Station Imports

Climate

The climate of Central Otago is continental. The southern most part of the island is wider than the rest of the mountainous island which contributes to a climate that is more typically found in the interior of a large continent.

Continental climates have a wider swing of daily temperatures than do coastal climates. This means the days are hotter and the nights colder than any other part of the island, save for the high peaks.

Central Otago is a mountainous region surrounded by rain forests and coastal areas. Central Otago is the only true continental climate in the entire country. This uniquely qualifies this region for growing fine Pinot Noir grapes as well as a host of other fine grapes including Chardonnays.

Rainfall varies between 220 inches per year at Milford Sound to about 30 inches in Dunedin.

Weather patterns are erratic ranging from very dry conditions to overwhelming rains. Be sure to visit the links to the left side to take an in-depth look at the different conditions that occur throughout the Otago Region. These resources help to paint a picture of a diverse set of conditions that vary greatly within a small geographic area. This diversity creates a region that serves up grapes and wines with unique characteristics and distinct complex personalities.

Below are links to temperature and precipitation average statistics for Queenstown and Dunedin. Dunedin has an elevation of four feet above sea level and a maritime climate while Queenstown is 1,167 feet above sea level, is situated in a mountain rain shadow and has a continental climate. Queenstown is nestled against the Southeastern flanks of the Southern Alps.

Statistical Averages For Dunedin and Queenstown
Average High Temperature	Average	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Queenstown	59	71	70	67	60	52	47	46	50	56	60	64	69
Dunedin	58	66	66	63	59	53	49	48	51	55	59	62	65
Average Low Temperature	Average	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Queenstown	41	49	50	47	43	36	33	31	34	37	41	44	48
Dunedin	44	50	50	48	45	41	39	37	38	41	42	45	48
Average Precipitation	Average	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Queenstown	32	3.2	2.9	3.0	2.9	2.6	2.2	2.2	2.5	2.6	3.0	2.5	2.4
Dunedin	36	3.4	2.8	3.0	2.8	3.2	3.2	3.1	3.0	2.7	3.0	3.2	3.5

This graph below shows the differences between the average low temperatures for Queenstown and Dunedin. Since temperature swings greatly influence grape choices, this area and the continental climate that only occurs here, create this diverse set of microclimates.

Click here for statistics for Dunedin used in these graphs

Click here for statistics for Queenstown used in these graphs

Climate

Statistical Averages For Dunedin and Queenstown