Last updated: August 31, 2025
Experience the vibrant early spring weather of Rotorua, New Zealand, in March, where temperatures soar to a pleasant 26°C (79°F) during the day and dip to a cooler 6°C (43°F) at night. The average temperature settles at a comfortable 16°C (61°F), perfect for outdoor adventures amid stunning geothermal landscapes. March also brings 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain over approximately 11 days, contributing to the lush greenery and vibrant flora of the region. With humidity levels around 71%, the air feels pleasantly temperate, making it an ideal time to explore Rotorua's natural wonders while enjoying the refreshing backdrop of its unique environment.
In March, Rotorua, New Zealand, begins to transition from the warmth of summer to the cooler embrace of autumn. With a minimum temperature settling at 6°C (43°F) and a pleasant average of 16°C (61°F), the weather offers a comfortable ambiance for outdoor exploration. Daytime highs can still reach up to 26°C (79°F), making it a delightful time to enjoy the region's famous geothermal attractions and stunning landscapes. As the month progresses, you'll notice a gradual dip in temperatures, mirroring the trends seen in preceding months, yet still retaining a warm charm that invites locals and travelers alike to bask in the beauty of this unique destination.
March in Rotorua, New Zealand, sees a significant uptick in precipitation, with 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain recorded over 11 days. This marks a noticeable increase compared to the preceding months, reflecting a trend of rising moisture as autumn approaches. While January and February exhibited relatively lower rainfall, the shift to March not only sustains the wet pattern but also hints at the wetter conditions typical for the season. As the rainfall continues into April, which sees a slight increase to 128 mm (5.1 in), it's clear that March acts as a transition point, setting the tone for the more substantial precipitation that characterizes the region in the months to come.
As March rolls into Rotorua, New Zealand, residents and visitors can expect a slight increase in humidity, reaching 71%. This uptick marks the beginning of a gradual climb towards the more humid months of autumn, with April following at 74%. Interestingly, March’s humidity remains consistent with the levels seen in January and February, both at 69%, indicating a stable transition into a more humid season. Looking ahead, the trend continues to rise, peaking in the winter months, where humidity levels soar to 85% in June and 86% in July. This progression highlights Rotorua's characteristic climate, where humidity tends to build, particularly as summer fades into autumn and winter approaches.
In March, Rotorua, New Zealand, experiences a notable shift in UV exposure, featuring a UV Index of 10, categorized as very high. This indicates an increase in burn time to 15 minutes, allowing residents and visitors alike a bit more time outdoors before seeking shade compared to the extreme levels observed in January and February. As summer transitions towards autumn, the UV Index gradually decreases, with April dipping to 7 and entering the high exposure category, ultimately leading to more moderate levels in the cooler months ahead. This trend highlights the importance of sun safety, especially as the sunny days linger. For more detailed insights, check out the Rotorua UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
As March unfolds in Rotorua, New Zealand, the transition from summer to autumn brings 268 hours of sunshine, basking the region in a warm glow before the cooler months set in. While this is a slight dip from February's sunny peak of 273 hours, it still offers ample daylight to explore Rotorua's stunning landscapes and vibrant cultural experiences. The sunshine hours trend downwards into April, dropping to 223 hours, hinting at the encroaching winter. However, the first three months of the year showcase a trend of abundant sunshine, encouraging both locals and visitors to soak in the warmth before the days grow shorter. The lively backdrop of nature paired with March's generous daylight creates an inviting atmosphere for outdoor adventures, making it a delightful time to experience all that Rotorua has to offer.
In Rotorua, New Zealand, March presents a moderate opportunity for sunny weather with about a 41% chance of sunshine. This figure slightly lags behind the vibrant summers of January and February, which boast 47% and 37% chances, respectively. However, as autumn sets in, March offers a fresh contrast to the earlier months, positioned favorably against the cooler April at 44%. This trend highlights a gentle tapering of sunny days as winter approaches, with sunlight likelihood dipping notably to 26% in June. Overall, while March may not guarantee endless sun, it still holds a respectable place in Rotorua’s weather calendar as a delightful transition into the autumn season.
In Rotorua, New Zealand, the month of March marks a transition as daylight duration begins to wane, with approximately 12 hours of daylight. Following the longer, sun-soaked days of January and February—boasting up to 14 and 13 hours respectively—March introduces the first hint of the approaching autumn chill. This gradual decrease continues into April, with daylight dipping to 11 hours. The trend highlights a pattern of diminishing daylight as the year progresses, illustrating the shifting seasons and inviting residents and visitors alike to savor the lingering warmth and brightness before the shorter days of winter set in.
As March breezes into Rotorua, New Zealand, it brings with it an average wind speed of 2.7 m/s (6 mph), barely a whisper compared to the gusts that follow. This month showcases a subtle consistency in air movement, mirroring February's gentle flow. However, as autumn approaches, wind speeds start to rise, peaking in September at 3.5 m/s (8 mph), signaling a transition to a more dynamic atmosphere. Overall, the gradual uptick in wind speed from late winter through spring implies a shift in seasonal patterns, with the winds becoming more pronounced as the year progresses, setting the stage for the invigorating breezes of late spring and summer.
Weather in Rotorua varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares March’s weather to other months in Rotorua, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
March and January exhibit similarities in temperature, as both months have minimum temperatures around 6°C (43°F). However, January tends to be slightly warmer overall, with an average temperature of 18°C (65°F) and a maximum of 29°C (84°F), compared to March's average of 16°C (61°F) and a maximum of 26°C (79°F). Precipitation patterns also differ; March receives more rainfall, totaling 120 mm (4.7 in) across 11 days, while January has only 65 mm (2.6 in) over 8 days, leading to a slightly lower humidity of 69% in January compared to 71% in March. For more details on January weather, you can check Rotorua weather in January.
When comparing the weather in March and February, we see some notable differences. February tends to be slightly warmer, with a maximum temperature of 30°C (87°F) compared to March's peak of 26°C (79°F). The average temperatures are also higher in February at 18°C (65°F) versus March's 16°C (61°F). Despite having more days of rainfall, February experiences less total precipitation (96 mm) compared to March (120 mm), which has rain on 11 days, versus just 7 days in February. Humidity levels are only slightly higher in March at 71%, compared to February's 69%. For more details about February weather, check out Rotorua weather in February.
March and April present a noticeable transition in weather patterns. March tends to be warmer, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F), while April cools down slightly, featuring an average range from 4°C (39°F) to 23°C (74°F). Precipitation is fairly consistent between the two months, with March receiving 120 mm (4.7 in) over 11 days and April a bit more at 128 mm (5.1 in) but over just 10 days. Humidity levels are similar, with March at 71% and April increasing slightly to 74%. For more detailed information, you can visit Rotorua weather in April.
In March, temperatures are generally milder, with daily averages around 16°C (61°F) and highs reaching up to 26°C (79°F), making it a comfortable month for outdoor activities. However, March experiences relatively high precipitation levels of 120 mm (4.7 in) over approximately 11 days, along with a humidity of 71%. In contrast, May sees cooler temperatures, with an average of 11°C (52°F) and maximums peaking at 19°C (67°F). Despite having slightly lower precipitation at 95 mm (3.8 in) over 9 days, humidity increases to 83% in May, contributing to a more damp and chilly atmosphere. For more detailed information, check out Rotorua weather in May.
In comparing the weather between March and June, March offers warmer temperatures with a minimum of 6°C (43°F) and an average high of 26°C (79°F), while June is notably cooler, featuring a minimum of -2°C (29°F) and an average high of only 17°C (63°F). Although both months experience significant rainfall, March has a slightly higher precipitation level at 120 mm (4.7 in) over 11 days, compared to June's 110 mm (4.3 in) over 10 days. Additionally, humidity is higher in June at 85%, compared to March's 71%, contributing to a more damp feel during the winter month. For more detailed insights into June's climate, you can check Rotorua weather in June.
In March, the weather is generally warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F) and an average of 16°C (61°F). The precipitation is moderate at 120 mm (4.7 in) over 11 days, and the humidity sits at 71%. In contrast, July experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -2°C (28°F) and a maximum of 15°C (59°F), averaging only 8°C (46°F). July also receives slightly more precipitation, at 125 mm (4.9 in) over 12 days, accompanied by higher humidity at 86%. For more details about the weather in Rotorua in July, you can visit Rotorua weather in July.
In March, the weather is generally milder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F) and an average of 16°C (61°F). The month experiences around 120 mm (4.7 in) of precipitation over 11 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 71%. In contrast, August brings cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -2°C (29°F) and a maximum of 15°C (60°F), averaging at 8°C (47°F). This month also sees slightly higher precipitation at 125 mm (4.9 in) spread over 15 days, along with increased humidity levels at 83%. For more detailed information on August weather, check out Rotorua weather in August.
March and September present contrasting weather patterns, with March featuring a warmer temperature range from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F) and an average of 16°C (61°F). In contrast, September experiences cooler temperatures, ranging from 0°C (32°F) to 18°C (64°F), with an average of 10°C (50°F). Both months see significant rainfall, with March receiving 120 mm (4.7 in) over 11 days and September slightly less at 115 mm (4.5 in) over 14 days. Additionally, September has higher humidity at 78%, compared to March’s 71%. For more detailed insights about September weather in Rotorua, you can check Rotorua weather in September.
March generally enjoys warmer temperatures compared to October, with average highs reaching 26°C (79°F) versus October's 22°C (73°F). While March experiences a relatively comfortable climate with an average of 16°C (61°F) and about 120 mm (4.7 in) of precipitation over 11 days, October is cooler, with an average temperature of 12°C (53°F) and slightly lower precipitation levels at 106 mm (4.2 in) across 14 days. Additionally, October tends to be more humid, with humidity levels around 77% compared to March's 71%. For more detailed information, check out Rotorua weather in October.
In March, temperatures in Rotorua typically range from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F), averaging around 16°C (61°F). The month experiences about 120 mm (4.7 in) of precipitation over 11 days, with a humidity level of 71%. In contrast, November sees slightly cooler minimum temperatures of 4°C (39°F) but can reach up to 29°C (85°F), with an average temperature of 15°C (58°F). Although November has a lower total precipitation of 100 mm (3.9 in) over 13 days, the humidity is slightly higher at 74%. For more details on November weather, you can visit Rotorua weather in November.
In March, temperatures range from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F), with an average of 16°C (61°F). The month experiences about 120 mm (4.7 in) of precipitation over 11 days, and humidity levels are relatively high at 71%. In contrast, December typically sees slightly milder temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of 28°C (83°F), averaging around 17°C (62°F). Precipitation is slightly lower at 116 mm (4.6 in) across 13 days, and humidity decreases to 66%. This makes December generally warmer and a bit drier than March. For a more detailed look at what's in store, check Rotorua weather in December.
As March arrives in Rotorua, the weather begins to shift, offering a delightful blend of warmth and mildness that sets it apart from the preceding summer months. With temperatures averaging around 16°C, the days are typically cozy, yet the cooler nights remind us that autumn is on the horizon. While rainfall increases, with about 11 days of precipitation contributing to a total of 120 mm, it adds a refreshing touch to the environment. The relatively high humidity of 71% can make the air feel warmer, enhancing the lush beauty of the region. For a more detailed look at how March weather fits into the overall climate patterns, visit Rotorua Climate.