August · New Zealand
Best time to visit Nelson in August Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Nelson in August
Average temperature 6°C, 147 mm of rain, about 4 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 90% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
August score
4.0/10
Ranked #10 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 6°C
- Rainfall
- 147 mm
- Humidity
- 90%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 4
- Crowd Density
- Moderate Crowds
- Average Expenses
- $ · Budget Friendly ($)
August in Nelson scores 4.0/10 for nature and wildlife travel - ranked #10 of 12. Expect around 6°C, 147 mm of rain, and roughly 4 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Nelson sits at the top of the South Island, with a long beach, gardens and Abel Tasman National Park nearby.
August in Nelson — the hardest end of the year
Expect 6°C (43°F) in August. A good month for city streets, viewpoints and long meals; leave swimming for another season.
147 mm of rain signals a properly wet month, with only about 4 days with 6+ hours of sunshine to count on — build indoor options into the schedule.
That is 4/10 on the same scale — 10th of 12 months, versus 9.3/10 for the best month here.
Pack a mid-weight jacket, long sleeves and shoes you can walk 15 km in, a proper rain shell rather than an umbrella, footwear you can get muddy.
Expect low-season pricing, and crowds are moderate.
If your dates are flexible, January is materially better in Nelson — 5.3 points higher on the same scale.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Nelson in August?
- In August, Nelson averages 6°C, 147 mm of rain, and about 4 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 4.0/10.
- Is August a good time to visit Nelson?
- August earns a 4.0/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Nelson in August?
- Expect about 147 mm of rain in August. Average humidity is 90% and there are about 4 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Nelson
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Nelson, New Zealand. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.