Month guide · Wellington · New Zealand
Wellington in October
What October is really like in Wellington: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Jacques Marier, CC BY-SA 2.0
Quick answer
October is a quieter month with trade-offs. Expect average highs of 15°C (59°F), lows of 9°C (48°F), about 11 rainy days and roughly 13.3 hours of daylight. Changeable and windy, with brightening days and spring growth in the Botanic Garden.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 15°C (59°F) / 9°C (48°F)
- Rainy days
- About 11
- Daylight
- About 13.3 hours
- Sea temperature
- 13°C (55°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in October
October is the 8th-warmest month in Wellington: days average 15°C (59°F) against a yearly average high of 16°C (61°F), and nights fall to about 9°C (48°F). Rain falls on roughly 11 of its 31 days. Compared with September (14°C (57°F)), October is about as warm; by November highs climb to around 17°C (63°F).
- Sunrise (15 October)
- About 06:31
- Sunset (15 October)
- About 19:41
- Daylight
- About 13.3 hours
- Sea
- 13°C (55°F)
Summer (December–February). Warm, long days around 19–21°C, swimming at Oriental Bay and outdoor events; the most settled weather.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, October 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 October
October has no major recurring festival in Wellington, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in October
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Nature · Karori
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
A predator-proof fence encloses a 225-hectare forested valley around old reservoirs, where native species including takahē, kākā, tīeke (saddleback), hihi and tuatara live largely free from introduced predators.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Nature
- Kids
- Outdoors
- After dark
Viewpoint · Mount Victoria
Mount Victoria Lookout
Walk up through the town belt trails from Courtenay Place or Oriental Bay; sunset is the best time.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
- Couples
Waterfront · Oriental Bay
Waterfront walk to Oriental Bay
A promenade runs about 2 km from Queens Wharf past Frank Kitts Park, the Wellington Writers Walk plaques and Te Papa to Oriental Bay's sandy city beach and diving platform.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Couples
- Views
Street · Te Aro
Cuba Street
Explore the side streets too; Left Bank Arcade and the lanes off Ghuznee Street hide small cafés and shops.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Food
- Shopping
- After dark
What to pack
For highs near 15°C, lows near 9°C and 11 wet days: layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is October a good time to visit Wellington?
A quieter month with trade-offs. If your dates are flexible, December–March are better overall. Compare every month.
Wellington in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is October a good time to visit Wellington?
It is a quieter month with trade-offs. Changeable and windy, with brightening days and spring growth in the Botanic Garden.
+How warm is Wellington in October?
Average highs are around 15°C (59°F) and lows around 9°C (48°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Wellington in October?
Expect rain on about 11 days of the month.