Climate and monthly weather forecast
Wellington, New Zealand

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A red cable bus on the road in Wellington, New Zealand, with the view of the sea, mountains, and the city in the distance
A red cable bus on the road in Wellington, New Zealand, with the view of the sea, mountains, and the city in the distance

The climate of Wellington

Situated at the southernmost point of the North Island of New Zealand, Wellington experiences the Marine West Coast climate, known in the Köppen climate classification as Cfb. This typology signifies a climate with warm summers and no dry season, often characterized by mild temperatures throughout the year.

Rainfall exhibits fairly consistent distribution across all months, with a slight escalation from May to August, varying from 20mm (0.79") in February to 47mm (1.85") in June. Relative humidity remains almost the same all through the year, moving around 79%. Mean sea temperatures also exhibit mild fluctuations, ranging from 12.3°C (54.1°F) in August to 17.1°C (62.8°F) in February.

Furthermore, daylight hours reveal notable variations, from a low of 9.2 hours in June reaching up to 15.1 hours in December. During this period, sunshine duration also sees an incline, reaching 9.4 hours from the minimum 5.4 hours in June. Wellington endures winds at an average speed fluctuating from 23.1km/h (14.4mph) in March to 26.9km/h (16.7mph) in September, reaching peak speeds of 39.5km/h (24.5mph).

The best time to visit Wellington

Wellington’s pleasant climate renders it a year-round destination. However, to make the most out of the warm and balmy weather conditions, it would be best to visit between December and February. These months see the highest daytime temperatures, averaging from 17.2°C (63°F) to 18.8°C (65.8°F) and longest durations of daylight, between 14.4 to 15.1 hours, granting plenty of time for sightseeing. Moreover, the sunshine duration is at its maximum, from 9.2 to 9.4 hours, ensuring ample sunny spells. Sea temperatures during this period also favor swimming, peaking around 15.8°C (60.4°F) to 17.1°C (62.8°F).

The worst time to visit Wellington

While Wellington is a city that can be enjoyed throughout the year, tourists looking to avoid harsh weather conditions may find June to August less appealing. These winter months witness lower temperatures, falling between 9°C (48.2°F) to 11.8°C (53.2°F), and higher precipitation levels, peaking at 47mm (1.85") in June. Additionally, the city also experiences shorter daylight hours, from 9.2 to 10.5 hours, along with less sunshine duration, hovering from 5.4 to 7.2 hours.

Spring weather in Wellington

During spring, which spans from September to November, Wellington sees temperatures fluctuating from 11.8°C (53.2°F) to 15.2°C (59.4°F). This season witnesses a steady increase in daylight hours, from 11.8 hours in September to 14.4 hours in November. Correspondingly, the duration of sunshine also elevates from 7.5 hours in September to 9.2 hours in November. However, rainfall during this period averages around 34mm (1.34") to 36mm (1.42").

Summer weather in Wellington

Wellington’s summer season from December to February is characterized by comfortable temperatures qui stay between 17.2°C (63°F) and 18.8°C (65.8°F). Daylight is ample, varying from 14.4 hours to 15.1 hours, while sunshine duration ranges from 9.2 to 9.4 hours. Nevertheless, rainfall is still a common occurrence and amounts to around 20mm (0.79").

Autumn weather in Wellington

Autumn in Wellington, from March to May, witnesses a gradual decrease in temperatures, from 15.8°C (60.4°F) to 12.3°C (54.1°F). The daylight hours also lessen from 12.4 hours to 9.8 hours in May. Corresponding to this, the duration of sunshine reduces to 7.4 hours from 8 hours. Furthermore, rainfall increases during this period, averaging between 26mm (1.02") to 37mm (1.46").

Winter weather in Wellington

Winter, extending from June to August, undergoes a slight decline in temperatures, ranging between 9°C (48.2°F) and 11.4°C (52.5°F). Meanwhile, daylight hours increase marginally from 9.2 to 10.5 hours. The sunshine duration varies from 5.4 to 7.2 hours, implying shorter sunny spells than other seasons. Additionally, rainfall peaks during this season, extending from 35mm (1.38") to 47mm (1.85") in June.

Weather in January

A summer month in Wellington, January paints a picture of warm days and relatively comfortable nights. Considering the weather in the prior month of December, January offers marginally higher temperatures, while staying a touch warmer compared to the upcoming month of February. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February continues the warm trend set by January, albeit with a slight drop in daytime temperatures. It’s important to remember that while February is typically thought of as the last month of summer in Wellington, it ushers in an air of transition as the days gradually draw shorter. Weather in February »

Weather in March

With March arrives the onset of autumn. Although the city experiences a dip in temperatures from the summer months, the weather remains reasonably mild and pleasant as compared to the chilly climate of April. This makes it ideal for people to continue enjoying outdoor activities. Weather in March »

Weather in April

Crushing into autumn, April brings radical changes to Wellington's weather patterns compared to the previous season. The dropping temperatures coupled with an average of 37mm (1.46") rainfall signify the transition from warm to cooler weather. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May introduces the early signs of winter in Wellington, marking the quiet departure of autumn. Compared to April, the city experiences lower temperatures, specifically in the evenings, hinting towards the colder days ahead in June. Weather in May »

Weather in June

The height of winter, June showcases temperatures dipping down to a year's low. However, compared to the upcoming July, this month has a slightly warmer weather pattern, offering some respite from the intense cold. The winter months in Wellington are hallmarked by the heaviest rainfall of the year at 47mm (1.85"). Weather in June »

Weather in July

July is chiefly characterized by its cold temperatures, with the winter months holding Wellington in its icy grasp. The city prepares for the coldest month, August, by experiencing an average low of 9°C (48.2°F). Enhancing the sense of chill, the daylight hours shrink even further. Weather in July »

Weather in August

Wellington in August witnesses no significant relief from the icy winter conditions. Moving from July, the air feels a tad colder. However, the city experiences a slight reduction in rainfall, from 44mm (1.73") to 35mm (1.38") in the previous month. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September acts as a harbinger of spring, with daylight hours slowly stretching out. A subtle rise in temperatures, compared to August, signifies Wellington's transition to a milder weather pattern towards October. Although the temperatures start to thaw, rainfall maintains a constant pattern, keeping the city's landscape lush. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October exhibits a much-awaited rise in temperatures in Wellington, signaling the true arrival of spring. Moving away from the relatively cold September, October provides residents with a gentle, cozy warmth. The increased daylight hours encourage outdoor activities. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November in Wellington positions itself as a balance between the closing months of October and December. Maintaining an average temperature from 15.2°C (59.4°F) to 12°C (53.6°F), November is often associated with the advent of summer. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December rings in the return of summer to Wellington. There is an apparent surge in temperatures compared to November, lending a festive air to the city. The daylight hours extend, bringing along an increased UV index. Wind speeds remain similar to the previous month, offering a cool respite from the heat. Weather in December »
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Frequently asked questions

What is the driest month in Wellington?

The months with the least rainfall are January and February Rain falls for 9.6 days and accumulates 20mm (0.79") of rain.

How many days does it rain in Wellington?

Throughout the year, in Wellington, New Zealand, there are 144.3 rainfall days, and 394mm (15.51") of precipitation is accumulated.

What is the month with the highest UV index in Wellington?

The months with the highest UV index in Wellington are January through March and December, with an average maximum UV index of 5.

What month is the hottest in Wellington?

February is the warmest month in Wellington, New Zealand, with an average high-temperature of 18.8°C (65.8°F) and an average low-temperature of 15.4°C (59.7°F).

What is the most humid month in Wellington?

The months with the highest humidity in Wellington are February through April and December, with an average relative humidity of 80%.

What month is the sea warmest in Wellington?

The month with the warmest seawater in Wellington is February, with an average sea temperature of 17.1°C (62.8°F).

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Wellington?

On Sunday, 07. April 2024, at 3:00 am, Daylight Saving Time ends in Wellington, New Zealand, and the time zone changes from NZDT to NZST. The next Daylight Saving Time starts on Sunday, 29. September 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from NZST to NZDT.

What are the months with the lowest UV index in Wellington?

May and June, with an average maximum UV index of 3, are months with the lowest UV index in Wellington, New Zealand.

What is the wettest month in Wellington?

June is the month with the most rainfall in Wellington. Rain falls for 14.5 days and accumulates 47mm (1.85") of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days in Wellington?

June has the shortest days of the year in Wellington, with an average of 9h and 12min of daylight.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Wellington?

June has the least sunshine of the year in Wellington, with an average of 5.4h of sunshine.

What is the coldest month in Wellington?

Wellington's coldest month, July, generally records average temperatures ranging from a high of 11.4°C (52.5°F) to a low of 9°C (48.2°F).

What is the least humid month in Wellington?

The least humid month in Wellington, New Zealand, is July, with an average relative humidity of 78%.

When is the sea coldest in Wellington?

With an average sea temperature of 12.3°C (54.1°F), August is the month with the coldest seawater.

When are the longest days in Wellington?

The month with the longest days in Wellington is December, with an average of 15h and 6min of daylight.

What month has the most sunshine in Wellington?

December has the most sunshine of the year in Wellington, New Zealand, with an average of 9.4h of sunshine.

Average temperature
Wellington, New Zealand

Average temperature - Wellington, New Zealand

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is February (18.8°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is July (11.4°C).

The month with the highest average low temperature is February (15.4°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is July (9°C).

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Average pressure
Wellington, New Zealand

Average pressure - Wellington, New Zealand

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is March (1017.7mbar).
The months with the lowest atmospheric pressure are September and November (1012.2mbar).

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Average wind speed
Wellington, New Zealand

Average wind speed - Wellington, New Zealand

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is September (26.9km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is March (23.1km/h).

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Average humidity
Wellington, New Zealand

Average humidity - Wellington, New Zealand

The months with the highest relative humidity are February, March, April and December (80%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is July (78%).

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Average rainfall
Wellington, New Zealand

Average rainfall - Wellington, New Zealand

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (47mm).
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are January and February (20mm).

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Average rainfall days
Wellington, New Zealand

Average rainfall days - Wellington, New Zealand

The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (14.5 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (8 days).

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Average sea temperature
Wellington, New Zealand

Average sea temperature - Wellington, New Zealand

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is February (17.1°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is August (12.3°C).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
Wellington, New Zealand

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Wellington, New Zealand

The month with the longest days is December (Average daylight: 15h and 6min).
The month with the shortest days is June (Average daylight: 9h and 12min).

The month with the most sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 9h and 24min).
The month with the least sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 5h and 24min).

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Average sunshine days
Wellington, New Zealand

Average sunshine days - Wellington, New Zealand

The month with the most sunshine days is March (19 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (11.5 days).

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Average UV index
Wellington, New Zealand

Average UV index - Wellington, New Zealand

The months with the highest UV index are January, February, March and December (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are May and June (UV index 3).

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Average visibility
Wellington, New Zealand

Average visibility - Wellington, New Zealand

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (10km).

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Wellington, New Zealand

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