Robbed of Summer: NZ Wettest January | Splittly
It's the question on every Kiwi's lips: "Where is summer?" January 2026 has officially been recorded as one of the wettest and sun-starved months in New Zealand's history.
Gloomy Statistics
NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research) reports that most regions have received less than 85% of their usual January sunshine. Cities like Auckland and Wellington have seen relentless rain, forcing the cancellation of outdoor events, festivals, and beach days. The "summer" vibe has been thoroughly dampened by persistent cloud cover and cooler temperatures.
Impact on Tourism
The dismal weather has hit the tourism sector hard. Campgrounds are emptier than usual, and hospitality businesses relying on outdoor dining are seeing a drop in revenue. Local travelers are canceling trips or opting for indoor activities, leaving many holiday hotspots quieter than expected for this time of year.
Moving the Party Indoors?
If your beach BBQ turned into a house party or a movie marathon, expenses can still add up. Ordering pizza, buying snacks, or renting movies?
Don't let the rain dampen your spirits or your friendships. Use Splittly to split the costs of your indoor fun.
Start Splitting ExpensesHope for February?
There is a silver lining on the grey horizon. Meteorologists are predicting a shift in weather patterns for February, with warmer, drier conditions expected to finally arrive. So don't pack away the swimsuits just yet—summer might just be fashionably late.