AI-generatedTimaru at a glance
- Best time
- Jan – Feb
- Warmest month
- Jan · 21°
- Warmest sea
- Feb · 17.1°
- Sunshine a year
- 2,200 h
- Rain a year
- 765 mm
- Climate
- Maritime
- Time zone
- UTC+13 / UTC+12
- Elevation
- 14 m
Climate in Timaru
Timaru has a maritime climate with moderate summers and cool, often grey winters. January is the warmest month with average highs of 21 °C, while July is the coolest at 11 °C. With around 2,200 hours of sunshine a year, Timaru is moderately sunny; November is the sunniest month with 7.7 hours a day.
Holiday weather through the year
Best time to visit Timaru
The best time to visit Timaru is from January to February. The sea stays too cool for a classic beach holiday: even in February it only reaches 17.1 °C. For sightseeing, day trips and hiking, conditions are most comfortable from January to April and in November. Rain is frequent in October and in December; the wettest month is December with 83 mm.
Timaru through the seasons
How the weather changes over the seasons, with averages for each.
Timaru in spring
Sep – Nov
Poor
- 15–18 °C by day
- Sea 12 °C
- 7.0 h of sun a day
- 34 rainy days in all
Timaru in summer
Dec – Feb
Poor
- 20–21 °C by day
- Sea 16 °C
- 7.0 h of sun a day
- 35 rainy days in all
Timaru in autumn
Mar – May
Poor
- 14–20 °C by day
- Sea 14 °C
- 5.4 h of sun a day
- 28 rainy days in all
Timaru in winter
Jun – Aug
Poor
- 11–12 °C by day
- Sea 10 °C
- 4.7 h of sun a day
- 25 rainy days in all
Which month for what?
Beach & swimming
No month
Sea from 21 °C, warm and mostly dry
Sightseeing & hiking
Jan – Apr, Nov
15–28 °C and not too much rain
Rainy months
Oct, Dec
Rainy season or more than 12 rainy days
Find your perfect month
Tell us what you like and we rate every month in Timaru for you.
Your best months: January – March
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: January – February
Where to go in OctoberSea temperature in October
Keep in mindFrequent rain
A typical day in October
- Morning, 08:00: about 7°
- Midday, 13:00: about 15°
- Afternoon, 16:00: about 16°
- Evening, 20:00: about 12°
- Night, 23:00: about 9°
06:4319:58
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 06:25–07:22 · evening 19:19–20:16
- Blue hour
- Morning 06:13–06:25 · evening 20:16–20:28
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 Timaru 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 17° at the end. The sea warms from 11° to 13°. The days get 1.5 h longer.
| October | 1 Oct | 31 Oct |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime high | 15° | 17° |
| Night-time low | 4° | 6° |
| Sea | 11° | 13° |
| Daylight | 12.5 h | 14.0 h |
What is the weather like in Timaru in October?
In October, Timaru is mild: daytime highs average 16 °C, and nights cool down to about 5 °C. The sea averages 11.7 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun shines for around 6.9 hours a day. Rain is frequent, with about 12 rainy days and 74 mm in total. All in all, October is not an ideal month for a holiday in Timaru.
More details for October
- Daylight
- 13 h 15 min06:43 – 19:58
- UV index
- 6 · highclear sky, noon (estimate)All months
- Muggy days
- 0 daysdew point 18 °C or moreAll months
- Wind
- 18 km/haverage daily peakAll months
- Cloud cover
- 62 %on averageAll months
- Hot days
- 0 days30 °C or more
- Snow days
- 0 days1 cm or more of fresh snow
- Time zone
- UTC+13offset from UTC
How the score comes together
- Temperatureweight 35 %0 %
- Seaweight 25 %0 %
- Sunshineweight 20 %65 %
- Few rainy daysweight 20 %41 %
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 Timaru
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 Timaru: score 36 against 21. In February, days are 5 °C warmer than in October. The sea is 5 °C warmer in February. February has 2 fewer rainy days.
| Month | October | February |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday weather score | 21 | 36better |
| Daytime high | 16° | 21° |
| Night-time low | 5° | 11° |
| Sea | 11.7° | 17.1° |
| Sunshine | 6.9 h | 7.2 h |
| Rainy days | 12 | 10better |
| Rainfall | 74 mm | 69 mm |
Based on the climate averages 1996–2025.
Timaru month by month
The typical weather for every month at a glance.
33January21° · Sea 17° · 6.8 h
In January, Timaru is mild: daytime highs average 21 °C, and nights cool down to about 11 °C. The sea averages 16.6 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun shines for around 6.8 hours a day. Rain is frequent, with about 11 rainy days and 73 mm in total. All in all, January is not an ideal month for a holiday in Timaru – and yet one of the best months here.
Timaru in January36February21° · Sea 17° · 7.2 h
In February, Timaru is mild: daytime highs average 21 °C, and nights cool down to about 11 °C. The sea averages 17.1 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. The sun shines for around 7.2 hours a day. Rain is frequent, with about 10 rainy days and 69 mm in total. All in all, February is not an ideal month for a holiday in Timaru – and yet one of the best months here.
Timaru in February26March20° · Sea 16° · 5.9 h
In March, Timaru is mild: daytime highs average 20 °C, and nights cool down to about 9 °C. The sea averages 16.1 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 5.9 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 9 rainy days and 57 mm in total. All in all, March is not an ideal month for a holiday in Timaru.
Timaru in March21April17° · Sea 14° · 5.7 h
In April, Timaru is mild: daytime highs average 17 °C, and nights cool down to about 6 °C. The sea averages 14.4 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 5.7 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 10 rainy days and 65 mm in total. All in all, April is not an ideal month for a holiday in Timaru.
Timaru in April19May14° · Sea 12° · 4.6 h
In May, Timaru is cool: daytime highs average 14 °C, and nights cool down to about 4 °C. The sea averages 12.4 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 4.6 hours of sunshine a day. Rain falls on about 9 days, adding up to 55 mm. All in all, May is not an ideal month for a holiday in Timaru.
Timaru in May18June11° · Sea 11° · 4.2 h
In June, Timaru is cool: daytime highs average 11 °C, and nights cool down to about 1 °C. The sea averages 10.5 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 4.2 hours of sunshine a day. Rain falls on about 8 days, adding up to 51 mm. All in all, June is not an ideal month for a holiday in Timaru.
Timaru in June19July11° · Sea 10° · 4.4 h
In July, Timaru is cool: daytime highs average 11 °C, and nights cool down to about 0 °C. The sea averages 9.5 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 4.4 hours of sunshine a day. Rain falls on about 8 days, adding up to 63 mm. All in all, July is not an ideal month for a holiday in Timaru.
Timaru in July21August12° · Sea 9° · 5.4 h
In August, Timaru is cool: daytime highs average 12 °C, and nights cool down to about 1 °C. The sea averages 9.2 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 5.4 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 9 rainy days and 55 mm in total. All in all, August is not an ideal month for a holiday in Timaru.
Timaru in August23September15° · Sea 10° · 6.4 h
In September, Timaru is cool: daytime highs average 15 °C, and nights cool down to about 3 °C. The sea averages 10.2 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 6.4 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 10 rainy days and 47 mm in total. All in all, September is not an ideal month for a holiday in Timaru.
Timaru in September21October16° · Sea 12° · 6.9 h
In October, Timaru is mild: daytime highs average 16 °C, and nights cool down to about 5 °C. The sea averages 11.7 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun shines for around 6.9 hours a day. Rain is frequent, with about 12 rainy days and 74 mm in total. All in all, October is not an ideal month for a holiday in Timaru.
Timaru in October25November18° · Sea 14° · 7.7 h
In November, Timaru is mild: daytime highs average 18 °C, and nights cool down to about 7 °C. The sea averages 13.7 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun shines for around 7.7 hours a day. Rain is frequent, with about 12 rainy days and 74 mm in total. All in all, November is not an ideal month for a holiday in Timaru.
Timaru in November24December20° · Sea 15° · 7.1 h
In December, Timaru is mild: daytime highs average 20 °C, and nights cool down to about 9 °C. The sea averages 15.4 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun shines for around 7.1 hours a day. Rain is frequent, with about 14 rainy days and 83 mm in total. All in all, December is not an ideal month for a holiday in Timaru.
Timaru in DecemberClimate in detail
Climate through the year
Long-term monthly averages. Tap a month to see its details.
Nights and sleep in Timaru
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°
ColdOctober: nights around 5°. The room should be heated.
The coolest nights are in July (0°), the warmest in January (11°). Nights fall below 8 °C on average from April to November, 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 | 33 | 21° | 11° | 16.6° | 6.8 h | 11 | 73 |
| FebruaryFeb | 36 | 21° | 11° | 17.1° | 7.2 h | 10 | 69 |
| MarchMar | 26 | 20° | 9° | 16.1° | 5.9 h | 9 | 57 |
| AprilApr | 21 | 17° | 6° | 14.4° | 5.7 h | 10 | 65 |
| MayMay | 19 | 14° | 4° | 12.4° | 4.6 h | 9 | 55 |
| JuneJun | 18 | 11° | 1° | 10.5° | 4.2 h | 8 | 51 |
| JulyJul | 19 | 11° | 0° | 9.5° | 4.4 h | 8 | 63 |
| AugustAug | 21 | 12° | 1° | 9.2° | 5.4 h | 9 | 55 |
| SeptemberSep | 23 | 15° | 3° | 10.2° | 6.4 h | 10 | 47 |
| OctoberOct | 21 | 16° | 5° | 11.7° | 6.9 h | 12 | 74 |
| NovemberNov | 25 | 18° | 7° | 13.7° | 7.7 h | 12 | 74 |
| DecemberDec | 24 | 20° | 9° | 15.4° | 7.1 h | 14 | 83 |
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
44.40° S, 171.25° E · 14 m · Pacific/Auckland
Sea temperature in Timaru
Monthly sea surface temperature with the range of cooler and warmer years.
8 in 10 years: 11.1 – 12.3 °C
Swimming season: Always below 20 °C
- cold
- fresh
- refreshing
- pleasant
- warm
- very warm
The sea temperature in Timaru ranges from 9.2 °C in August to 17.1 °C in February. Even at its warmest the sea stays below 20 °C, so swimming is bracing at best.
The sea warms up slowly: it is warmest in February, while the air already peaks in January. The sea temperature varies from year to year: in February, eight out of ten years were between 16.0 and 18.2 °C.
| Month | Average | Cool year | Warm year | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 16.6° | 15.6° | 18.1° | cold |
| FebruaryFeb | 17.1° | 16.0° | 18.2° | fresh |
| MarchMar | 16.1° | 15.0° | 17.2° | cold |
| AprilApr | 14.4° | 13.8° | 15.2° | cold |
| MayMay | 12.4° | 11.6° | 13.3° | cold |
| JuneJun | 10.5° | 9.9° | 11.4° | cold |
| JulyJul | 9.5° | 8.9° | 10.2° | cold |
| AugustAug | 9.2° | 8.7° | 9.9° | cold |
| SeptemberSep | 10.2° | 9.5° | 10.6° | cold |
| OctoberOct | 11.7° | 11.1° | 12.3° | cold |
| NovemberNov | 13.7° | 12.7° | 14.9° | cold |
| DecemberDec | 15.4° | 14.5° | 16.6° | cold |
Sunshine hours in Timaru
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 6.9 of 13.2 hours of daylight in Timaru, 52 % of the daylight hours.
Sunshine hours: estimated from radiation data (ERA5, 1996–2025) and calibrated against measured station values; no weather station is close enough here. Daylight is the time from sunrise to sunset on the 15th of the month.
Rain in Timaru: 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, Timaru has about 12 rainy days with 74 mm of rain in total.
UV index in Timaru
How strong the sun is at noon, month by month, and how quickly unprotected skin burns.
- Clear-sky UV in October
- 6 · 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 50 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 Timaru
How breezy and how cloudy Timaru 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 Timaru typically peaks at 18 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 62 % of the sky over Timaru: variable cloud, with about 6.9 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 Timaru
Weather for your travel dates
Pick your arrival and length of stay, and we sum up the weather to expect.
Timaru 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.
Timaru has its best school-holiday weather during the Christmas holidays (score 29) and its weakest during May half-term (score 19).
- 23
Easter holidays
Mar – Apr
Poor
- 18 °C by day
- Sea 15 °C
- 5.8 h of sun a day
- 10 rainy days a month
Good for: Sightseeing & walks
- 19
May half-term
May – Jun
Poor
- 14 °C by day
- Sea 12 °C
- 4.5 h of sun a day
- 9 rainy days a month
- 20
Summer holidays
Jul – Aug
Poor
- 11 °C by day
- Sea 9 °C
- 5.1 h of sun a day
- 9 rainy days a month
- 21
October half-term
Oct
Poor
- 16 °C by day
- Sea 12 °C
- 6.9 h of sun a day
- 12 rainy days a month
Keep in mind: Frequent rain
- 29
Christmas holidays
Dec – Jan
PoorBest holidays
- 20 °C by day
- Sea 16 °C
- 7.0 h of sun a day
- 12 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 25 min
- Distance
- 19,020 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
Timaru compared
Put Timaru side by side with another destination.
Timaru vs Oamaru
In October the holiday weather in Timaru and Oamaru is about equally good (score 21 vs 20). During the day Oamaru is 1 °C cooler than Timaru. The sea in Oamaru is 1 °C cooler. Oamaru gets one hour less sunshine a day.
| in October | Timaru | Oamaru |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday weather score | 21 | 20 |
| Daytime high | 16° | 15° |
| Sea | 12° | 11° |
| Sunshine | 7 h | 6 h |
| Rainy days | 12 | 11 |
| Best time | Jan – Feb | Oct – Apr |
Through the year
New Zealand in October: the best places
In October, Timaru ranks 23 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
- 23TimaruThis page16°12°21
Near Timaru
Other destinations close by.
Places with a climate like Timaru
Destinations whose weather through the year is closest to Timaru's – good alternatives.
Frequently asked questions about Timaru
When is the best time to visit Timaru?
The best time to visit Timaru is from January to February. That is when the holiday weather score, which combines temperature, sea, sunshine and rain, is highest.
How warm is the sea in Timaru?
The sea temperature in Timaru ranges from 9.2 °C in August to 17.1 °C in February. Even at its warmest the sea stays below 20 °C, so swimming is bracing at best.
Can you swim in Timaru in October?
Only if you don't mind cold water: in October the sea averages just 11.7 °C. Comfortable swimming temperatures are not reached at any time of year.
What is the warmest month in Timaru?
January is the warmest month, with average highs of 21 °C and nights around 11 °C. July is the coolest month at 11 °C.
When does it rain most in Timaru?
Rain is frequent in October and in December; the wettest month is December with 83 mm. The driest month is September with 47 mm.
How many hours of sunshine does Timaru get?
Timaru gets around 2,200 hours of sunshine a year. The sunniest month is November with 7.7 hours a day; in June there are 4.2 hours a day.
What time zone is Timaru in?
Timaru is on UTC+13 in January and UTC+12 in July.
How long is the flight from London to Timaru?
A nonstop flight from London to Timaru takes about 23 h 25 min, for a straight-line distance of about 19,020 km. Most routes need a change of planes, which adds time.
Which school holidays are best for Timaru?
Timaru has its best school-holiday weather during the Christmas holidays (score 29) and its weakest during May half-term (score 19). Holiday ratings (0–100): Easter holidays 23, May half-term 19, summer holidays 20, October half-term 21, Christmas holidays 29.