The historic city of Rotorua has pleasant weather like the rest of the North Island almost all throughout the year. The city experiences four distinct seasons, summer, autumn, winter and spring. Summers are warm with the temperatures going up to 29°C and the winters are chilly with temperatures going down to about 12°C. Situated inland, the city is also the least windy place in the country. One can visit Rotorua all throughout the year but most people prefer to visit during the summer making it the peak season here. While the long hours of sunlight make summer the best time to visit Rotorua for sightseeing and outdoor explorations, spring brings a great weather to Rotorua with the least crowds around.

Summer is the warmest time in Rotorua with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 29°C. With long days and sunlight hours, summer is the best time to explore the outdoors. Hiking walks, and taking a dip in the many lakes here is quite common during summer. Rotorua sometimes experiences a rather wet summer with the summer months receiving the highest rainfall and so it is advisable to carry necessary change of clothes. Summer is also marked by numerous events and festivals that make it all the more exciting. Summer sees the highest number of tourist inflow making it lively and busy. The large number of people visiting also means that the rates of almost all services go up. It is important to book in advance to enjoy a good trip.

Autumn in Rotorua also enjoys a warm climate with temperatures ranging from about 15°C to 25°C. While the daylight hours are not as long as in summer, autumn is also a time for the outdoors. Autumn in Rotorua is known for mountain biking along with other activities like hiking and sightseeing. All the activities outdoor are now accompanied by the golden Hue of the leaves. While the latter months of the season might not be ideal for swimming and other water activities, the initial months are still warm enough for a quick dip. Although autumn does not see the same amount of people coming in, a substantial number visit the place. Rotorua is still as busy and crowded during autumn.

The winter months in Rotorua are the coldest months of the year. The temperatures range from 9°C to 15°C. The winter months also receive very few hours of sunlight resulting in a nip in the air. While the temperatures are low, a layer of warm clothes will do the trick. While the winter months are not the best time for outdoor activities, the city of Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity has a number of hot pools and springs that are best enjoyed when it’s cold outside. There are numerous natural hot pools and springs along with plenty of spa facilities that can help you relax and forget the cold. Winter sees a steady drop in the tourist inflow and can become secluded during the latter months.

Spring is easily the most pleasant time of the year. The temperatures begin to climb back up making it nice and warm again. The temperatures range from about 13°C to 21°C. Spring is usually associated with the beginning of a new cycle of life. The many flowers begin to bloom and newborn lambs are seen bouncing around. With most people gone for the year, spring is the quietest time of the year. With no crowd to contend and plenty of amazing offer and deals on services, spring is the best time to visit if you like peace and quiet. The city also witnesses a number of festivals and events during this time. The Rotorua Bike Festival is one of the most popular festivals here. With plenty of different events and activities, the festival lasts for days. There are also marathons that happen during this time along with some garden festivals.