East CapeWhen to Go
Best Time to Visit East Cape
Best from late spring through summer for milder, sunnier weather and safer coastal driving.
Summer
December-February · 18-26°C
Warmest and sunniest - good for beaches and coastal drives.
Autumn
March-May · 15-22°C
Milder weather and fewer tourists; good for extended coastal exploration.
Winter/Spring
June-November · 8-18°C
Cooler and rainier at times; some roads may be affected by weather.
Weather & Climate near East Cape
Climate
Temperate climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 8°C to 22°C. Abundant rainfall (1600 mm/year), wettest in July.
Air Quality:
AQI 25
Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
22°
Warmest Month
8°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 15° - 22° | 19° | 77 mm | - | - | 5.6 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 16° - 22° | 19° | 101 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 15° - 21° | 18° | 157 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 12° - 19° | 16° | 119 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 10° - 17° | 14° | 170 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 8° - 15° | 12° | 195 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 8° - 14° | 11° | 203 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 8° - 15° | 11° | 179 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 9° - 16° | 13° | 164 mm | - | - | 5.8 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 11° - 17° | 14° | 77 mm | - | - | 6.0 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 12° - 19° | 15° | 87 mm | - | - | 5.9 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 14° - 21° | 17° | 71 mm | - | - | 6.0 m/s | - | - |
Getting There & Around
How to Get to East Cape
Drive from Gisborne along State Highway 35 northwards toward East Cape; roads are coastal and can be narrow and windy. Some parts are unsealed; check local conditions. The nearest major town with an airport is Gisborne.
Tips for Visiting East Cape
- Check tide and weather for fishing and coastal walks - the cape's weather can change quickly.
- Bring a windproof layer and sun protection; East Cape receives strong sun at certain times of year.
- Combine a visit with a drive along Te Araroa Highway for coastal scenery and Māori cultural sites.