West Coast, New Zealand: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to West Coast, New Zealand? If you're planning to go to West Coast, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to West Coast
- Important essentials for West Coast
- Activities for West Coast
- West Coast in January: weather and what to pack
- West Coast in February: weather and what to pack
- West Coast in March: weather and what to pack
- West Coast in April: weather and what to pack
- West Coast in May: weather and what to pack
- West Coast in June: weather and what to pack
- West Coast in July: weather and what to pack
- West Coast in August: weather and what to pack
- West Coast in September: weather and what to pack
- West Coast in October: weather and what to pack
- West Coast in November: weather and what to pack
- West Coast in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to West Coast, New Zealand
Based on the climate and weather in West Coast, the best time to go is February. See below for details.
Important essentials for West Coast, New Zealand
Here are some general tips on what to wear in West Coast, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently wear out. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection possible.
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly product.
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
Other health necessities
Emergency water purifier
Some areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to bring an emergency water purifier like this one.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great one.
Emergency rapid COVID-19 test
U.S. residents can get them free here. Otherwise, you can buy them here.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in West Coast. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Airplane or car necessities
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
For families with young children
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. This one works in most places, but you may want to check with your hotel.
Activities for West Coast, New Zealand
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for West Coast.
What to wear/what to pack for West Coast, New Zealand by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you are traveling to West Coast in January, you will notice that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Light and heavy skirts
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light jacket or fleece
Rain poncho
A quality rain poncho to wear over your jacket saves you time and money by protecting your nice jacket. We like this one.
The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots are great for stormy weather:
An umbrella
This excellent one is made for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. The most durable luggage can let water in. We recommend:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a storm.
February
February for West Coast is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
Extra socks
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
Pants or jeans
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
March
In March, West Coast is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for West Coast, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Extra socks
Light jacket or fleece
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
April
If you vacation in West Coast during April, you are likely to find that it is cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light and heavy skirts
Extra socks
Light jacket or fleece
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
May
May in West Coast is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
Extra socks
Pants or jeans
Light jacket or fleece
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We like:
June
If you vacation in West Coast during June, you will probably notice that it can be very chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time. There is frost once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this
Fleece
Light gloves or mittens
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We like:
July
If you are traveling to West Coast in July, you will notice that it is pretty cool and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (low 10s C). There is frost a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
Light gloves or mittens
Fleece
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants are vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
August
If you visit West Coast during August, you might notice that it is cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time. There is frost once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
Extra socks
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
Light gloves or mittens
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this one
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
September
September can be chilly and very rainy. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Extra socks
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
Light and heavy skirts
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
October
In October, West Coast is relatively cool and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 50s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for West Coast, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light and heavy skirts
Extra socks
Rain poncho
A durable rain poncho to wear over your jacket saves you time and money by protecting your nice coat. We like this one.
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots work well for stormy weather:
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff stay dry. Even the most durable suitcases can let water in. We like:
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a storm.
November
If you are traveling to West Coast in November, you will notice that it is chilly and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Light jacket or fleece
Light and heavy skirts
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
December
If you vacation in West Coast during December, you may see that it is mild and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Pants or jeans
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
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