Breaking: New Zealand Endures Fourth-Hottest Year on record in 2025, Climate Agency Reports
New zealand logged its fourth-warmest year on record in 2025, according to Earth Sciences New Zealand. The nationwide assessment shows most regions were well above average, with notable warmth and shifting rainfall patterns shaping communities from Auckland to Otago.
What the data say, at a glance
Across the country, temperatures ran hotter than the long-term average by roughly half a degree to just over one degree Celsius. In several northern and coastal regions, warmth exceeded averages by more than 1.20C.
Rainfall varied dramatically by region. Some areas, including northern Marlborough, Tasman, Nelson, Banks Peninsula, parts of the Mackenzie basin, and taupō, recorded above-normal totals ranging from 120% to 149% of their typical rainfall.
Temperature extremes and notable patterns
the year’s peak temperature reached 35.6C in Kawerau on December 7, while Napier hit 33.8C on December 8 and Ettrick in Otago registered 33.7C on february 16.
On the cold side, Mount Cook Airport logged -12.9C on June 8, followed by -11.2C at Lake Tekapo and -9.1C at Cass on July 24. The average temperature across seven weather stations for the year was 13.51C.
CO2 levels and longer-term trends
Atmospheric carbon dioxide continued its upward climb,with readings surpassing 423 parts per million at the Baring Head monitoring station during the year. Four of New Zealand’s five warmest years since records began have occurred since 2021,underscoring a persistent warming trend attributed to human-induced climate change.
November stood out as the warmest month on record, with large parts of the country more than 1.2C warmer than average. For solar exposure, Taranaki claimed the sunniest hours crown, while New Plymouth recorded 2,743 sunshine hours, edging Nelson’s 2,672 hours.
Regional warmth,rainfall,and sunshine
Among the main urban centers,Auckland emerged as the warmest overall for the year. Tauranga boasted the most sunshine but also the wettest conditions. Christchurch and Dunedin were the cooler among the main centers, with Dunedin experiencing the driest and least sunny conditions.
Key rainfall and dryness patterns
Hawke’s Bay and large swathes of the Wairarapa were notably drier, receiving between 50% and 79% of normal rainfall. In contrast, several northern and coastal districts faced above-average rainfall, reflecting a mosaic of drought and deluge across the country.
Insights for readers and long-term context
the year’s climate portrait aligns with broader global signals of warming, reinforcing the need for robust adaptation strategies—from water management to agriculture and infrastructure planning. For readers seeking authoritative context on climate trends, international agencies consistently document rising carbon dioxide levels and shifting weather extremes linked to warming oceans and atmosphere. Learn more at authoritative sources such as NASA’s climate site and the World Meteorological Organization.
External references:
NASA Climate and
World Meteorological Organization.
At-a-glance: table of 2025 climate indicators
| Indicator | 2025 Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Average annual temperature (seven stations) | 13.51°C | National snapshot for the year |
| Highest temperature | 35.6°C (Kawerau, Dec 7) | Top daily heat record |
| Second-highest cited temperatures | 33.8°C (Napier, Dec 8); 33.7°C (ettrick, Feb 16) | Notable heat events |
| Coldest temperature | -12.9°C (Mt Cook Airport,Jun 8) | Extreme cold episode |
| CO2 concentration | Above 423 ppm (Baring Head) | Indicator of rising atmospheric CO2 |
| November warmth | Warmest on record | Widespread excess warmth |
| Sunshine hours (regional highlight) | New Plymouth 2,743; Nelson 2,672 | Taranaki led sunshine; Nelson also sunny |
| Rainfall pattern | 120–149% above normal (northern districts); 50–79% (Hawke’s Bay,Wairarapa) | Sharp regional contrasts |
Bottom line for 2025
The year reinforces a clear pattern of warming with regional variability in rainfall and sunshine. The data underscore the ongoing climate challenge: higher temperatures, shifting precipitation, and rising atmospheric CO2 levels. Local communities and policymakers alike face the task of preparing for more frequent extremes while pursuing resilience and lasting growth.
Engagement
What changes have you noticed in your region over the past year? How should governments balance resilience with growth in the face of rising temperatures and shifting rainfall?
What readers are saying
In the comments, readers across coastal and inland areas weigh in on water management, agriculture, and urban planning responses that coudl mitigate risk and support livelihoods.
Share this story to spark a conversation about climate resilience in your community. What changes do you plan to advocate for in your area?
