Key Takeaways
- New Zealand experienced record heat, rising sea temperatures, and extreme weather in 2025
- Four of the five warmest years on record have occurred since 2021 due to human-induced climate change
- Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels continued to rise, surpassing 423 ppm at Earth Sciences New Zealand’s Baring Head monitoring station
- November was the warmest on record, with most of the country more than 1.2C warmer than average
- Taranaki had the highest sunshine hours, with 2743 hours recorded at New Plymouth
Introduction to New Zealand’s Climate in 2025
The year 2025 was marked by record heat, rising sea temperatures, and extreme weather conditions across New Zealand. According to a report by Earth Sciences New Zealand, the country experienced a nationwide average temperature of 13.51C, with Auckland being the warmest of the six main centers. Tauranga was the sunniest and wettest, while Christchurch was the equal-coolest, and Dunedin was the driest, equal-coolest, and least sunny. The report highlights the significant impact of human-induced climate change, with four of the five warmest years on record occurring since 2021.
Temperature and Climate Trends
The report notes that November was the warmest on record, with most of the country experiencing temperatures more than 1.2C warmer than average. This trend is consistent with the increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, which surpassed 423 ppm at Earth Sciences New Zealand’s Baring Head monitoring station during the year. The rising temperatures have significant implications for the country’s climate, with extreme weather events becoming more frequent and intense. The report also notes that the soil moisture level was below normal for most of the North Island and the northern part of the South for the first quarter of 2025, which is a key indicator of droughts and is closely watched by farmers.
Regional Climate Variations
The report highlights significant regional climate variations across New Zealand. Taranaki had the highest sunshine hours, with 2743 hours recorded at New Plymouth, followed by the Nelson region with 2672 hours recorded at Richmond. In contrast, some regions experienced above-average rainfall, with several areas of the South Island, including Nelson, Marlborough, and Banks Peninsula, receiving 20 to almost 50% more rain than usual. The report also notes that sea temperatures were relatively warm, remaining above normal for most of the year, with brief cooler patches west of the North Island.
Extreme Weather Events
The report documents several extreme weather events that occurred in 2025. The highest confirmed wind gust was 252km/h at Cape Turnagain on the east coast of the North Island on October 21. The coldest air temperature was recorded at Mt Cook airport on June 8, at -12.9C, while the wettest location was Cropp River at the Waterfall, which recorded 10,951mm of rainfall. The highest temperature was recorded in December, which is uncommon for New Zealand, with a temperature of 35.6C at Kawerau on December 7.
Implications of Climate Change
The report’s findings have significant implications for New Zealand’s climate and environment. The increasing temperatures, rising sea temperatures, and extreme weather events are all consistent with the predicted impacts of human-induced climate change. The report notes that four of the five warmest years on record have occurred since 2021, highlighting the urgent need for action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. The report’s findings also have significant implications for farmers, who need to be aware of the changing climate conditions and their impact on soil moisture and drought risk.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the report by Earth Sciences New Zealand provides a comprehensive overview of New Zealand’s climate in 2025. The report highlights the significant impact of human-induced climate change, with record heat, rising sea temperatures, and extreme weather events becoming more frequent and intense. The report’s findings have significant implications for the country’s climate, environment, and economy, highlighting the urgent need for action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. As the country continues to experience the impacts of climate change, it is essential to monitor and analyze climate trends, providing critical information for decision-makers, farmers, and the general public.