Best time to visit · Wellington · New Zealand
The best time to visit Wellington
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
The best time to visit Wellington is December to March, when days are warmest, the evenings are long and calm days on the harbour are most likely. Spring (September to November) is often the windiest season. Winter is cool and wet but mild, with a busy August food festival and indoor sights such as Te Papa that make the city enjoyable in any weather.
Key facts
- Best months
- December–March
- Shoulder season
- April and November
- Warmest month
- February (avg high 21°C (70°F))
- Coldest month
- July (avg high 12°C (54°F))
- Rainiest month
- June (~13 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- May–July
Seasons
Wellington has a mild maritime climate with few extremes: summers are pleasantly warm, winters cool and wet but rarely frosty, and rain falls year-round. Its signature is wind, with strong northerly and southerly gales common, especially in spring.
December–February
Summer
Warm, long days around 19–21°C, swimming at Oriental Bay and outdoor events; the most settled weather.
March–May
Autumn
Often calm, mild early autumn days in March, becoming cooler and wetter by May; CubaDupa in March.
June–August
Winter
Cool and wet with occasional clear, still days; seals on the south coast and the August food festival.
September–November
Spring
Blossom and lengthening days, but changeable and frequently very windy; World of WearableArt in late September.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sea | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20°C | 13°C | 7 | 16°C | 14.8 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| February | 21°C | 14°C | 7 | 17°C | 13.8 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| March | 19°C | 13°C | 8 | 16°C | 12.5 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| April | 17°C | 11°C | 10 | 15°C | 11 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 15°C | 9°C | 11 | 14°C | 9.8 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| June | 13°C | 8°C | 13 | 13°C | 9.2 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| July | 12°C | 7°C | 13 | 12°C | 9.5 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| August | 12°C | 7°C | 12 | 12°C | 10.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| September | 14°C | 8°C | 11 | 12°C | 11.9 h | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| October | 15°C | 9°C | 11 | 13°C | 13.3 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 17°C | 11°C | 9 | 14°C | 14.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| December | 19°C | 12°C | 9 | 15°C | 15.1 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Wellington Lantern Festival — Lunar New Year celebrations on the waterfront (usually January or February) |
| February | New Zealand Festival of the Arts (in some years, usually February–March) |
| March | CubaDupa — street music and performance festival on Cuba Street (usually late March) |
| June | Wellington Jazz Festival (usually June); Matariki — Māori New Year, with fire and light events on the waterfront (June or July) |
| August | Wellington On a Plate — food festival with the burger competition (usually August); Beervana — craft beer festival (usually August) |
| September | World of WearableArt — costume and design show (usually late September to early October) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in May–July, and the sights are quietest in May–July.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Summer | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Spring | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Wellington?
The best time to visit Wellington is December to March, when days are warmest, the evenings are long and calm days on the harbour are most likely. Spring (September to November) is often the windiest season. Winter is cool and wet but mild, with a busy August food festival and indoor sights such as Te Papa that make the city enjoyable in any weather.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Wellington?
Usually in May–July. Cool and increasingly wet; a good month for museums, galleries and cafés.
+What is the rainiest month in Wellington?
June, with about 13 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Wellington get?
The warmest month, February, averages highs of 21°C (70°F) and lows of 14°C (57°F).