Far New Zealand has always been of interest tomany 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. There is only a slight temperature fluctuation in the region. 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 form the climate of this distantthe important role is played by the mountain ranges of the Southern Alps, which are located in the west and in the center of the country. 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 morefavorable. 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, precipitation in the form of 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 Zealandhigh 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, the winter and summer are quite mild, with moderate or, on the contrary, abundant rainfall.
New Zealand: the 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 (Auckland, 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.
