Wellington, New Zealand

The climate in Wellington is mild year-round, with annual average temperatures spanning 11°C / 53°F during July up to 19°C / 66°F in February.

Annual rainfall patterns show an average of 76 mm / 3.0 inches per month, with July being the wettest (94 mm / 3.7 inches) and January the driest (53 mm / 2.1 inches).

UV peaks in December (index 9) and drops to its lowest in June (index 3); strong sun protection is essential during summer months.

Daylight hours range from about 9.2 hours in June to 15.1 hours in December.

Wind speeds average around 21 km/h (13.0 mph) throughout the year, with breezy conditions most common during windier months.

From the warmth of February to the cooler days of July, Wellington presents diverse weather for year-round exploration.

Today's Forecast

Climate at a glance

The big-picture stats that matter for planning your visit to Wellington.

Typical range

High / low

Average highs up to 18.9°C and lows down to 8.1°C.

Rain pattern

Wettest month

July averages 94 mm.

UV

Typical peak band

Typical peak UV is High.

Daylight

Seasonal range

Roughly 9 hrs to 15 hrs.

Wind

Typical strength

Average around 21 km/h, peaking in November.

When should I go?

Our top-rated months for visiting Wellington, based on long-term weather comfort and conditions

Next steps

Dive deeper into rankings, month details, or packing guidance.

How Wellington compares

See how it ranks against the rest of New Zealand for key metrics.

HOTTEST (AVG)
in New Zealand
#7 / 9
COOLEST (AVG)
in New Zealand
#7 / 9
WETTEST (TOTAL)
in New Zealand
#6 / 9
WINDIEST (AVG)
in New Zealand
#1 / 9
HIGHEST UV
in New Zealand
#6 / 9
MOST HUMID
in New Zealand
#6 / 9

Short term outlook

Visiting soon? Here's the next 7 days of weather for Wellington, or see an hourly breakdown for the next 14 days.

Frequently asked questions

How does the weather in Wellington feel over the year?

On a typical year, you can expect highs around 15°C (59°F) and lows near 11°C (52°F). Conditions usually feel cool in the daytime and cool once the sun goes down. Expect a mix of sun and cloud across the year.

When is the best time to visit Wellington for dry weather?

The driest month is usually January, with around 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain. In contrast, July is the wettest month, so that’s when you’re most likely to need a raincoat or umbrella.

When is sun exposure strongest in Wellington?

UV tends to peak in December, when UV levels frequently reach very high levels (around 9), so strong sun protection is essential, especially around midday.

Is Wellington a windy place?

Across the year, average winds sit around 21 km/h (13 mph), with gusts on windier days up to about 97 km/h (60 mph). Overall it is it is a notably windy place, and strong gusts are fairly common.

How much daylight does Wellington get?

On average, days offer about 12 hours of daylight. Daylight is fairly typical, with enough time for sightseeing.

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