Cheer up - summer's over.
A poll of 400 Kiwis has found autumn is their favourite season. Summer came a close second in the poll by WeatherWatch but it seems we prefer the cooler nights that are on the way.
"The beaches will still be warm and, as school and university are back in full swing, it can be a time for those who can to take advantage of those empty beaches," said forecaster Philip Duncan.
Of those who voted, 36 per cent picked autumn as the best season. Summer was edged out with 34 per cent and spring claimed third spot with 18 per cent.
Unsurprisingly, winter was the cellar dweller, though 12 per cent said it was their favoured time of the year.
Today is the first day of autumn on the meteorological calendar. The astronomical date is on the equinox in three weeks.
Duncan stressed the end of summer did not mean the end of sunny weather.