Weather & Climate in Cromwell, New Zealand
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Cromwell experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 59°F in January while summers reach 35°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. Annual precipitation totals 32.9 inches. The area receives 3.5 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 696 feet.
Temperature
59°F Jan (15°C)
35°F Jul (2°C)
| Annual Average | 48.0°F |
| 11% below US avg | |
| January Average | 59°F (15°C) |
| July Average | 35°F (2°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 696 ft (212 m) |
| Coordinates | 45.0384°S, 169.2001°E |
| Timezone | Pacific/Auckland |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Earthquake History
269 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M5.8.
| Dec 7, 2001 | 59 km NNW of Wanaka, New Zealand | M5.8 | 96 km | 10 km |
| Jun 24, 2020 | 87 km NNW of Te Anau, New Zealand | M5.6 | 143 km | 11 km |
| May 4, 2015 | 28 km NW of Wanaka, New Zealand | M5.6 | 63 km | 10 km |
| May 2, 2005 | 83 km N of Wanaka, New Zealand | M5.4 | 122 km | 13 km |
| Feb 24, 2002 | 79 km NW of Wanaka, New Zealand | M5.4 | 114 km | 12 km |
| Oct 20, 1998 | 104 km NNE of Wanaka, New Zealand | M5.4 | 139 km | 10 km |
| Aug 12, 2019 | 80 km NW of Queenstown, New Zealand | M5.4 | 116 km | 10 km |
| Nov 29, 1991 | 97 km NW of Queenstown, New Zealand | M5.3 | 130 km | 10 km |
| Jun 12, 2011 | 86 km NW of Arrowtown, New Zealand | M5.2 | 116 km | 5 km |
| Jul 10, 1990 | South Island of New Zealand | M5.2 | 128 km | 10 km |
| Jul 6, 2015 | 56 km NE of Wanaka, New Zealand | M5.1 | 82 km | 10 km |
| Aug 21, 2003 | 25 km NNW of Te Anau, New Zealand | M5.1 | 130 km | 12 km |
| Feb 28, 1996 | 48 km N of Te Anau, New Zealand | M5.1 | 121 km | 118 km |
| Apr 26, 2020 | 56 km NNW of Te Anau, New Zealand | M5.0 | 131 km | 78 km |
| May 2, 2005 | 85 km N of Wanaka, New Zealand | M5.0 | 123 km | 14 km |
| Jun 10, 2011 | 85 km NW of Wanaka, New Zealand | M4.9 | 117 km | 5 km |
| Aug 5, 1999 | 89 km NW of Queenstown, New Zealand | M4.9 | 127 km | 33 km |
| Apr 2, 2005 | 67 km ENE of Wanaka, New Zealand | M4.9 | 91 km | 12 km |
| Jul 31, 2011 | 45 km NW of Te Anau, New Zealand | M4.9 | 148 km | 100 km |
| Jan 30, 2017 | 72 km NNW of Wanaka, New Zealand | M4.9 | 108 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tsunami History
2 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
| Year | Location | Cause | Max Wave | Deaths | Distance |
| 2002 | ALBERT TOWN | Meteorological | - | - | 38 km |
| 1886 | JACKSON BAY, SOUTH ISLAND | Meteorological | - | - | 129 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database.
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 59°F (15°C) | 2.8 in | Warmest |
| February | 59°F (15°C) | 1.6 in | Driest |
| March | 55°F (13°C) | 2.8 in | |
| April | 49°F (9°C) | 2.4 in | |
| May | 42°F (5°C) | 3.0 in | |
| June | 36°F (2°C) | 3.0 in | |
| July | 35°F (2°C) | 3.5 in | Coldest, Wettest |
| August | 39°F (4°C) | 2.5 in | |
| September | 44°F (7°C) | 2.6 in | |
| October | 49°F (9°C) | 3.3 in | |
| November | 53°F (11°C) | 2.3 in | |
| December | 57°F (14°C) | 3.2 in |
Cromwell has a seasonal temperature swing of 24°F / from 35°F in July to 59°F in January. Total annual precipitation is 32.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.5") and February the driest (1.6").