Climate
Because much of the Marlborough region is sheltered by high country to the west, south and in some areas to the
east, it is New Zealand's sunniest region.Warm, dry and settled weather predominates during summer. Winter days often start with a frost, but are usually mild overall. Typical summer daytime maximum air temperatures range from 20°C to 26°C, but occasionally rise above 30°C. Late winter and early spring is normally the most unsettled time of the year.
Typical winter daytime maximum air temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C. Annual hours of sunshine average at least 2,400 hours. High temperatures are frequent in Blenheim and may be accompanied by föhn winds from the northwest, characterised by the distinctive "wave" cloud formations.
| Temperature | |
| Mean daily maximum in summer (January): | 23.8°C |
| Mean daily minimum in summer: | 12.5°C |
| Mean daily maximum in winter (July): | 12.8°C |
| Mean daily minimum in winter: | 2.1°C |
| Sunshine Hours | |
| More than 2,400 per year | |
| Rainfall | |
| Mean annual rainfall: | 1,249mm |
| Wet days (more than 1mm): | 76 |
Statistics from National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research
It's a Fact...
SHIP COVE
Captain James Cook arrived in Ship Cove in Queen Charlotte Sound on 15 January, 1770. The bay was named for its excellence as an anchorage, which allowed Cook to the careen his vessel, Endeavour. Ship Cove was the first place in New Zealand where the Union Jack was raised, although Cook did not proclaim sovereignty for England.
Captain James Cook arrived in Ship Cove in Queen Charlotte Sound on 15 January, 1770. The bay was named for its excellence as an anchorage, which allowed Cook to the careen his vessel, Endeavour. Ship Cove was the first place in New Zealand where the Union Jack was raised, although Cook did not proclaim sovereignty for England.