New Zealand: the climate of the most exotic country in the world

Far New Zealand has always been of interest to many people. Due to its geographical position, this state is an isolated territory for the whole world. The entire population of the country mainly lives on two large islands - the Northern and Southern. The climatic conditions of New Zealand are quite unique, as they are influenced by many factors.

New Zealand: climate and major influences

The climate of the country is mostly smooth and humid. In the region there is only a slight temperature fluctuation. True, climatic conditions vary slightly from one area to another. Part of this can be explained by the fact that the territory of the state has a longitude. In connection with this, in the north the climate of New Zealand is subtropical moist, and in the southern regions it is temperate.

To create the climate of this distant state, the mountain ranges of the Southern Alps, located in the west and in the center of the country, play an important role. This mountain range reliably protects the east coast from winds blowing from the west.

New Zealand: the climate of the North and South Islands

In general, the climate of the North Island is more favorable. The considerable distance from the equator, the highlands and the proximity of the cold seas - all this made the southern island more severe weather conditions. Strong cold winds are observed in the highlands of both islands, snow also often falls out here. Virtually the entire population of the country lives in areas that are within 600 meters above sea level, so they do not fear eternal snow.

On the west coast of New Zealand there is a great deal of humidity. Plain of Canterbury is a more arid region, which is often blown both by warm dry winds and cold, accompanied by rain.

On the North Island, not counting the inner mountain areas, winter and summer are quite mild, with moderate or, on the contrary, abundant rainfall.

New Zealand: climate by months

The hottest months are February, December and January. The coldest, respectively, are June, July and August. The average winter temperature in northern New Zealand is approximately 12 ° C and 5 ° C in the south. In mountain areas in July, the temperature can drop to an average of -2 ° C, rarely there are frosts down to -12 ° C. The average temperature of January on the North Island is 19 ° C, on the South Island - 14 ° C. The temperature maximum is 31 ° C (recorded on the Auckland Peninsula).

New Zealand: climate and winds

For this state, Western winds are characteristic , which are associated with cyclones. They often bring precipitation that fall on the west coast of New Zealand. The eastern parts of the islands are well protected from winds by mountain systems, so there is less precipitation here. In the most extreme areas of the southern island, there are often snowstorms.

New Zealand: the climate of small islands

Most small islands (Oakland, Stewart, Kermadec and others), which are located in the Tasman Sea, are characterized by a tropical climate. The reason for this is a fairly warm East Australian current.

As you can see, the climatic conditions in this country are very different. The climate of the region strongly depends not only on the geographical location, but on the currents and mountain systems of the Southern Alps.