Key Takeaways
- 2025 was the country’s fourth-hottest year on record, with most regions being hotter than average by between 0.51 and 1.20 degrees.
- The highest annual average temperature was recorded in Leigh, North of Auckland, at 17.7 degrees.
- Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels continued to rise, surpassing 423 ppm at ESNZ’s Baring Head monitoring station.
- November was the warmest on record, with most of the country being more than 1.2 degrees warmer than average.
- The report found a nationwide average temperature of 13.51 degrees, with four of the five warmest years on record occurring since 2021.
Introduction to the Climate Report
The Earth Sciences New Zealand’s (ESNZ) annual climate report for 2025 has revealed that the country experienced its fourth-hottest year on record. The report, which analyzed data from various weather stations across the country, found that most regions were hotter than average by between 0.51 and 1.20 degrees. However, some areas, such as parts of Northland and Bay of Plenty, were significantly hotter, with temperatures exceeding 1.2 degrees above average. The report also noted that the nationwide average temperature was 13.51 degrees, which is a significant increase from previous years.
Temperature Records and Trends
The report highlighted several temperature records and trends that were observed in 2025. For example, the highest annual average temperature was recorded in Leigh, North of Auckland, at 17.7 degrees, followed by Kaitaia at 17.1 degrees, and Whangaparāoa at 16.9 degrees. The highest air temperature of the year was recorded at Kawerau on December 7, at 35.6 degrees, which is a significant increase from the average temperature for that time of year. The report also noted that November was the warmest on record, with most of the country being more than 1.2 degrees warmer than average. This trend is consistent with the overall warming pattern observed in the country, with four of the five warmest years on record occurring since 2021.
Regional Climate Variations
The report also highlighted regional climate variations that were observed in 2025. For example, Auckland was the warmest of the six main centers, while Tauranga was the sunniest and wettest. Christchurch was the equal-coolest, and Dunedin was the driest, equal-coolest, and least sunny. The report also noted that some regions, such as Nelson, Marlborough, and Banks Peninsula, received 20 to almost 50 percent more rain than usual. In contrast, the soil moisture level was below normal for most of the North Island and the northern part of the South Island for the first quarter of 2025. By the end of winter, moisture levels had returned to normal, but dried out in some eastern parts through to the end of November.
Other Climate Indicators
The report also examined other climate indicators, such as sea temperatures and sunshine hours. The crown for the region with the highest annual sunshine went to Taranaki, with 2743 hours recorded at New Plymouth. The Nelson region was also sunny, with 2672 hours recorded at Richmond. Sea temperatures were also on the rise, with local sea surface temperatures being "relatively warm" and remaining above normal for most of the year. The report noted that November was the warmest on record for sea surface temperatures, and April was the fifth-warmest. The report also highlighted other extreme weather events, such as the highest confirmed wind gust of 252 km/h at Cape Turnagain on October 21.
Comparing 2025 to Previous Years
The report also compared 2025 to previous years, noting that the highest temperature was recorded in December, which is uncommon for New Zealand. The last time this happened was in 2015. The report also noted that the wettest location was the Cropp River at the Waterfall, which recorded 10,951 mm of rainfall. Another gauge on the Cropp River at Cropp Hut was just behind, with 9925 mm. The report also highlighted the lowest air temperature, which was recorded at Mt Cook airport on June 8, at -12.9 degrees Celsius. Lake Tekapo was also cold, with a temperature of -11.2 degrees Celsius on the same day. Overall, the report provides a comprehensive overview of the climate trends and variations observed in 2025, highlighting the continued warming of the planet and the importance of monitoring and understanding climate change.
Conclusion and Implications
In conclusion, the ESNZ annual climate report for 2025 highlights the significant warming trend observed in the country, with most regions being hotter than average by between 0.51 and 1.20 degrees. The report also notes that atmospheric carbon dioxide levels continued to rise, surpassing 423 ppm at ESNZ’s Baring Head monitoring station. The implications of these findings are significant, with continued climate change likely to have major impacts on the environment, economy, and society. The report emphasizes the importance of continued monitoring and research into climate change, as well as the need for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.