Best time to visit Wellington

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 relatively 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.

Seasons in Wellington

Spring (September-November)

Best for: blooming flowers in the Wellington Botanic Garden or 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 (December-February)

Best for: walking up Mt. Victoria or 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 (March-May)

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, swimming and generally making the most of Wellington's natural beauty.

Winter (June-August)

Best for: visiting Ngā Manu (nature reserve) or 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 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.