Month guide · Wellington · New Zealand
Wellington in March
What March is really like in Wellington: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Szilas, Public domain
Quick answer
March is one of the best months to visit Wellington. Expect average highs of 19°C (66°F), lows of 13°C (55°F), about 8 rainy days and roughly 12.5 hours of daylight. Mild, often settled early autumn weather and a busy events calendar.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 19°C (66°F) / 13°C (55°F)
- Rainy days
- About 8
- Daylight
- About 12.5 hours
- Sea temperature
- 16°C (61°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in March
March is the 3rd-warmest month in Wellington: days average 19°C (66°F) against a yearly average high of 16°C (61°F), and nights fall to about 13°C (55°F). Rain falls on roughly 8 of its 31 days. Compared with February (21°C (70°F)), March is cooler; by April highs drop to around 17°C (63°F).
- Sunrise (15 March)
- About 07:19
- Sunset (15 March)
- About 19:42
- Daylight
- About 12.5 hours
- Sea
- 16°C (61°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, March rates 4 for crowds (the peak is January at 4) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: March is one of the pricier months.
Events in March
- CubaDupa — street music and performance festival on Cuba Street (usually late March)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in March
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Museum · Kelburn
Space Place at Carter Observatory
Go on a clear evening to look through the telescope as well as seeing a planetarium show.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Rainy day
- After dark
Experience · Miramar
Wētā Cave and Wētā Workshop tours
In the film suburb of Miramar, the Wētā Workshop's visitor centre has a free mini-museum and shop of props, models and collectibles, while paid guided tours show how the company makes creatures, weapons and costumes for films including The Lord of the Rings.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours with a tour
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Rainy day
- Art
Architecture · Lambton Quay and CBD
Parliament and the Beehive
Join a free guided tour; when the House is sitting you can also watch debates from the public gallery.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- History
- Rainy day
Street · Te Aro
Cuba Street
Wellington's best-known street is a pedestrian strip of cafés, bars, vintage clothing and record shops, street performers and the swinging Bucket Fountain.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Food
- Shopping
- After dark
What to pack
For highs near 19°C, lows near 13°C and 8 wet days: layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is March 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 December–February. Compare every month.
Wellington in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is March a good time to visit Wellington?
It is one of the best months to visit Wellington. Mild, often settled early autumn weather and a busy events calendar.
+How warm is Wellington in March?
Average highs are around 19°C (66°F) and lows around 13°C (55°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Wellington in March?
Expect rain on about 8 days of the month.