Wellington, New Zealand Climate & Monthly Averages

New Zealand 🇳🇿 · oceanic climate
Annual avg
57°
Hottest month
January
Coldest month
July
Rainy days / yr
130
Sunshine
9.2 h/day
Right now: 52° and partly cloudy - see live conditions

The climate of Wellington

Located in New Zealand, Wellington experiences a oceanic climate with mild temperatures year-round with regular rainfall. Afternoon temperatures peak near 68°F (20°C) in January and dip to about 54°F (12°C) in July, with around 40.5 inches (1029 mm) of precipitation falling across the year.

Climate quick facts

  • Hottest month: January - highs near 68°F (20°C)
  • Coldest month: July - highs near 54°F (12°C)
  • Record high: 79°F (26°C) · Record low: 36°F (2°C) (2015–2024)
  • Wettest month: July (13 rainy days) · Sunniest: January (12.2 h sun/day)
  • Climate type: oceanic - mild temperatures year-round with regular rainfall

Temperatures through the year

The warmest stretch of the year centers on January. Highs average 68°F (20°C) and overnight lows stay near 59°F (15°C). The coolest month is July, with typical highs of 54°F (12°C) and lows around 47°F (8°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 79°F (26°C) and dropped as low as 36°F (2°C).

Rain, sun and snow

July is usually the wettest month. It brings about 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain over 13 days, while January is the driest. January brings the most sunshine, averaging 12.2 hours of sun a day.

Monthly climate table

Monthly averages for Wellington based on 2015–2024 weather data.
MonthHighLow Rain daysPrecipitation SunshineHumidity
January 68° 59° 7 1.6 in 12.2 h/day 78%
February 67° 60° 8 3.2 in 10.9 h/day 78%
March 65° 57° 10 2.9 in 9.6 h/day 78%
April 62° 55° 10 3.7 in 8.5 h/day 79%
May 59° 52° 12 3.8 in 7.3 h/day 78%
June 55° 49° 11 4.0 in 6.3 h/day 79%
July 54° 47° 13 4.2 in 6.7 h/day 78%
August 54° 48° 14 4.0 in 7.7 h/day 79%
September 55° 49° 13 3.6 in 8.8 h/day 78%
October 58° 51° 12 2.9 in 10.1 h/day 79%
November 61° 54° 11 3.4 in 10.9 h/day 79%
December 64° 57° 11 3.1 in 11.5 h/day 80%

Wellington month by month

Wellington weather in January

January brings highs around 68°F (20°C), lows near 59°F (15°C), about 7 wet days - typically the hottest month and the driest month and the sunniest month of the year in Wellington.

Wellington weather in February

February brings highs around 67°F (20°C), lows near 60°F (15°C), about 8 wet days.

Wellington weather in March

March brings highs around 65°F (18°C), lows near 57°F (14°C), about 10 wet days.

Wellington weather in April

April brings highs around 62°F (16°C), lows near 55°F (13°C), about 10 wet days.

Wellington weather in May

May brings highs around 59°F (15°C), lows near 52°F (11°C), about 12 wet days.

Wellington weather in June

June brings highs around 55°F (13°C), lows near 49°F (10°C), about 11 wet days.

Wellington weather in July

July brings highs around 54°F (12°C), lows near 47°F (8°C), about 13 wet days - typically the coldest month and the wettest month of the year in Wellington.

Wellington weather in August

August brings highs around 54°F (12°C), lows near 48°F (9°C), about 14 wet days.

Wellington weather in September

September brings highs around 55°F (13°C), lows near 49°F (9°C), about 13 wet days.

Wellington weather in October

October brings highs around 58°F (14°C), lows near 51°F (10°C), about 12 wet days.

Wellington weather in November

November brings highs around 61°F (16°C), lows near 54°F (12°C), about 11 wet days.

Wellington weather in December

December brings highs around 64°F (18°C), lows near 57°F (14°C), about 11 wet days.

Seasons in Wellington

Spring (September through November)

Spring in Wellington is crisp but comfortable, with daytime highs averaging 58°F (15°C) and nights around 51°F (11°C); expect showers on roughly 36 days across the season.

Summer (December through February)

Summer in Wellington is mild, with daytime highs averaging 66°F (19°C) and nights around 59°F (15°C); expect showers on roughly 25 days across the season.

Fall (March through May)

Fall in Wellington is crisp but comfortable, with daytime highs averaging 62°F (17°C) and nights around 55°F (13°C); expect showers on roughly 31 days across the season.

Winter (June through August)

Winter in Wellington stays on the cool side of mild, with daytime highs averaging 54°F (12°C) and nights around 48°F (9°C); expect showers on roughly 38 days across the season.

Climate questions, answered

What is the average temperature in Wellington?
The year-round mean is 57°F (14°C). Days typically reach 60°F (16°C) and nights settle near 53°F (12°C).
Is Wellington hot in summer?
No - summers stay cool. January, the warmest month, only averages highs of 68°F (20°C).
Is Wellington cold in winter?
Cold never really arrives: July, the coolest month, keeps nights around 47°F (8°C).
How many rainy days does Wellington get in a year?
About 130 days bring measurable precipitation, with July the wettest month and January the driest.

Best time to visit Wellington

The best time to visit Wellington is generally November to April, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 64°F (18°C).

Pack for Wellington with a warm jacket and layers for the cooler season; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - January nights average 59°F (15°C).

Wellington temperature records (2015-2024)

Highest recorded
79°
in January
Lowest recorded
36°
in August
Annual precipitation
40.5"
Snowy days / yr
0

Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.