It may take a couple of weeks before the summer season really kicks off

NIWA's Summer Climate Outlook forecasts El Niño weather will likely bring dry spells in several regions across the country.

However, heavy rain is possible in the North Island during the first week of this month.

NIWA Meteorologist Ben Noll says a rain band will move over Wellington and Taranaki from tomorrow - and several other areas of the North Island mid-next week.

He says there will be several rounds of rain to start the season at the start of this month - and it'll likely bring rather humid conditions as well.