We can often complain about our changeable weather and that it’s too windy,wet or cold and perhaps all of the forementioned, if not more!

In a nation where there is constant change weatherwise, it is interesting to take at our look sunshine totals,as they don’t seem to reveal the inclement weather that can often prevail.

In a temperate or marine type climate, rather surprisingly our sunshine figures range from around 1600 hours a year in the deep south, up to near 2500 hours in Marlborough and Blenheim. Tauranga also enjoys plenty of natures rays and is generally the sunniest spot in the North Island.

The main reason for New Zealand enjoying relatively healthy sunshine numbers is that a majority of our weather systems move fairly rapidly, not allowing for cloud and rain to settle in for long, extended periods.Of course there are always exceptions to this, but as a general rule, windy conditions help to prevent dull times.

Wellington is the number 1 main centre for sunshine in this country but Auckland and Christchurch are just a matter of a few hours behind.Dunedin is often cloudier during the winter months, therefore affecting the overall total.

Residents in Dunedin, Balclutha, Gore and Invercargill alongside Stewart Island are affected by increasing cloudiness in particular, however long daylight hours during summer bump up the figures to a respectable total.

Internationally,the Gold Coast in Australia receives more than 3000 hours each year hence why there are so many beachgoers with a warmer and sunny climate but they are still a long way off from their American counterparts.

The U.S. is a very sunny country with Washington and Alaska being the only 2 states where totals are about average. California and Arizona are especially sunny with some areas getting around 95% of possible sunshine!

Canada and New Zealand have a few similarities, with Toronto and Vancouver having natures rays comparable to our main centres.

In the UK, London struggles to top 1500 hours annually and in winter, just an average of 1 hour a day, aids the English gloominess.Even during our darkest moments in winter, an average of 4 hours a day can be expected, even in the most southern regions. 

This weekend doesn’t look as if any sunshine figures will be broken, particularly out west but at least it looks like humidity in these areas might not make it feel quite so miserable in the liquid sunshine.