Weather in Веллингтон: What to Expect by Season

Веллингтон sits on the southern tip of New Zealand’s North Island, where the weather is shaped by its coastal location and the surrounding Cook Strait. The city enjoys a temperate maritime climate, meaning mild temperatures and moderate rainfall throughout the year. While Веллингтон rarely sees extreme heat or cold, the seasons still bring noticeable shifts in conditions, making it worth timing your visit to match your preferences.

Summers in Веллингтон are warm but rarely stifling, with average highs around +21.6 °C in January and February. Winters are cool but not harsh, with daytime temperatures hovering between +10.6 °C and +14.6 °C from June to September. Rainfall is spread across the year, though the winter months tend to be wetter, particularly July, when the city sees its highest precipitation levels.

Temperatures in Веллингтон follow a gentle curve, with the warmest months falling between December and March. During this period, daytime highs reach +18...+21.6 °C, while nights cool to around +13.3...+14.7 °C. The city’s coastal breezes often take the edge off the heat, making even the warmest days feel comfortable for exploring.

From May to September, Веллингтон cools down, with average highs dropping to +10.6...+16.1 °C. The coldest month, July, sees daytime temperatures around +13.4 °C and nighttime lows near +7.6 °C. While frost is rare, the cooler months can feel chilly, especially when the wind picks up. Spring and autumn offer a pleasant middle ground, with temperatures ranging from +11.8 °C in September to +18.2 °C in November.

Rain in Веллингтон is a year-round affair, but the amount varies by season. The driest months are January and February, with around 44.9–86.4 mm of rainfall, while the wettest period stretches from May to August, peaking in July at 123.6 mm. Even during the wetter months, rain often comes in short bursts rather than prolonged downpours, so it’s rare for a day to be completely washed out.

The city’s reputation for wind means that rain can feel more intense than the numbers suggest, especially in winter. If you’re visiting Веллингтон between June and August, packing a waterproof layer will help you stay comfortable. Spring and autumn offer a balance, with moderate rainfall and fewer extremes, making them ideal for outdoor activities.

For a summer trip to Веллингтон, lightweight clothing is ideal, but don’t forget a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. The city’s breezes can make +20 °C feel cooler, so layers are key. If you’re visiting in January or February, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential, as the UV index can be high even on overcast days.

Winter in Веллингтон calls for warmer layers, including a waterproof jacket to handle rain and wind. A scarf and gloves might come in handy for the chilliest days, particularly in July, when temperatures dip to +7.6 °C at night. For spring or autumn visits, pack a mix of light and medium-weight clothing, as temperatures can shift from +11 °C in the morning to +18 °C by afternoon.