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
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 » [Resources]