AI-generatedWhakatāne at a glance
- Best time
- Jan – Mar
- Warmest month
- Feb · 24°
- Warmest sea
- Feb · 21.2°
- Sunshine a year
- 2,210 h
- Rain a year
- 1,428 mm
- Climate
- Maritime
- Time zone
- UTC+13 / UTC+12
- Elevation
- 11 m
Climate in Whakatāne
Whakatāne has a maritime climate with moderate summers and cool, often grey winters. February is the warmest month with average highs of 24 °C, while July is the coolest at 15 °C. With around 2,210 hours of sunshine a year, Whakatāne is sunny; January is the sunniest month with 8.3 hours a day.
Holiday weather through the year
Best time to visit Whakatāne
The best time to visit Whakatāne is from January to March. For a beach holiday – sea from 21 °C, warm and mostly dry – go in February. For sightseeing, day trips and hiking, conditions are most comfortable all year round except in July. The wettest month is July with 149 mm of precipitation.
Whakatāne through the seasons
How the weather changes over the seasons, with averages for each.
Whakatāne in spring
Sep – Nov
Poor
- 17–20 °C by day
- Sea 16 °C
- 6.5 h of sun a day
- 33 rainy days in all
Whakatāne in summer
Dec – Feb
Good
- 22–24 °C by day
- Sea 20 °C
- 7.6 h of sun a day
- 30 rainy days in all
Whakatāne in autumn
Mar – May
Poor
- 18–23 °C by day
- Sea 19 °C
- 5.7 h of sun a day
- 28 rainy days in all
Whakatāne in winter
Jun – Aug
Poor
- 15 °C by day
- Sea 15 °C
- 4.5 h of sun a day
- 33 rainy days in all
Which month for what?
Beach & swimming
Feb
Sea from 21 °C, warm and mostly dry
Sightseeing & hiking
All year except Jul
15–28 °C and not too much rain
Find your perfect month
Tell us what you like and we rate every month in Whakatāne for you.
Your best months: January – 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: January – March
Where to go in OctoberSea temperature in October
Good forSightseeing & walks
A typical day in October
- Morning, 08:00: about 12°
- Midday, 13:00: about 18°
- Afternoon, 16:00: about 18°
- Evening, 20:00: about 15°
- Night, 23:00: about 12°
06:2719:28
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 06:11–07:03 · evening 18:53–19:44
- Blue hour
- Morning 06:01–06:11 · evening 19:44–19:55
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 Whakatāne compared with home
Loading the climate at home …
Early or late October?
In October, daytime highs rise from about 18° at the start of the month to 19° at the end. The sea warms from 15° to 16°. The days get 1.2 h longer.
| October | 1 Oct | 31 Oct |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime high | 18° | 19° |
| Night-time low | 9° | 10° |
| Sea | 15° | 16° |
| Daylight | 12.4 h | 13.6 h |
What is the weather like in Whakatāne in October?
In October, Whakatāne is mild: daytime highs average 18 °C, and nights cool down to about 10 °C. The sea averages 15.4 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun shines for around 6.6 hours a day. Rain is frequent, with about 11 rainy days and 116 mm in total. All in all, October is not an ideal month for a holiday in Whakatāne.
More details for October
- Daylight
- 13 h 0 min06:27 – 19:28
- UV index
- 8 · very highclear sky, noon (estimate)All months
- Muggy days
- 0 daysdew point 18 °C or moreAll months
- Wind
- 21 km/haverage daily peakAll months
- Cloud cover
- 57 %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 %60 %
- Few rainy daysweight 20 %48 %
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 Whakatāne
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 Whakatāne: score 71 against 22. In February, days are 6 °C warmer than in October. The sea is 6 °C warmer in February. February has 2 fewer rainy days. The sun shines an hour longer a day in February.
| Month | October | February |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday weather score | 22 | 71better |
| Daytime high | 18° | 24° |
| Night-time low | 10° | 16° |
| Sea | 15.4° | 21.2° |
| Sunshine | 6.6 h | 7.2 hbetter |
| Rainy days | 11 | 9better |
| Rainfall | 116 mm | 101 mmbetter |
| Muggy days | 0better | 3 |
Based on the climate averages 1996–2025.
Whakatāne month by month
The typical weather for every month at a glance.
69January24° · Sea 20° · 8.3 h
In January, Whakatāne is warm: daytime highs average 24 °C, and nights cool down to about 15 °C. The sea averages 20.2 °C – refreshing for a swim. The sun shines for around 8.3 hours a day. Rain is frequent, with about 9 rainy days and 95 mm in total. All in all, January is a good month for a holiday in Whakatāne.
Whakatāne in January71February24° · Sea 21° · 7.2 h
In February, Whakatāne is warm: daytime highs average 24 °C, and nights cool down to about 16 °C. The sea averages 21.2 °C – refreshing for a swim. The sun shines for around 7.2 hours a day. Rain falls on about 9 days, adding up to 101 mm. All in all, February is a good month for a holiday in Whakatāne.
Whakatāne in February60March23° · Sea 21° · 6.7 h
In March, Whakatāne is warm: daytime highs average 23 °C, and nights cool down to about 14 °C. The sea averages 20.6 °C – refreshing for a swim. The sun shines for around 6.7 hours a day. Rain falls on about 9 days, adding up to 100 mm. All in all, March is a good month for a holiday in Whakatāne.
Whakatāne in March36April20° · Sea 19° · 5.6 h
In April, Whakatāne is mild: daytime highs average 20 °C, and nights cool down to about 12 °C. The sea averages 19.4 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. Expect around 5.6 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 10 rainy days and 119 mm in total. All in all, April is not an ideal month for a holiday in Whakatāne.
Whakatāne in April20May18° · Sea 18° · 4.7 h
In May, Whakatāne is mild: daytime highs average 18 °C, and nights cool down to about 10 °C. The sea averages 17.8 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. Expect around 4.7 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 10 rainy days and 130 mm in total. All in all, May is not an ideal month for a holiday in Whakatāne.
Whakatāne in May14June15° · Sea 16° · 4.2 h
In June, Whakatāne is cool: daytime highs average 15 °C, and nights cool down to about 7 °C. The sea averages 16.2 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 4.2 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 11 rainy days and 147 mm in total. All in all, June is not an ideal month for a holiday in Whakatāne.
Whakatāne in June13July15° · Sea 15° · 4.0 h
In July, Whakatāne is cool: daytime highs average 15 °C, and nights cool down to about 6 °C. The sea averages 15.1 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 4.0 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 11 rainy days and 149 mm in total. All in all, July is not an ideal month for a holiday in Whakatāne.
Whakatāne in July18August15° · Sea 15° · 5.3 h
In August, Whakatāne is cool: daytime highs average 15 °C, and nights cool down to about 7 °C. The sea averages 14.5 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 5.3 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 11 rainy days and 119 mm in total. All in all, August is not an ideal month for a holiday in Whakatāne.
Whakatāne in August18September17° · Sea 15° · 5.6 h
In September, Whakatāne is mild: daytime highs average 17 °C, and nights cool down to about 8 °C. The sea averages 14.7 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 5.6 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is frequent, with about 11 rainy days and 129 mm in total. All in all, September is not an ideal month for a holiday in Whakatāne.
Whakatāne in September22October18° · Sea 15° · 6.6 h
In October, Whakatāne is mild: daytime highs average 18 °C, and nights cool down to about 10 °C. The sea averages 15.4 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun shines for around 6.6 hours a day. Rain is frequent, with about 11 rainy days and 116 mm in total. All in all, October is not an ideal month for a holiday in Whakatāne.
Whakatāne in October32November20° · Sea 17° · 7.2 h
In November, Whakatāne is mild: daytime highs average 20 °C, and nights cool down to about 11 °C. The sea averages 16.8 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun shines for around 7.2 hours a day. Rain is frequent, with about 10 rainy days and 96 mm in total. All in all, November is not an ideal month for a holiday in Whakatāne.
Whakatāne in November46December22° · Sea 19° · 7.2 h
In December, Whakatāne is warm: daytime highs average 22 °C, and nights cool down to about 14 °C. The sea averages 18.6 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. The sun shines for around 7.2 hours a day. Rain is frequent, with about 12 rainy days and 129 mm in total. All in all, December is a so-so month for a holiday in Whakatāne.
Whakatāne in DecemberClimate in detail
Climate through the year
Long-term monthly averages. Tap a month to see its details.
Nights and sleep in Whakatāne
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°
- Pleasant 15–20°
CoolOctober: nights around 10°. A duvet at night and a jumper for the evening.
The coolest nights are in July (6°), the warmest in February (16°). Nights are pleasant for sleeping (15 to 20 °C) from January to February. Nights fall below 8 °C on average from June to August, 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 | 69 | 24° | 15° | 20.2° | 8.3 h | 9 | 95 |
| FebruaryFeb | 71 | 24° | 16° | 21.2° | 7.2 h | 9 | 101 |
| MarchMar | 60 | 23° | 14° | 20.6° | 6.7 h | 9 | 100 |
| AprilApr | 36 | 20° | 12° | 19.4° | 5.6 h | 10 | 119 |
| MayMay | 20 | 18° | 10° | 17.8° | 4.7 h | 10 | 130 |
| JuneJun | 14 | 15° | 7° | 16.2° | 4.2 h | 11 | 147 |
| JulyJul | 13 | 15° | 6° | 15.1° | 4.0 h | 11 | 149 |
| AugustAug | 18 | 15° | 7° | 14.5° | 5.3 h | 11 | 119 |
| SeptemberSep | 18 | 17° | 8° | 14.7° | 5.6 h | 11 | 129 |
| OctoberOct | 22 | 18° | 10° | 15.4° | 6.6 h | 11 | 116 |
| NovemberNov | 32 | 20° | 11° | 16.8° | 7.2 h | 10 | 96 |
| DecemberDec | 46 | 22° | 14° | 18.6° | 7.2 h | 12 | 129 |
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
37.96° S, 176.99° E · 11 m · Pacific/Auckland
Sea temperature in Whakatāne
Monthly sea surface temperature with the range of cooler and warmer years.
8 in 10 years: 14.8 – 16.1 °C
Swimming season: Jan – Mar
- cold
- fresh
- refreshing
- pleasant
- warm
- very warm
The sea temperature in Whakatāne ranges from 14.5 °C in August to 21.2 °C in February. It is warm enough for a comfortable swim (20 °C and more) from January to March.
From June 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 20.4 and 22.1 °C.
| Month | Average | Cool year | Warm year | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 20.2° | 19.0° | 21.6° | refreshing |
| FebruaryFeb | 21.2° | 20.4° | 22.1° | refreshing |
| MarchMar | 20.6° | 19.8° | 21.3° | refreshing |
| AprilApr | 19.4° | 18.8° | 20.0° | fresh |
| MayMay | 17.8° | 17.2° | 18.4° | fresh |
| JuneJun | 16.2° | 15.5° | 16.7° | cold |
| JulyJul | 15.1° | 14.6° | 15.5° | cold |
| AugustAug | 14.5° | 13.9° | 14.7° | cold |
| SeptemberSep | 14.7° | 14.4° | 15.2° | cold |
| OctoberOct | 15.4° | 14.8° | 16.1° | cold |
| NovemberNov | 16.8° | 15.7° | 18.0° | cold |
| DecemberDec | 18.6° | 17.5° | 19.8° | fresh |
Sunshine hours in Whakatāne
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 6.6 of 13.0 hours of daylight in Whakatāne, 51 % 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 Whakatāne: 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, Whakatāne has about 11 rainy days with 116 mm of rain in total.
UV index in Whakatāne
How strong the sun is at noon, month by month, and how quickly unprotected skin burns.
- Clear-sky UV in October
- 8 · very highStay in the shade around midday; SPF 50, clothing, hat and sunglasses.
The sun is strongest in December (UV 10).
Minutes until sunburn in October
- Very fair skin
- about 15 min
- Fair skin
- about 20 min
- Light brown skin
- about 30 min
- Olive skin
- about 40 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 Whakatāne
How breezy and how cloudy Whakatāne 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 Whakatāne typically peaks at 21 km/h during the day: Beaufort 4, moderate breeze.
Breezy months for windsurfing and kiting
From Beaufort 4 (20 km/h) the daily breeze is usually enough for windsurfing and often for kiting: Sep – Nov.
Clouds
Average share of the sky covered by cloud, day and night.
In October, cloud covers on average 57 % of the sky over Whakatāne: variable cloud, with about 6.6 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 Whakatāne
Weather for your travel dates
Pick your arrival and length of stay, and we sum up the weather to expect.
Whakatāne 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.
Whakatāne has its best school-holiday weather during the Christmas holidays (score 58) and its weakest during the summer holidays (score 16).
- 43
Easter holidays
Mar – Apr
Fair
- 21 °C by day
- Sea 20 °C
- 5.9 h of sun a day
- 10 rainy days a month
Good for: Sightseeing & walks
- 19
May half-term
May – Jun
Poor
- 17 °C by day
- Sea 17 °C
- 4.6 h of sun a day
- 10 rainy days a month
Good for: Sightseeing & walks
- 16
Summer holidays
Jul – Aug
Poor
- 15 °C by day
- Sea 15 °C
- 4.8 h of sun a day
- 11 rainy days a month
- 22
October half-term
Oct
Poor
- 18 °C by day
- Sea 15 °C
- 6.6 h of sun a day
- 11 rainy days a month
Good for: Sightseeing & walks
- 58
Christmas holidays
Dec – Jan
FairBest holidays
- 23 °C by day
- Sea 19 °C
- 7.8 h of sun a day
- 11 rainy days a month
Good for: Sightseeing & walks
Based on the climate averages 1996–2025.
Getting there
Flying from
- Nonstop flight
- about 22 h 45 min
- Distance
- 18,500 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
Whakatāne compared
Put Whakatāne side by side with another destination.
Whakatāne vs Rotorua
In October Whakatāne has the better holiday weather (score 22 vs 17). During the day Rotorua is 1 °C cooler than Whakatāne. Rotorua gets one hour less sunshine a day.
| in October | Whakatāne | Rotorua |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday weather score | 22 | 17 |
| Daytime high | 18° | 17° |
| Sea | 15° | no sea nearby |
| Sunshine | 7 h | 6 h |
| Rainy days | 11 | 13 |
| Best time | Jan – Mar | Oct – Apr |
Through the year
New Zealand in October: the best places
In October, Whakatāne ranks 20 among the 31 nearest destinations in this country.
- Hastings19°83
- 2Blenheim18°74
- 3Tauranga18°16°73
- 4Christchurch17°73
- 5Auckland18°16°72
- 6Matamata18°69
- 7Hamilton18°67
- 8Rotorua17°65
- 20WhakatāneThis page18°15°22
Near Whakatāne
Other destinations close by.
Places with a climate like Whakatāne
Destinations whose weather through the year is closest to Whakatāne's – good alternatives.
Frequently asked questions about Whakatāne
When is the best time to visit Whakatāne?
The best time to visit Whakatāne is from January to March. That is when the holiday weather score, which combines temperature, sea, sunshine and rain, is highest.
How warm is the sea in Whakatāne?
The sea temperature in Whakatāne ranges from 14.5 °C in August to 21.2 °C in February. It is warm enough for a comfortable swim (20 °C and more) from January to March.
Can you swim in Whakatāne in October?
Only if you don't mind cold water: in October the sea averages just 15.4 °C. Comfortable swimming is possible from January to March.
What is the warmest month in Whakatāne?
February is the warmest month, with average highs of 24 °C and nights around 16 °C. July is the coolest month at 15 °C.
When does it rain most in Whakatāne?
The wettest month is July with 149 mm of precipitation. The driest month is January with 95 mm.
How many hours of sunshine does Whakatāne get?
Whakatāne gets around 2,210 hours of sunshine a year. The sunniest month is January with 8.3 hours a day; in July there are 4.0 hours a day.
What time zone is Whakatāne in?
Whakatāne is on UTC+13 in January and UTC+12 in July.
How long is the flight from London to Whakatāne?
A nonstop flight from London to Whakatāne takes about 22 h 45 min, for a straight-line distance of about 18,500 km. Most routes need a change of planes, which adds time.
Which school holidays are best for Whakatāne?
Whakatāne has its best school-holiday weather during the Christmas holidays (score 58) and its weakest during the summer holidays (score 16). Holiday ratings (0–100): Easter holidays 43, May half-term 19, summer holidays 16, October half-term 22, Christmas holidays 58.