This region has a climate with
warm humid summers and mild winters.
Typical summer daytime maximum air
temperatures range from 22°C to 26°C, but seldom exceed 30°C. Winter
daytime maximum air temperatures range from 9°C to 16°C. The sea
influences air temperatures considerably in the coastal areas and sea
surface temperatures on the east coast are the warmest in New Zealand.
The region has one of the sunniest climates in the country. Annual
sunshine hours average about 2000 in many areas. Coastal areas, for
example from Tauranga to Whakatane, are much sunnier with at least 2200
hours, and dry spells are common.
Southwest winds prevail for
much of the year. Sea breezes often occur on warm summer days.
Winter
usually has more rain and is the most unsettled time of year. In summer
and autumn, storms of tropical origin may bring high winds and heavy
rainfall from the east or northeast.
