Month guide · Wellington · New Zealand
Wellington in September
What September is really like in Wellington: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
September is a quieter month with trade-offs. Expect average highs of 14°C (57°F), lows of 8°C (46°F), about 11 rainy days and roughly 11.9 hours of daylight. Spring arrives with blossom but also some of the windiest weather of the year.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 14°C (57°F) / 8°C (46°F)
- Rainy days
- About 11
- Daylight
- About 11.9 hours
- Sea temperature
- 12°C (54°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in September
September is the 9th-warmest month in Wellington: days average 14°C (57°F) against a yearly average high of 16°C (61°F), and nights fall to about 8°C (46°F). Rain falls on roughly 11 of its 30 days. Compared with August (12°C (54°F)), September is warmer; by October highs stay near 15°C (59°F).
- Sunrise (15 September)
- About 06:22
- Sunset (15 September)
- About 18:10
- Daylight
- About 11.9 hours
- Sea
- 12°C (54°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, September rates 3 for crowds (the peak is January at 4) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: September is one of the pricier months.
Events in September
- World of WearableArt — costume and design show (usually late September to early October)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in September
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Museum · Lambton Quay and CBD
Wellington Museum
Combine it with a ferry trip from Queens Wharf to Matiu/Somes Island or Days Bay.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Rainy day
Gallery · Te Aro
City Gallery Wellington
On Civic Square, the city's public art gallery shows changing exhibitions of contemporary New Zealand and international art in a converted 1940s library building.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Art
- Rainy day
Historic site · Thorndon
Katherine Mansfield House and Garden
Read one of her Wellington stories, such as 'The Garden Party', before you go.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Off the beaten path
- Rainy day
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Experience · Lambton Quay and CBD
Wellington Cable Car
Running since 1902, the red funicular climbs about 120 metres from Lambton Quay to Kelburn in roughly five minutes, ending at a lookout over the city and harbour.
- Time needed
- 1 hour with the lookout
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Views
- Kids
- History
What to pack
For highs near 14°C, lows near 8°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 September a good time to visit Wellington?
A quieter month with trade-offs, with a notable event on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, December–March are better overall. Compare every month.
Wellington in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is September a good time to visit Wellington?
It is a quieter month with trade-offs. Spring arrives with blossom but also some of the windiest weather of the year.
+How warm is Wellington in September?
Average highs are around 14°C (57°F) and lows around 8°C (46°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Wellington in September?
Expect rain on about 11 days of the month.