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Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington, New Zealand

Best Time to Visit Wellington

Weather month by month, from 20 years of weather-station records.

Best months
January, February, and March
Warmest month
January, 22°C
Wettest month
July, 116 mm

Wellington weather by month

Average daily high and low, total rainfall and days with at least 2.5 mm of rain.

MonthHigh / lowRainVerdict
January22°C / 14°C50 mm · 4 daysGreat
February22°C / 14°C70 mm · 5 daysGreat
March20°C / 13°C68 mm · 6 daysGreat
April18°C / 12°C77 mm · 6 daysFair
May16°C / 10°C102 mm · 8 daysFair
June14°C / 7°C102 mm · 9 daysFair
July13°C / 7°C116 mm · 9 daysFair
August13°C / 7°C110 mm · 9 daysFair
September15°C / 8°C82 mm · 8 daysFair
October16°C / 10°C83 mm · 7 daysFair
November18°C / 12°C65 mm · 6 daysFair
December20°C / 13°C77 mm · 6 daysGreat

Wellington by season

Spring

Spring (September-November) brings blooming flowers in the Botanic Garden, warmer temperatures, and less wind than summer. It's a lively time as the city shakes off winter.

  • + Beautiful gardens and parks
  • + Shoulder season prices
  • + Good hiking weather
  • − Weather can be unpredictable, with some rain
  • − Ocean is still quite cold for swimming

Summer

Summer (December-February) is peak season with long, sunny days, festivals like the NZ Festival of the Arts, and buzzing outdoor dining. The famous wind is often at its calmest.

  • + Warmest weather (avg 20°C)
  • + Major festivals and events
  • + Perfect for waterfront activities
  • − Most crowded and expensive
  • − Accommodation books out far in advance

Autumn

Autumn (March-May) offers crisp, clear days, stunning foliage in the town belt, and the tail end of good weather. It's an excellent time for hiking and enjoying the city without the summer crowds.

  • + Pleasant, mild temperatures
  • + Beautiful autumn colors
  • + Fewer tourists
  • − Days get shorter
  • − Weather becomes more variable towards May

Winter

Winter (June-August) is cool, windy, and rainy, but the cultural scene heats up indoors with film festivals, theatre, and cozy cafes. Snow is rare in the city but can dust the surrounding hills.

  • + Lowest accommodation rates
  • + Vibrant indoor arts and culture scene
  • + Great for museum-hopping
  • − Coldest weather (avg 9°C) and strong winds
  • − Short daylight hours

Wellington month by month

Wellington in January

Great

In January, Wellington averages highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C, with about 4 rainy days and 50 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.

Wellington in February

Great

In February, Wellington averages highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C, with about 5 rainy days and 70 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.

Wellington in March

Great

In March, Wellington averages highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C, with about 6 rainy days and 68 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.

Wellington in April

Fair

In April, Wellington averages highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C, with about 6 rainy days and 77 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.

Wellington in May

Fair

In May, Wellington averages highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C, with about 8 rainy days and 102 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.

Wellington in June

Fair

In June, Wellington averages highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C, with about 9 rainy days and 102 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.

Wellington in July

Fair

In July, Wellington averages highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C, with about 9 rainy days and 116 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.

Wellington in August

Fair

In August, Wellington averages highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C, with about 9 rainy days and 110 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.

Wellington in September

Fair

In September, Wellington averages highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C, with about 8 rainy days and 82 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.

Wellington in October

Fair

In October, Wellington averages highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C, with about 7 rainy days and 83 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.

Wellington in November

Fair

In November, Wellington averages highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C, with about 6 rainy days and 65 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.

Wellington in December

Great

In December, Wellington averages highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C, with about 6 rainy days and 77 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.

Top tours and experiences in Wellington

The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.

Wellington: Wētā Workshop 90-minute Tour

Wellington: Wētā Workshop 90-minute Tour

4.81,028 reviews1h 30m
Wellington's Original LOTR Experience - includes Weta and Lunch

Wellington's Original LOTR Experience - includes Weta and Lunch

4.8607 reviews8h
All things to do in Wellington →

Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.

Plan your Wellington trip

Best time to visit Wellington: FAQ

What is the best month to visit Wellington?+

January is the most comfortable month on average, with highs of 22°C. February and March are close behind.

What is the rainiest month in Wellington?+

July is the wettest month, with about 116 mm of rain.

How hot does Wellington get?+

January is the warmest month, with average highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. The coldest nights come in July, averaging 7°C.

Averages for 2006–2025 from the WELLINGTON AERO AWS weather station (6 km from the centre), NOAA Global Historical Climatology Network. Verdicts rate sightseeing comfort from daytime highs and rainy days.