When to visit Wellington | Intrepid Travel UK

While the weather in Wellington is warmer than the cities on the South Island, it can still be very temperamental and unpredictable. This can result in experiencing a number of different weather phenomena in just one day including rainfall and gusty wind. Generally, Wellington's climate is quite mild with warm summers and cool winters. It's very unlikely to experience any extreme temperatures but it can feel colder in some areas because of the wind.

Having said that, there's really no 'best time' to visit Wellington as the temperatures are quite even throughout the year.

Spring in Wellington

Best for: blooming flowers in the Wellington Botanic Garden, seeing native wildlife at Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne

As mentioned above, the weather in Wellington can be unpredictable at times and spring is no exception. While unexpected rainfall and windy days can occur, the temperatures in spring are often warmer and the days are longer making this season an ideal one for travelling to Wellington.

Spring is also a great time to get out and about, taking in Wellington's natural beauty from wandering around the Botanic Garden to exploring the South Coast.

Summer in Wellington

Best for: walking up Mt. Victoria, relaxing at the beach

Summer in Wellington is quite mild with temperatures averaging in the low-mid 20's however the sun itself is quite strong. In fact, you're more likely to burn in Wellington than in any other area of New Zealand during summer. This means you should always be wearing sunscreen whenever you're going outside, regardless if you're travelling to Wellington in the summer or a different season.

The UV rays often exceed 12 throughout the year due to the Southern hemisphere being closer to the sun.

Autumn in Wellington

Best for: walking, hiking, and swimming

Due to Wellington's mild climate, Autumn can often feel like spring with temperatures around 15°C. Add this to the fact that Wellington is usually less crowded in Autumn and it makes for the perfect time to travel. While the weather can still feel warm, colder temperatures can be expected at night so make sure you're packing appropriate clothes such as pants, jumpers, and thick socks.

The weather in Autumn is perfect for walking, hiking, and swimming, and generally making the most of Wellington's natural beauty.

Winter in Wellington

Best for: visiting Ngā Manu (nature reserve), exploring Greytown

The weather in winter is quite cold in Wellington with temperatures averaging around 10°C. It's unlikely for Wellington to experience extreme coldness such as overnight frosts or even snow. However, extreme winds are quite common and can often make the temperature feel colder than it is.

While you can expect some rain during the months of June, July, and August, the rainiest month is actually September. To be on the safe side, consider bringing an umbrella with you and check the weather forecast for unexpected rain showers.