Month guide · Wellington · New Zealand
Wellington in April
What April is really like in Wellington: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
April is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 17°C (63°F), lows of 11°C (52°F), about 10 rainy days and roughly 11 hours of daylight. Cooling, with more showers and calm, crisp days between them; school holidays fill family attractions.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 17°C (63°F) / 11°C (52°F)
- Rainy days
- About 10
- Daylight
- About 11 hours
- Sea temperature
- 15°C (59°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in April
April is the 5th-warmest month in Wellington: days average 17°C (63°F) against a yearly average high of 16°C (61°F), and nights fall to about 11°C (52°F). Rain falls on roughly 10 of its 30 days. Compared with March (19°C (66°F)), April is cooler; by May highs drop to around 15°C (59°F).
- Sunrise (15 April)
- About 06:51
- Sunset (15 April)
- About 17:50
- Daylight
- About 11 hours
- Sea
- 15°C (59°F)
Winter (June–August). Cool and wet with occasional clear, still days; seals on the south coast and the August food festival.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, April rates 3 for crowds (the peak is January at 4) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in January). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in April
April has no major recurring festival in Wellington, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in April
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Island · Wellington Harbour
Matiu/Somes Island
A short ferry ride across the harbour, this predator-free island reserve is home to tuatara, wētā, giant skinks and native birds.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Nature
- Outdoors
- History
- Off the beaten path
Religious site · Thorndon
Old St Paul's
Combine it with Parliament and Thorndon's historic streets on a walking loop.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Architecture
- History
- Free
- Off the beaten path
Market · Te Aro
Harbourside Market
Every Sunday morning, stalls beside Te Papa sell fruit and vegetables at low prices alongside bread, coffee and food trucks.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Food
- Shopping
- Outdoors
Museum · Te Aro
Te Papa Tongarewa
Pick two or three floors rather than trying to see everything; the Māori and nature exhibitions are good starting points.
- Time needed
- 3–4 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Rainy day
- Kids
- History
- Art
What to pack
For highs near 17°C, lows near 11°C and 10 wet days: layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is April a good time to visit Wellington?
A shoulder-season month. If your dates are flexible, December–March are better overall. Compare every month.
Wellington in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is April a good time to visit Wellington?
It is a shoulder-season month. Cooling, with more showers and calm, crisp days between them; school holidays fill family attractions.
+How warm is Wellington in April?
Average highs are around 17°C (63°F) and lows around 11°C (52°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Wellington in April?
Expect rain on about 10 days of the month.