Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit Wellington
🇳🇿 Wellington, New Zealand · Oceania
Based on 30-year climate data (1991-2020) from Open-Meteo
Recommended Travel Months
Jan
18°
15°
Great
Feb
19°
15°
Great
Mar
18°
14°
Great
Apr
16°
13°
Great
May
14°
11°
Good
Jun
12°
10°
Good
Jul
11°
9°
Good
Aug
12°
9°
Good
Sep
13°
10°
Good
Oct
14°
11°
Good
Nov
15°
12°
Great
Dec
17°
14°
Great
Month-by-Month Weather in Wellington
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sunshine | Humidity | UV | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryRecommended | 18°C | 15°C | 8 | 12h | 65% | 9 | Great | View |
| FebruaryRecommended | 19°C | 15°C | 7 | 11h | 65% | 9 | Great | View |
| MarchRecommended | 18°C | 14°C | 8 | 10h | 65% | 6 | Great | View |
| AprilRecommended | 16°C | 13°C | 10 | 8h | 65% | 6 | Great | View |
| May | 14°C | 11°C | 10 | 7h | 65% | 1 | Good | View |
| June | 12°C | 10°C | 12 | 6h | 65% | 1 | Good | View |
| July | 11°C | 9°C | 12 | 7h | 65% | 1 | Good | View |
| August | 12°C | 9°C | 13 | 8h | 65% | 1 | Good | View |
| September | 13°C | 10°C | 12 | 9h | 65% | 6 | Good | View |
| October | 14°C | 11°C | 12 | 10h | 65% | 6 | Good | View |
| NovemberRecommended | 15°C | 12°C | 10 | 11h | 65% | 9 | Great | View |
| DecemberRecommended | 17°C | 14°C | 11 | 12h | 65% | 9 | Great | View |
Data source: Open-Meteo ERA5 reanalysis archive, 30-year historical normals (1991-2020). Temperatures in Celsius. Sunshine hours are daily averages.
Seasonal Guide to Wellington
Spring (September to November)
Avg: 14°C high, 11°C low
The spring equivalent in Wellington brings gradually cool temperatures. Daytime highs reach around 14°C (57°F) while nights cool to 11°C (52°F). This is one of the wetter periods, so waterproof gear is recommended.
Summer (December to February)
Avg: 18°C high, 15°C low
Summer is the warmest season in Wellington, with temperatures reaching 18°C (64°F). Temperatures remain moderate, offering comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. Long daylight hours and abundant sunshine provide plenty of time to explore.
Fall (March to May)
Avg: 16°C high, 13°C low
Fall in Wellington is one of the best times to visit. Temperatures settle around 16°C (61°F) during the day and 13°C (55°F) at night. Rainfall increases slightly, but comfortable temperatures make up for it. Fewer tourists mean better prices.
Winter (June to August)
Avg: 12°C high, 9°C low
Winter in Wellington brings the coolest weather of the year. Layers are essential, and some outdoor attractions may have reduced hours. However, hotel prices typically drop and popular sites are less crowded.
When to Avoid Wellington
The least favorable time to visit Wellington is May and June. During this period, you can expect less favorable weather conditions.
May
Challenges: less favorable weather conditions
June
Challenges: frequent rain
July
Challenges: frequent rain
Note: visiting during off-peak months often means lower prices, fewer crowds, and a more authentic experience. Consider your priorities when planning your trip.
What to Pack for Wellington
Packing recommendations for visiting Wellington during the best travel months (January, February, March), when temperatures range from 15°C to 18°C:
- +Medium-weight layers and a warm jacket
- +Long pants and closed-toe shoes
- +A compact umbrella or light rain jacket
- +Sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat
- +Reusable water bottle
- +Universal power adapter
Wellington Year-Round Climate Overview
Wellington has a temperate oceanic climate (Koppen classification: Cfb). The warmest month is February with highs of 19°C, while the coldest month is July at just 11°C. Annual rainfall averages 890mm across approximately 125 rain days.
| Metric | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 18 | 19 | 18 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 17 |
| Low °C | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 |
| Rain Days | 8 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 11 |
| Rain mm | 57 | 58 | 62 | 72 | 71 | 91 | 85 | 83 | 78 | 90 | 75 | 68 |
| Sun h/day | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| Humidity % | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| UV Index | 9 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 9 |
Compare Nearby Destinations
Considering alternatives to Wellington? Compare the best travel months for nearby cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Wellington?+
The best time to visit Wellington is January, February, March. During these months, temperatures average 18°C (64°F) with 11 hours of daily sunshine and only 8 rain days per month. These conditions offer the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
What is the worst time to visit Wellington?+
The least ideal time to visit Wellington is May and June. During this period, you can expect less favorable weather conditions. While Wellington can still be visited during this time (often with fewer crowds and lower prices), the weather may limit outdoor activities.
Is Wellington good to visit in winter?+
Winter in Wellington (December to February) brings temperatures of 18°C (64°F) highs and 15°C (59°F) lows, with about 12 hours of sunshine and 9 rain days per month. This is generally a good time to visit.
What is the rainy season in Wellington?+
The rainy season in Wellington runs from August to August, when average rain days increase to 13 days per month. Total monthly precipitation during this period averages 83mm.
What should I pack for Wellington?+
When visiting Wellington during the best travel months (January, February, March), pack medium-weight layers, a warm jacket, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. A waterproof jacket and umbrella are essential. Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended, especially given the high UV index.
Is January a good time to visit Wellington?+
Yes, January is one of the best months to visit Wellington. Expect average highs of 18°C (64°F), 12 hours of daily sunshine, and only 8 rain days. The weather is ideal for exploring the city, visiting outdoor attractions, and enjoying local activities.
Detailed Monthly Weather for Wellington
For a complete day-by-day weather breakdown including packing lists, activities, and local events, explore each month individually:
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
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