Wellington in January
January weather, climate averages, and packing tips.
January lands in the heart of summer in Wellington, where the weather is warming up. Daytime highs average 19°C / 65°F, dropping to 15°C / 58°F at night.
Skies are often changeable, and you should be prepared for regular rainfall (approx. 11 wet days). Long days provide about 14.8 hours of light, giving you plenty of time for evening wandering.
Statistically, this is the driest month historically.
How it compares to the rest of the year in Wellington.
Temperature
- Daytime high
-
- Nighttime low
-
- Feels like (avg)
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Sunshine
- Daylight
- 14.8 hours
- UV index (max)
- 9
- Typical sun hours
- 06:06 – 20:52
Rain & Snow
- Total
-
- Rainy days
- 11
- Cloud cover
- 56%
- Snowfall
-
Humidity & Wind
- Humidity (avg)
- 79%
- Wind (avg)
-
- Wind (max gusts)
-
Frequently asked questions
Is January a good time to visit Wellington?
Typical January days in Wellington reach highs of 19°C (66°F) with nights around 15°C (59°F). It usually feels mild by day and cool after dark. It is one of the drier months, which suits outdoor exploring and sightseeing.
What are temperatures like in January?
In January, you can usually expect highs of 19°C (66°F) and lows near 15°C (59°F). That means mild days and cool nights, so pack layers you can add or remove.
How much does it rain in January?
Rainfall in January averages 53 mm (2.1 in) across roughly 11 days. Overall it is a quite rainy time of year, so a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes are very handy.
How many hours of daylight are there in January?
You can expect about 15 hours of daylight in January. Sunrise is typically around 06:06 and sunset near 20:52. You get long days with comfortable amounts of daylight.
How strong is the sun in January?
UV levels frequently reach very high levels (around 9), so strong sun protection is essential, especially around midday.
Is it windy in January?
In January, average wind speeds are around 21 km/h (13 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 90 km/h (56 mph). On the ground, it is it is a notably windy place, and strong gusts are fairly common.