Sun smiled in September

September was drier and sunnier than normal in many regions.

Of the four main centres, Wellington, warmer and drier than average, was the sunniest with 185 hours, Christchurch was cloudier and drier than average, Auckland warmer than average and Dunedin sunnier with near average rainfall and temperature.

Niwa scientist Jim Salinger said September was the third consecutive month with above-average temperatures almost everywhere.

"The national average was 11.1 degrees, 0.7 degrees above average," he said.

The highest was 23.6C in Hanmer Forest on September 11 and Henderson, Auckland, on September 12.

The lowest temperature for the month was -7C at Arthur's Pass on September 19.