Climate
Palmerston North's climate is temperate with maximum daytime temperatures averaging 22 °C (72 °F) in summer and 12 °C (54 °F) in winter. On average temperatures rise above 25 °C (77 °F) on 20 days of the year. Annual rainfall is approximately 960 mm (37.8 in) with rain occurring approximately 5% of the time. There are on average 200 rain-free days each year.
In the ranges that flank the city there is often sustained wind, especially in spring. Much of this land is within the city boundaries and these ranges have the reputation of providing the most consistent wind in the country.
Close to the city is the largest electricity-generating wind farm in the southern hemisphere, with 158 turbines in the Tararua and Ruahine Ranges providing power for approximately 30,000 homes.
Climate data for Palmerston North | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Average high °C (°F) | 22.4 (72.3) |
22.9 (73.2) |
21.1 (70.0) |
18.4 (65.1) |
15.3 (59.5) |
13.1 (55.6) |
12.6 (54.7) |
13.3 (55.9) |
14.9 (58.8) |
16.7 (62.1) |
18.5 (65.3) |
20.7 (69.3) |
17.5 (63.5) |
Average low °C (°F) | 13.4 (56.1) |
13.5 (56.3) |
12.1 (53.8) |
9.8 (49.6) |
7.4 (45.3) |
5.4 (41.7) |
4.7 (40.5) |
5.4 (41.7) |
7.2 (45.0) |
8.7 (47.7) |
10.2 (50.4) |
12 (54) |
9.1 (48.4) |
Precipitation mm (inches) | 65 (2.56) |
62 (2.44) |
74 (2.91) |
76 (2.99) |
94 (3.7) |
87 (3.43) |
94 (3.7) |
82 (3.23) |
83 (3.27) |
90 (3.54) |
78 (3.07) |
83 (3.27) |
966 (38.03) |
Source: NIWA Climate Data |
Read more about this topic: Palmerston North
Famous quotes containing the word climate:
“When we consider how much climate contributes to the happiness of our condition, by the fine sensation it excites, and the productions it is the parent of, we have reason to value highly the accident of birth in such a one as that of Virginia.”
—Thomas Jefferson (17431826)
“The question of place and climate is most closely related to the question of nutrition. Nobody is free to live everywhere; and whoever has to solve great problems that challenge all his strength actually has a very restricted choice in this matter. The influence of climate on our metabolism, its retardation, its acceleration, goes so far that a mistaken choice of place and climate can not only estrange a man from his task but can actually keep it from him: he never gets to see it.”
—Friedrich Nietzsche (18441900)
“There is much to be said against the climate on the coast of British Columbia and Alaska; yet, I believe that the scenery of one good day will compensate the tourists who will go there in increasing numbers.”
—Franklin D. Roosevelt (18821945)