Last updated: August 31, 2025
March in New Plymouth, New Zealand showcases a pleasant transition into autumn, with daytime temperatures reaching a maximum of 22°C (72°F) and an average of 18°C (64°F), while nights cool down to a comfortable 13°C (55°F). This month experiences 160 mm (6.3 in) of rainfall over approximately 12 days, contributing to a humid atmosphere with an average relative humidity of 75%. Visitors can expect a mix of sunny days and occasional showers, making it an ideal time for enjoying the region's vibrant landscapes and outdoor activities.
In March, New Plymouth experiences a delightful transition as summer bids farewell. With minimum temperatures lingering around 13°C (55°F) and averages dipping to 18°C (64°F), the city maintains a pleasant warmth, while maximum highs gently decrease to 22°C (72°F). This month marks a subtle cooling trend following the peaks of January and February, yet still offers the perfect climate to enjoy outdoor activities. As autumn approaches, the air becomes crisper, hinting at the changing seasons, but March remains inviting for locals and visitors alike.
March in New Plymouth, New Zealand, marks a notable increase in precipitation, with 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain recorded over 12 days—a significant jump from the preceding months. This surge paves the way for the upcoming autumn, as March's rainfall sets the stage for even wetter conditions ahead, culminating in April’s 207 mm (8.1 in). Interestingly, this month not only sees greater precipitation compared to January and February, but it also signals the beginning of the wettest months of the year, a trend that continues into winter with July reaching 224 mm (8.8 in). As the season transitions, New Plymouth experiences a dynamic and evolving climate, where the rhythm of rain shapes the landscape and local life.
In March, New Plymouth experiences a humidity level of 75%, signifying a slight decrease from the previous months. This trend reflects a gradual shift in the region's climate as summer transitions into autumn, with January and February boasting humidity levels of 79% and 77%, respectively. Following March, humidity levels rise again to 76% in April, and then spike throughout the winter months, peaking at 84% in July. Overall, the month of March represents a pivotal point in the annual humidity cycle, as it bridges the drier summer and the more humid winter, showcasing New Plymouth's distinctive maritime climate.
In March, New Plymouth experiences a very high UV Index of 9, with a burn time of just 15 minutes. This marks a notable decline from the extreme conditions of January and February, where burn times were limited to just 10 minutes. As the month transitions into autumn, the UV Index continues to decrease, with April expected to bring a high category level of 7 and a more forgiving burn time of 25 minutes. This trend of diminishing UV exposure highlights the importance of adjusting sun protection strategies as the season changes. To stay informed on UV levels throughout the year, visit New Plymouth UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
March in New Plymouth welcomes a bright farewell to summer with an impressive 275 hours of sunshine, just shy of the abundant rays found in January and February. As the city transitions into autumn, the sunlit days begin to wane, evidenced by a noticeable drop in hours as April approaches, culminating in just 230 hours. This month marks a subtle shift, revealing a pattern where daylight gradually declines, ultimately leading into winter’s shorter days. However, the vibrant glow of March still stands out, bridging the gap between the sun-soaked months of summer and the cooler tones of autumn, providing a perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures before the cooler months set in.
As winter gives way to the early warmth of spring, March in New Plymouth, New Zealand, offers a moderate chance of sunshine with a probability of 48%. This places it slightly above February's 47% but much lower than the sunnier summer months, like January at 53%. Following the trend of decreasing sunshine, April dips further to 44%, indicating a gradual transition towards cooler weather. Notably, while the winter months (June through August) show a significant decrease in sunny days, the chance of sun seems to bounce back in early spring, hinting at nature's rhythm as it prepares for the brighter months ahead.
In March, New Plymouth, New Zealand, experiences a gradual decline in daylight hours, with the sun shining for 12 hours a day. This marks a noticeable transition from the longer days of January and February, where daylight stretched to 14 and 13 hours, respectively. As autumn approaches, the day length continues to dwindle, reaching 11 hours in April and remaining steady through the winter months. This rhythmic shift not only signals the changing seasons but also invites locals and visitors alike to savor the last of the lengthy days before the shorter daylight hours settle in for the cooler months ahead.
In March, New Plymouth experiences a gentle upswing in wind speed, averaging 5.4 m/s (12 mph), making it a breezy transition into autumn. This marks a noticeable increase from February's 4.7 m/s and sets the stage for a pattern of strengthening winds in the following months. As the year progresses, the winds continue to gain momentum, peaking in July at 6.6 m/s (15 mph) before gradually easing back down. This trend highlights March as a pivotal month where the winds begin to pick up, foreshadowing the gustier autumn and winter seasons ahead, while still retaining a sense of softness compared to the more blustery months that follow.
Weather in New Plymouth varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares March’s weather to other months in New Plymouth, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In comparing the weather between January and March, we see some interesting differences. January experiences slightly higher maximum temperatures, reaching up to 24°C (75°F), compared to March's peak of 22°C (72°F). However, March boasts a slightly lower minimum temperature of 13°C (55°F) versus January's 12°C (53°F). Precipitation is notably higher in March, with 160 mm (6.3 in) over 12 days, while January sees only 94 mm (3.7 in) across 9 days. Humidity levels are also a bit higher in January at 79%, compared to March's 75%. For a detailed look at January weather, you can check New Plymouth weather in January.
In comparing the weather of March and February, both months have similar minimum temperatures, with March averaging at 13°C (55°F) and February also seeing a minimum of 13°C (55°F). However, February tends to be slightly warmer overall, with an average temperature of 19°C (66°F) compared to March's 18°C (64°F). February also experiences higher maximum temperatures, peaking at 24°C (75°F) versus March's 22°C (72°F). When it comes to precipitation, March is notably wetter, receiving 160 mm (6.3 in) over 12 days, while February has just 95 mm (3.7 in) over 10 days. Humidity levels are quite close, with March at 75% and February slightly higher at 77%. For more details, you can check New Plymouth weather in February.
In March, temperatures in New Plymouth range from a minimum of 13°C (55°F) to a maximum of 22°C (72°F), with an average of 18°C (64°F). The month experiences relatively high precipitation levels of 160 mm (6.3 in) over 12 days, coupled with a humidity of 75%. In contrast, April sees cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (49°F) and an average of 16°C (61°F), peaking at 21°C (70°F). April also brings increased rainfall, totaling 207 mm (8.1 in) over 14 days, while maintaining a similar humidity level of 76%. For more detailed insights on April weather, you can visit New Plymouth weather in April.
In comparing the weather of March and May, it is evident that March tends to be warmer with average temperatures reaching up to 18°C (64°F), while May sees a lower average of 14°C (58°F). March also boasts higher maximum temperatures of 22°C (72°F) compared to May's peak of 19°C (66°F). However, May experiences slightly more precipitation, totaling 195 mm (7.7 in) over 14 days, in contrast to March's 160 mm (6.3 in) across 12 days. Additionally, humidity levels are higher in May at 81%, compared to 75% in March. For a more detailed look at what to expect during May, check out New Plymouth weather in May.
In March, the weather tends to be warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 13°C (55°F) to a maximum of 22°C (72°F) and an average of 18°C (64°F). By contrast, June brings cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (46°F), an average of 13°C (55°F), and a maximum of 17°C (63°F). Precipitation levels are relatively similar, with March receiving 160 mm (6.3 in) over 12 days compared to June's 155 mm (6.1 in) over 14 days. Additionally, humidity is slightly higher in June at 83%, compared to March's 75%. For more detailed information, you can check New Plymouth weather in June.
March and July present notably different weather patterns. In March, the temperatures are generally more moderate, with a minimum of 13°C (55°F) and an average high of 22°C (72°F), while July experiences cooler temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 7°C (44°F) to an average maximum of 16°C (60°F). Additionally, precipitation is more pronounced in July, with 224 mm (8.8 in) of rain over 18 days compared to March's 160 mm (6.3 in) over just 12 days. The humidity levels also rise in July to 84%, up from March's 75%. For more detailed information, you can refer to New Plymouth weather in July.
March generally offers warmer weather compared to August, with average temperatures reaching up to 18°C (64°F) and maximums of 22°C (72°F), while August sees much cooler temperatures, with averages around 12°C (53°F) and maximums only up to 15°C (59°F). However, August tends to be wetter, receiving more precipitation at 214 mm (8.4 in) over 19 days, compared to March's 160 mm (6.3 in) over just 12 days. Humidity levels are also slightly higher in August at 81%, compared to March's 75%. For more details, you can explore New Plymouth weather in August.
In March, the weather is generally milder with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 13°C (55°F) to a maximum of 22°C (72°F), making it more comfortable for outdoor activities. With an average temperature of 18°C (64°F) and around 12 rainy days, March experiences relatively lower humidity at 75% and less total precipitation of 160 mm (6.3 in). In contrast, September brings cooler temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 16°C (62°F), with an average of only 12°C (54°F). This month also has a higher precipitation total of 173 mm (6.8 in) over 17 days and increased humidity at 80%. For more details on September weather, visit New Plymouth weather in September.
March and October present contrasting weather profiles, reflecting the transition between summer and autumn in New Plymouth. In March, temperatures are generally warmer, ranging from a minimum of 13°C (55°F) to a maximum of 22°C (72°F), with an average of 18°C (64°F). However, it also experiences significant rainfall, totaling 160 mm (6.3 in) over approximately 12 days, alongside a humidity level of 75%. In contrast, October sees cooler temperatures, with a range from 8°C (46°F) to a maximum of 17°C (62°F) and an average of 13°C (56°F). Although precipitation is slightly lower at 141 mm (5.6 in) over 16 days, the humidity increases to 82%. For more detailed information on October weather in New Plymouth, you can visit New Plymouth weather in October.
In March, the weather is generally milder, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 13°C (55°F) to a maximum of 22°C (72°F), and an average of 18°C (64°F). There is a significant amount of precipitation, totaling 160 mm (6.3 in) over about 12 days, contributing to a humidity level of 75%. In contrast, November experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with minimums of 10°C (51°F) and maximums reaching 20°C (68°F), averaging 15°C (59°F). Precipitation in November is also high, at 139 mm (5.5 in) over 13 days, but with a higher average humidity of 82%. For more details about weather in November, visit New Plymouth weather in November.
March and December in New Plymouth exhibit fairly mild temperatures, with both months experiencing similar maximum temperatures of 22°C (72°F). However, March tends to be slightly warmer, with an average temperature of 18°C (64°F) compared to December's 17°C (63°F). While March receives about 160 mm (6.3 in) of precipitation over 12 days, December sees a little more rainfall at 180 mm (7.1 in) across 14 days. Humidity levels are also a touch higher in December at 80%, compared to March's 75%. For more detailed information, you can visit New Plymouth weather in December.
As March unfolds in New Plymouth, it presents a delightful transition from the warmth of summer to the refreshing embrace of autumn. The moderate temperatures create a perfect balance, markedly different from the more intense heat of January and February. While the month still boasts pleasant days, the increased humidity and rainfall, with an average of 12 precipitation days, signal a shift toward the wetter conditions typical of the approaching season. This blend of warm days and cooler evenings makes March an ideal time for outdoor exploration. For a deeper understanding of what to expect throughout the year, check out New Plymouth Climate.