Wellington features a temperate oceanic climate with mild, breezy summers and cool, damp winters. Known as the “Windy City,” it experiences frequent winds, moderate rainfall year-round, and over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually. Seasonal changes bring subtle temperature shifts, lush green landscapes, and a dynamic weather pattern that defines New Zealand’s southernmost capital.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Wellington’s climate is shaped by its coastal position at the southern tip of New Zealand’s North Island, bordered by the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean. Summers (December–March) are mild and sunny, with average highs of 19–21°C and lows around 14–15°C. The sun is strong, UV levels are high, and sea breezes keep temperatures comfortable, though cool, windy, and rainy days can still occur. Rainfall is moderate, with 7–8 wet days per month, and the sea temperature peaks at 17–18°C. Even in summer, weather can shift quickly, so layers and sun protection are essential.
Winters (June–August) are cool and damp, with average highs of 11–13°C and lows near 7–8°C. Rain is frequent, especially in June and July (12–13 days/month), and strong southerly winds can make it feel colder than the thermometer suggests. Snow is very rare in the city but possible in the surrounding hills. Sunshine drops to 3–4 hours per day in winter, and daylight is shortest in June. Spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) are transitional, with temperatures ranging from 13–17°C, variable rainfall, and breezy conditions. Annual precipitation is about 1,250 mm, and Wellington’s weather is famously unpredictable, so be prepared for sun, wind, and rain in any season.
| Average climate data for Wellington, New Zealand | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 18 | 19 | 18 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 19 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 9 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 20 | 20 | 26 | 37 | 33 | 47 | 44 | 35 | 25 | 34 | 36 | 37 | 395 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 10 | 8 | 9 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 11 | 12 | 144 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 78 | 81 | 81 | 80 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 80 | 80 | 78 | 78 | 80 | 79 |
| Average wind speed (km/h) | 25 | 24 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 24 | 26 | 24 | 26 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 25 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 17 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 15 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 |
| Average cloud coverage (%) | 30 | 29 | 32 | 37 | 39 | 43 | 41 | 39 | 39 | 37 | 33 | 36 | 36 |
| Average UV index | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
The best time to visit Wellington is during summer, from December to March, when temperatures are mild (14–21°C), days are long and sunny, and the city is vibrant with festivals and outdoor events. This period offers the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing, waterfront activities, and exploring Wellington’s natural and cultural highlights.
The least favourable time to visit is from June to August, when Wellington is coolest, wettest, and windiest. Rain and strong southerly winds are frequent, daylight is limited, and outdoor activities can be disrupted by chilly, damp, and unpredictable weather, though the city’s indoor attractions remain appealing.
Wellington has a temperate oceanic climate with mild summers (19–21°C), cool, damp winters (11–13°C), and moderate rainfall all year. Strong winds and rapid weather changes are typical, earning it the nickname 'Windy City.'
Summer temperatures in Wellington typically reach 19–21°C, with occasional peaks up to 25–26°C. The sun is strong, UV levels are high, and sea breezes keep the air feeling fresh and comfortable.
Snow is very rare in Wellington city, though it can occasionally fall in the surrounding hills during winter. The city’s winters are more often marked by rain, wind, and cool temperatures.
Rain falls year-round, but the wettest period is from May to August, with 12–13 rainy days per month. Winter also brings the strongest winds and lowest sunshine hours.
Wellington enjoys about 2,000 hours of sunshine annually. Summer months have up to 6–7 hours of sun per day, while winter averages just 3–4 hours due to frequent clouds and rain.
Pack layers, a windproof jacket, and an umbrella for all seasons. Sun protection is essential year-round due to strong UV rays. Waterproof shoes and warm clothing are recommended, especially in winter.
Wellington is famously windy, with frequent strong breezes year-round, especially in winter and spring. Humidity is moderate to high, making cool days feel colder and warm days comfortable.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is February (18.8 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is July (11.5 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 14.9 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is February (15.4 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is July (8.9 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 12 °C.
The month with the highest average water temperature is February (17.1 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is August (12.2 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 14.6 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is June (47.5 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is February (20 mm). Over the whole year there are 394.8 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is June (14.5 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is February (8.1 days). Over the whole year there are 144.4 days of rain on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is March (80.8 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is November (77.8 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 79.2 %.
The windiest month, with the highest average wind speed, is October (27 km/h). The calmest month, with the lowest average wind speed, is March (23 km/h). The overall average wind speed over the whole year is 25.1 km/h.
The month with the cloudiest skies, so the highest cloud coverage, is June (43.2 %). The month with the clearest skies, so the lowest cloud coverage, is February (29.1 %). Over the whole year there is an average cloud coverage of 36.2 %.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is December (Average daylight: 15 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is June (Average daylight: 9 h). Over the whole year there are 11.7 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is November (Average sunshine: 9 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is June (Average sunshine: 5.1 h). Over the whole year there are 7.4 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are January, February, March and December (UV index: 5). The months with the lowest average UV index are May and June (UV index: 3). Over the whole year the average UV index is 4.2.
