Last updated: August 31, 2025
In March, Whakatane, New Zealand, experiences a delightful transition from summer warmth to early autumn coolness. With a maximum temperature reaching 26°C (79°F) and an average of 18°C (65°F), the climate remains pleasantly mild, perfect for outdoor activities. Nighttime brings cooler air, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of 9°C (49°F). Visitors should be prepared for some rain, as the area receives approximately 115 mm (4.5 in) of precipitation over 11 days, contributing to the lush greenery surrounding the region. With a humidity level of around 71%, the air carries a refreshing quality, making this month a charming time to explore Whakatane’s captivating landscapes.
In March, Whakatane, New Zealand, begins to transition from the warm embrace of summer to the cooler autumn months. With a minimum temperature dipping to 9°C (49°F) and an average hovering around 18°C (65°F), the weather provides a refreshing balance for outdoor activities. The maximum temperature reaches a comfortable 26°C (79°F), offering plenty of sunshine and pleasant days before autumn settles in. Compared to the preceding months of January and February, where highs soar to the low thirties, March introduces a slight, yet noticeable cool-down, laying the groundwork for the upcoming seasonal shift. As the days grow shorter and the air becomes crisp, March in Whakatane invites visitors to enjoy the remnants of summer's warmth while embracing the beautiful onset of autumn.
March stands out in Whakatane as a notably wet month, with 115 mm (4.5 in) of precipitation recorded over 11 days. This significant rainfall marks a steady progression from the wetter preceding months of January and February, which saw 58 mm (2.3 in) and 96 mm (3.8 in), respectively. As autumn approaches, the increase in precipitation hints at a transition towards the wetter conditions typical in the lead-up to winter. March's rainfall sets a tone for the following months, with April and June also anticipating high precipitation levels, suggesting that Whakatane is entering a season where rain becomes more frequent and abundant.
March in Whakatane marks a shift towards more humid conditions, with humidity levels rising to 71% compared to 69% in both January and February. This subtle increase hints at the approaching transition into the cooler, wetter months ahead. As the season progresses into April, humidity further climbs to 74%, continuing the upward trend that peaks in winter with levels averaging around 85% in June and July. The gradual rise in humidity from February through April reflects Whakatane's natural rhythm as it gears up for the lushness of autumn and winter, creating an environment that's rich and vibrant.
As March rolls in, Whakatane experiences a notable shift in its UV Index, registering at 10, categorized as very high. This is slightly lower than the extremes felt in January and February, where the Index peaked at 14 and 13, respectively, making March a bit more manageable for outdoor activities, with a burn time of 15 minutes. Despite this decrease, the UV levels remain significant, reminding residents and visitors alike to take proper precautions against sun exposure. Looking ahead, the Index is expected to further decline in April, reaching 7, but the trend shows that as summer transitions to autumn, maintaining awareness of UV levels is essential. For more detailed insights on UV conditions throughout the year, check out the Whakatane UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
March in Whakatane, New Zealand, offers a delightful balance of sunshine, with 285 hours illuminating the month. This amount, while slightly lower than the radiance of January and February, remains robust and sets the stage for the transitioning seasons. As the days become shorter leading into April, the sun’s presence starts to wane, dipping to 241 hours, yet the warmth lingers in the air. The trend reveals a gentle decline as autumn approaches, with March acting as a sweet farewell to the long, sun-soaked days of summer, reminding residents and visitors alike to savor every sunbeam before the cooler months arrive.
In Whakatane, New Zealand, March offers a moderate chance of sunny weather, with approximately 46% of the month experiencing sunshine. While this is slightly better than February's 44%, it remains under the more promising conditions seen in January and April, which offer 52% and 51% chances, respectively. As summer transitions into autumn, the likelihood of sunny days holds steady, but a noticeable dip in sunshine is evident as winter approaches, with June plunging to a mere 34%. Overall, March is positioned as a pleasant transitional month, poised between the sun-soaked days of summer and the cooler embraces of autumn.
In March, Whakatane experiences a notable transition as daylight hours decrease to 12 hours, marking the end of the summer season. This gradual decline reflects a broader trend observed throughout the year, where daylight peaks in the height of summer with 14 hours in January and February, before steadily tapering off to just 9 hours in the depths of winter. The shift from month to month highlights the rhythm of changing seasons, with daylight gradually returning to longer hours from August onward, hinting at the warmth of spring as daylight will rise again to 14 hours by November and December. This natural ebb and flow creates a unique landscape for the region, where each month brings its own blend of light and shade.
March in Whakatane, New Zealand, experiences a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 3.3 m/s (7 mph), slightly dipping from February's 3.2 m/s (7 mph). This subtle consistency is characteristic of early autumn, creating a mild atmosphere that invites outdoor activities. As the month progresses, the wind begins to strengthen, setting the stage for the slightly breezier months ahead in April and May, which each see increases to 3.3 m/s (7 mph) and 3.7 m/s (8 mph) respectively. Overall, March retains this invitingly calm ambiance, making it a perfect transitional month before the winds pick up in the cooler winter months.
Weather in Whakatane varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares March’s weather to other months in Whakatane, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In comparison to January, March experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (49°F) compared to January's minimum of 11°C (51°F). While the average temperature in January is a comfortable 20°C (68°F), March averages a bit lower at 18°C (65°F). Furthermore, March sees higher precipitation at 115 mm (4.5 in) over 11 days, whereas January has a milder rainfall of 58 mm (2.3 in) across just 7 days. Interestingly, humidity levels remain similar, with March at 71% and January at 69%. For more details about January weather, you can visit Whakatane weather in January.
When comparing the weather in March and February, March tends to be slightly cooler and wetter than February. In March, temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F), with an average of 18°C (65°F), while February enjoys warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and a maximum of 33°C (91°F), averaging 20°C (68°F). Additionally, March experiences higher precipitation levels at 115 mm (4.5 in) over 11 days compared to February's 96 mm (3.8 in) across 7 days. Humidity levels remain similar, with March at 71% and February at 69%. For more details on February's weather, you can check Whakatane weather in February.
March and April exhibit noticeable differences in weather patterns. March typically enjoys slightly warmer temperatures, with averages around 18°C (65°F) and highs reaching up to 26°C (79°F), while April sees a drop in the average to 16°C (61°F) and a maximum of 23°C (75°F). Precipitation also increases in April, climbing to 146 mm (5.7 in) over about 10 days compared to March's 115 mm (4.5 in) over 11 days. Additionally, humidity is marginally higher in April at 74%, compared to 71% in March. For more detailed weather insights, you can check Whakatane weather in April.
March generally experiences warmer temperatures compared to May, with average highs reaching 26°C (79°F) and lows around 9°C (49°F). In contrast, May sees cooler temperatures, with a maximum of 20°C (68°F) and a minimum of 4°C (39°F). Despite March having slightly more precipitation at 115 mm (4.5 in) over 11 days, May is not far behind with 107 mm (4.2 in) over 9 days, coupled with a higher humidity level of 83%. If you're interested in exploring more about what to expect in May, check out Whakatane weather in May.
March typically features warmer weather compared to June, with average temperatures ranging from 9°C (49°F) to a pleasant 26°C (79°F), while June sees cooler temperatures from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of around 19°C (66°F). Both months experience similar levels of precipitation, with March receiving 115 mm (4.5 in) and June slightly higher at 154 mm (6.1 in), though they share the same number of rainy days at 11. Humidity is also notably higher in June at 85%, compared to 71% in March, contributing to a generally more damp and chilly atmosphere during the early winter month. For more details on June weather, visit Whakatane weather in June.
In March, the weather in Whakatane showcases a pleasant range of temperatures, with averages around 18°C (65°F) and maximums reaching 26°C (79°F). It experiences relatively lower humidity at 71% and sees about 115 mm (4.5 in) of precipitation over 11 days. In contrast, July brings cooler temperatures, with averages of 11°C (51°F) and maximums of just 17°C (62°F). The humidity rises to 86%, and rainfall increases slightly to 137 mm (5.4 in), also spread across 11 days. For those interested in a deeper look at July weather specifics, they can check out Whakatane weather in July.
When comparing the weather in March and August, it's clear that March is generally warmer and drier. In March, temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F), with an average of 18°C (65°F). In contrast, August experiences much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 2°C (36°F) and a maximum of 18°C (64°F), averaging just 11°C (52°F). Additionally, March has lower precipitation levels, with 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain over approximately 11 days, while August sees increased rainfall at 156 mm (6.1 in) across 13 days, resulting in higher humidity at 83%. For more detailed information on the weather in August, you can refer to Whakatane weather in August.
In March, temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F), with an average of 18°C (65°F), making it a relatively mild month. The precipitation level is 115 mm (4.5 in) over approximately 11 days, accompanied by a humidity of 71%. In contrast, September tends to be cooler, with temperatures peaking at 20°C (68°F) and dropping to a minimum of 3°C (37°F), averaging 12°C (54°F). This month experiences slightly higher rainfall, with 126 mm (5.0 in) over 13 days, and a bit more humidity at 78%. For a more detailed look at weather patterns, you can visit Whakatane weather in September.
When comparing the weather in March and October, we notice distinct differences in temperature and humidity. March boasts warmer average temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F), while October experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (41°F) and a maximum of 24°C (75°F). Precipitation levels are quite similar, with March receiving 115 mm (4.5 in) across 11 days and October slightly higher at 122 mm (4.8 in) over 12 days. Additionally, October tends to be more humid, with a humidity level of 77% compared to March's 71%. For more details on October's weather, you can visit Whakatane weather in October.
March and November share similar temperature ranges, with maximums peaking at 26°C (79°F) in both months. However, March tends to have slightly warmer averages of 18°C (65°F) compared to November’s 16°C (62°F). In terms of precipitation, March receives more rainfall at 115 mm (4.5 in) across 11 days, while November has 92 mm (3.6 in) with rain on 10 days. Humidity is relatively high in both months, with November being slightly more humid at 74% compared to March’s 71%. For those interested in detailed weather patterns, you can check out Whakatane weather in November.
In March, temperatures in Whakatane range from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F), with an average temperature of about 18°C (65°F). The month experiences approximately 115 mm (4.5 in) of precipitation over 11 days, and humidity is relatively high at 71%. In contrast, December sees slightly milder temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (47°F) and a maximum of 27°C (80°F), and an average of 19°C (66°F). Precipitation increases to 128 mm (5.1 in) over 13 days, but humidity is lower at 66%. Overall, while both months enjoy warm temperatures, March tends to be slightly more humid and wetter than December. For more detailed information, check out Whakatane weather in December.
As March unfolds in Whakatane, the weather begins to shift, offering a blend of warmth and occasional rain that distinguishes it from the preceding summer months. With maximum temperatures reaching a pleasant 26°C and averages hovering around 18°C, residents and visitors enjoy mild conditions perfect for outdoor activities. However, this month is also characterized by a noticeable increase in humidity and precipitation, with rain affecting about a third of the month. This transition towards wetter weather makes March a unique time, as nature begins to prepare for the cooler months ahead. To explore more about what to expect throughout the year, check out the complete overview at Whakatane Climate.