August · New Zealand
Best time to visit Wanaka in August Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Wanaka in August
Average temperature 2°C, 141 mm of rain, about 2 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 91% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
August score
3.1/10
Ranked #10 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 2°C
- Rainfall
- 141 mm
- Humidity
- 91%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 2
- Crowd Density
- Quiet / Uncrowded
- Average Expenses
- $ · Budget Friendly ($)
August in Wanaka scores 3.1/10 for nature and wildlife travel - ranked #10 of 12. Expect around 2°C, 141 mm of rain, and roughly 2 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Wānaka is the quieter Southern Lakes twin to Queenstown-lake swims, treks, and a strong winter ski hinterland. Best window: November through March in the Southern Hemisphere.
August in Wanaka — the hardest end of the year
At 2°C (36°F) this is proper winter weather in August: layer up and split the day between outdoor highlights and indoor stops.
141 mm of rain signals a properly wet month, with only about 2 days with 6+ hours of sunshine to count on — build indoor options into the schedule.
That is 3.1/10 on the same scale — 10th of 12 months, versus 9/10 for the best month here.
Pack insulated layers, a windproof shell, gloves and boots with grip, a proper rain shell rather than an umbrella, footwear you can get muddy.
Expect low-season pricing, and crowds are light for this destination.
If your dates are flexible, January is materially better in Wanaka — 5.9 points higher on the same scale.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Wanaka in August?
- In August, Wanaka averages 2°C, 141 mm of rain, and about 2 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 3.1/10.
- Is August a good time to visit Wanaka?
- August earns a 3.1/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Wanaka in August?
- Expect about 141 mm of rain in August. Average humidity is 91% and there are about 2 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Wanaka
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Wanaka
Wanaka, New Zealand. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.