Weather in Wellington

Planning your day in Wellington or just curious about the current weather? In this section, you will find the latest information on weather conditions, as well as up-to-date forecasts and useful charts.

Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, boasts a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild temperatures throughout the year. There is no exhausting heat or severe frost here, making the city comfortable to visit at any time. Average annual temperature fluctuations are relatively small: the warmest months average around 17-19°C, while the coolest are around 10-12°C.

Wellington has four distinct seasons typical of the Southern Hemisphere. Summer (December to February) offers the warmest and sunniest weather, with average maximum temperatures reaching 19°C in January and the fewest rainy days (about 7 per month). Winter (June to August) is cooler, with average temperatures around 10-12°C; this time of year sees more cloudy days and a higher number of days with precipitation. Spring (September-November) and Autumn (March-May) are pleasant transitional seasons with moderate temperatures.

One of the characteristic features of the weather in Wellington is its variability. Be prepared for precipitation at any time of the year. Although the total amount of rainfall is reportedly low (usually 1-4 mm per month), the number of rainy days is quite significant, especially in winter (July and August – up to 15 rainy days). This means that rains here are frequent but tend to be light or drizzly rather than torrential. Therefore, a light waterproof jacket will be useful at any time of the year.

The climate in Wellington is characterized by moderate temperatures throughout the year, without sharp fluctuations. The warmest months are traditionally January and February, when the average air temperature holds at 17.2°C and 16.9°C respectively. During these summer months, the daily maximum can reach a pleasant 19°C in January and 18.7°C in February, while night-time lows drop to 15.4°C and 15.1°C. The coolest months are considered to be July and August with an average temperature of about 10°C. In July, the average maximum is 11.6°C, and the minimum is 8.5°C, indicating a mild winter without severe frosts.

Summer in Wellington can be described as pleasantly warm, without exhausting heat. Average maximum temperatures rarely exceed 19°C, creating comfortable conditions for walking and outdoor activities. Winters, in turn, are quite mild and cool. Average minimum temperatures in the coldest months (July-August) hover around 8.5-8.7°C, and daily highs rise to 11.6-11.7°C. This means that even in winter, the temperature rarely drops below freezing.

Analyzing the data, it can be noted that diurnal temperature fluctuations in Wellington are small. The difference between the average maximum and average minimum temperature during the month is usually only 3-4°C. For example, in January the difference between 19.0°C and 15.4°C is 3.6°C, and in July between 11.6°C and 8.5°C is 3.1°C. This indicates a stable temperature regime without sharp jumps between day and night readings, which is typical for a maritime climate.

In Wellington, precipitation is observed throughout the year, though its intensity and frequency vary. The wettest period falls on the winter months, peaking in July and August. Summer months, especially January and February, are generally drier, with less rainfall and fewer rainy days.

According to monthly average data, July is the wettest month, with about 4 mm of precipitation falling, and the number of rainy days reaching 15. August is also characterized by a high frequency of precipitation, with approximately 15 rainy days, although the total amount of rainfall is slightly less, about 3 mm. The driest month is January, with only 1 mm of precipitation, and the number of rainy days is minimal – about 7. February is also relatively dry, with 3 mm of precipitation and approximately 7 rainy days.

Given the low total volumes of monthly precipitation even during the wettest periods, it can be assumed that rain in Wellington most often takes the form of light drizzle or brief showers rather than heavy and prolonged downpours. Snow, based on temperature data, is not a typical phenomenon. In transitional seasons, such as Spring (September-November) and Autumn (March-May), the number of rainy days ranges from 9 to 13, and the average monthly rainfall is 2-3 mm, indicating a moderate frequency of precipitation.

When planning a trip to Wellington, it is important to consider its changeable weather, especially the famous winds and frequent, though not always heavy, precipitation. The key to a comfortable stay is layering your clothes. Regardless of the season, it is recommended to have a windproof and waterproof jacket with you. A light sweater or fleece jacket will also come in handy, as the temperature can change during the day, and the wind can make the weather feel significantly colder. Don't forget comfortable shoes for walking around the hilly city.

In summer in Wellington (December-February), the average temperature stays around 17-19°C. At this time, T-shirts, light trousers, or shorts will be useful. However, even in summer, evenings can be cool, so a light jacket or jumper will not go amiss. Be sure to take sunscreen, as the sun in New Zealand can be very active. In winter (June-August), the average temperature is about 10-12°C. For this period, you will need warm clothes: sweaters, warm trousers, a hat, a scarf, and gloves, as well as reliable waterproof and windproof outerwear. The number of days with precipitation increases in winter, so a compact umbrella or a good raincoat will be very useful.

In the off-season – Spring (September-November) and Autumn (March-May) – the weather in Wellington can be particularly unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from cool to moderately warm. During these months, the principle of layering is especially important. A light T-shirt, a jumper or fleece jacket over it, and definitely a windproof jacket. Given that there are quite a few rainy days throughout the year (from 7 to 15 per month), it is worth having a small umbrella or a light raincoat with you at all times, regardless of the season.