Month guide · Wellington · New Zealand
Wellington in February
What February is really like in Wellington: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
February is one of the best months to visit Wellington. Expect average highs of 21°C (70°F), lows of 14°C (57°F), about 7 rainy days and roughly 13.8 hours of daylight. Usually the warmest and most settled month, ideal for coastal walks and swimming at Oriental Bay.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 21°C (70°F) / 14°C (57°F)
- Rainy days
- About 7
- Daylight
- About 13.8 hours
- Sea temperature
- 17°C (63°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in February
February is the warmest month in Wellington: days average 21°C (70°F) against a yearly average high of 16°C (61°F), and nights fall to about 14°C (57°F). Rain falls on roughly 7 of its 28 days. Compared with January (20°C (68°F)), February is about as warm; by March highs drop to around 19°C (66°F).
- Sunrise (15 February)
- About 06:45
- Sunset (15 February)
- About 20:25
- Daylight
- About 13.8 hours
- Sea
- 17°C (63°F)
Autumn (March–May). Often calm, mild early autumn days in March, becoming cooler and wetter by May; CubaDupa in March.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, February rates 4 for crowds (the peak is January at 4) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: February is one of the pricier months.
Events in February
- New Zealand Festival of the Arts (in some years, usually February–March)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in February
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Zoo · Newtown
Wellington Zoo
New Zealand's oldest zoo, founded in 1906 in the suburb of Newtown, keeps native kiwi and kea alongside red pandas, lions and chimpanzees, and has a veterinary hospital where visitors can watch treatments through a window.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Nature
- Outdoors
Nature · South coast
Red Rocks coastal walk
Walk at low tide, keep at least 20 metres from seals and check the wind forecast first.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours return
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Nature
- Active
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
Market · Te Aro
Harbourside Market
Arrive early for the best produce and a coffee before the crowds.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Food
- Shopping
- Outdoors
What to pack
For highs near 21°C, lows near 14°C and 7 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is February a good time to visit Wellington?
One of the best months to visit Wellington, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are March and December–January. Compare every month.
Wellington in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is February a good time to visit Wellington?
It is one of the best months to visit Wellington. Usually the warmest and most settled month, ideal for coastal walks and swimming at Oriental Bay.
+How warm is Wellington in February?
Average highs are around 21°C (70°F) and lows around 14°C (57°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Wellington in February?
Expect rain on about 7 days of the month.