Blenheim is located on the North Coast of New Zealand's South Island and enjoys New Zealand's sunniest climate, receiving almost 2,500 hours of bright sunshine per annum.
Climate Data for Blenheim, New Zealand
| Month | Av. Daily Maximum Temp. (OC)  |
Av. Daily Minimum Temp. (OC)  |
Av. hours Sunshine (per day)  |
Av. No. Days with at least 0.25 mm Rainfall  |
Average Afternoon Humidity |
||
| Jan. | 24 | 13 | 8.3 | 8 | 70 | ||
| Feb. | 24 | 12 | 7.9 | 6 | 75 | ||
| Mar. | 22 | 11 | 7.2 | 6 | 75 | ||
| Apr. | 19 | 8 | 6.4 | 7 | 80 | ||
| May | 16 | 5 | 5.7 | 9 | 80 | ||
| Jun. | 13 | 3 | 5.1 | 9 | 80 | ||
| Jul. | 13 | 2 | 5.1 | 11 | 80 | ||
| Aug. | 14 | 3 | 5.9 | 10 | 78 | ||
| Sep. | 16 | 6 | 6.1 | 9 | 80 | ||
| Oct. | 18 | 7 | 7.2 | 9 | 75 | ||
| Nov. | 20 | 10 | 7.6 | 8 | 65 | ||
| Dec. | 22 | 11 | 8.2 | 8 | 65 | ||
|
| |||||||
The main weather hazard faced by Blenheim's residents is the strength of the sun - particularly in summer.
In high summer, the sunshine in New Zealand is really strong. You'll burn more easily in New Zealand than anywhere in the Mediterranean.
There are three reasons why the sun in the Southern Hemisphere is so strong.
There is less ozone to block the UV rays that cause sunburn.
Earth's orbit takes it closer to the sun during the southern summer than during the northern summer.
There is less pollution in the southern hemisphere to block the UV rays.
The sun's burning strength is measured by the UV index. The highest possible UV index at sea-level is about 20. This can occur at midday in equatorial regions. Any reading higher than 10 is extreme in terms of skin-damage.
The UV Index in the Mediterranean in high-summer reaches 9 or 10.
The people in Florida are fried on a just a few days each summer when the index reaches 12.
In New Zealand the summer index often exceeds 12.
Return to the New Zealand Climate Guide.