A relatively cool and dry October is on the cards for many, including the Bay of Plenty.

The MetService says after a rough and tumble September for the North Island, it may come as a relief to many to see a drier October signalled in the outlook.

A dry October is on the cards for the Bay of Plenty.

Meteorologist Georgina Griffiths says low pressures targeted the North Island during September, bringing a much wetter month than usual.

'Of the six main centres, Auckland was the wettest, recording its third wettest September in more than 50 years of observation,” she says.

'In contrast, it was a dry start to spring for much of the South Island. September started out with a record run of dry weather for the West Coast.”

Hokitika and Wesport both experienced a 23-day run with no rainfall – equalling the longest dry spell on record for Wesport, and the second-longest in Hokitika.

But Georgina warns it's not all sunshine and barbecues in October.

She adds: 'The month starts off extremely cool, with blustery south-westerlies featuring in the first week.

'As the month progresses, expect winds to swing more westerly and the temperatures to return to more normal levels.”

Highs are expected to move in intermittently from the Tasman Sea about mid-month.

'Overall, south-westerlies are expected to prevail over New Zealand during October,” says Georgina, 'and temperatures are expected to be cooler than is usual at this time of year right across the country.

'Below normal October rainfall is likely for the north and east of both Islands.”