During the day Greymouth is 1 °C warmer than Hokitika. The sea is about equally warm.
| in October | Hokitika | Greymouth |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday weather score | 9 | 8 |
| Daytime high | 15° | 16° |
| Sea | 14° | 14° |
| Sunshine | 6 h | 6 h |
| Rainy days | 20 | 20 |
| Best time | Feb | Feb |
Through the year
New Zealand in October: the best places
In October, Hokitika ranks 30 among the 31 nearest destinations in this country.
- Hastings19°83
- 2Blenheim18°74
- 3Christchurch17°73
- 4Tauranga18°16°73
- 5Auckland18°16°72
- 6Matamata18°69
- 7Hamilton18°67
- 8Rotorua17°65
- 30HokitikaThis page15°14°9
Near Hokitika
Other destinations close by.
Places with a climate like Hokitika
Destinations whose weather through the year is closest to Hokitika's – good alternatives.
Frequently asked questions about Hokitika
When is the best time to visit Hokitika?
The best time to visit Hokitika is in February. That is when the holiday weather score, which combines temperature, sea, sunshine and rain, is highest.
How warm is the sea in Hokitika?
The sea temperature in Hokitika ranges from 12.6 °C in August to 18.2 °C in February. Even at its warmest the sea stays below 20 °C, so swimming is bracing at best.
Can you swim in Hokitika in October?
Only if you don't mind cold water: in October the sea averages just 13.5 °C. Comfortable swimming temperatures are not reached at any time of year.
What is the warmest month in Hokitika?
February is the warmest month, with average highs of 20 °C and nights around 13 °C. July is the coolest month at 12 °C.
When does it rain most in Hokitika?
The wettest month is October with 281 mm of precipitation. The driest month is February with 170 mm.
How many hours of sunshine does Hokitika get?
Hokitika gets around 2,180 hours of sunshine a year. The sunniest month is February with 8.9 hours a day; in May there are 3.7 hours a day.
What time zone is Hokitika in?
Hokitika is on UTC+13 in January and UTC+12 in July.
How long is the flight from London to Hokitika?
A nonstop flight from London to Hokitika takes about 23 h 10 min, for a straight-line distance of about 18,850 km. Most routes need a change of planes, which adds time.
Which school holidays are best for Hokitika?
Hokitika has its best school-holiday weather during the Christmas holidays (score 20) and its weakest during May half-term (score 7). Holiday ratings (0–100): Easter holidays 17, May half-term 7, summer holidays 11, October half-term 9, Christmas holidays 20.