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Best time to visit Wellington: month by month
Short answer
December to March is the best time, with highs of about 19-20°C and the calmest weather. Spring and autumn are changeable and windy, and winter (June to August) is cool (12-14°C) and wet but brings festivals, Matariki celebrations and fewer visitors. Wind can blow at any time.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 20°C | 15°C | 7 | high |
| Feb | 20°C | 15°C | 10 | high |
| Mar | 19°C | 15°C | 11 | high |
| Apr | 17°C | 13°C | 10 | medium |
| May | 16°C | 12°C | 12 | low |
| Jun | 14°C | 10°C | 14 | low |
| Jul | 13°C | 9°C | 14 | medium |
| Aug | 12°C | 9°C | 14 | low |
| Sep | 14°C | 10°C | 12 | medium |
| Oct | 15°C | 11°C | 10 | medium |
| Nov | 17°C | 13°C | 14 | medium |
| Dec | 19°C | 14°C | 12 | high |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Sep–Nov)
Highs of 14-17°C and lows of 10-13°C, with 10-14 rainy days and often the windiest weather.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
The most settled season, highs of 19-20°C and lows of 14-15°C, with 7-12 rainy days; outdoor festivals and long evenings.
Autumn (Mar–May)
Highs fall from 19°C in March to 16°C in May, with 10-12 rainy days; often calm, clear days.
Winter (Jun–Aug)
Cool and wet, highs of 12-14°C and lows of 9-10°C, with about 14 rainy days a month; Matariki in June or July.
Events worth planning around
- Matariki, the Māori New Year, in June or July
- World of WearableArt (WOW) show, usually in September and October
- Wellington On a Plate food festival, usually in August
- New Zealand Festival of the Arts, usually in February and March (biennial)
- CubaDupa street festival on Cuba Street, usually in March
When to avoid
Winter (June to August) is the wettest and coolest period, and strong spring winds can cancel harbour ferries and Cook Strait crossings.
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit Wellington?
February or March, often the calmest and sunniest months, with highs of about 19-20°C.
Is Wellington really that windy?
Yes, it is one of the windiest cities in the world; spring is usually the gustiest season.
When is Matariki?
In June or July; it is a public holiday with events across the city.