Summer in Wellington, New Zealand, brings a mix of mild warmth, steady breezes, and a sky that always seems to be changing. You won’t get much scorching heat, but you’ll notice how quickly things can flip from sunny and clear to cloudy or damp.
Average summer temperatures usually range from the low 60s to the upper 60s Fahrenheit (around 16–20°C), which makes this season one of the most comfortable times to explore the city.
You get long daylight hours that stretch late into the evening, perfect for outdoor plans or waterfront walks. Rain falls pretty regularly, but it usually comes in short bursts, so it’s normal to see both sunshine and showers in a single day.
Wellington’s famous wind sticks around in summer, though it’s usually gentler than at other times of the year.
With its temperate climate and lively mix of weather, Wellington’s summer feels both comfortable and unpredictable. If you know what to expect with temperature, rainfall, daylight, and wind, you can plan with a bit more confidence—whether you want to soak up the city’s culture, hike the hills, or just relax by the harbor.
Overview of Wellington’s Summer Climate
Wellington’s summer weather reflects its spot at the southern tip of New Zealand’s North Island. The ocean shapes the city’s mild temperatures, steady breezes, and moderate rainfall.
Conditions stay pretty stable compared to inland areas. Still, daylight, wind, and rainfall patterns shift as the season goes on.
Location and Climate Type
Wellington sits between Cook Strait and some rolling coastal hills, so its climate feels very maritime. You’ll notice cooler summers than in many other New Zealand cities, with average daytime highs around 17–20°C (63–68°F) and lows near 12–15°C (54–59°F).
The city’s exposure to the strait explains its reputation for wind. Summer wind speeds usually hit 12–14 mph, mostly from the north. Breezy days show up often, but they help keep things from ever feeling too hot.
Rainfall stays moderate and pretty steady, averaging about 50–55 mm per month in summer. Wet days happen about 20% of the time, but showers don’t last long. Sunshine hours remain high, especially in January and February, so you get plenty of bright days despite the wind.
Seasonal Patterns in the Southern Hemisphere
Because New Zealand sits in the Southern Hemisphere, summer runs from December through February. You’ll notice the longest days around late December, with daylight stretching past 15 hours.
By late February, daylight drops by almost two hours.
Temperatures climb slowly from December into early February, when you’ll see the warmest days. On the hottest days, highs might reach 22–23°C (72–74°F), but extreme heat rarely happens.
Nights stay mild, usually above 10°C (50°F), which makes it easy to enjoy evenings outside.
Rainfall chances drop a bit as summer goes on. Early summer brings about a 1 in 4 chance of rain, while late summer gets closer to 1 in 5. Humidity stays low, and muggy days don’t really show up.
Water temperatures in the bays climb from 14°C (58°F) in December to about 17°C (63°F) by late February.
Comparison to Other New Zealand Cities
Wellington’s summers feel cooler and windier than Auckland’s. Auckland often reaches 24–25°C (75–77°F) on warm days, while Wellington usually stays a few degrees lower.
The wind in Wellington makes things feel fresher, even when the numbers look similar.
Compared to Christchurch on the South Island, Wellington feels almost the opposite. Christchurch gets hot, dry days above 30°C (86°F) when northwesterlies blow, but Wellington rarely tops the low 20s Celsius.
Dunedin, which sits further south, stays cooler than Wellington, with summer highs often around 18–20°C (64–68°F).
Wellington’s maritime setting gives you steadier temperatures and fewer extremes than you’ll find inland or farther south. It’s honestly one of the more stable summer climates in New Zealand.
Typical Summer Temperatures
Summer in Wellington brings mild warmth instead of heat waves. You’ll get comfortable days with moderate highs, cooler nights, and steady shifts between December, January, and February.
The climate stays consistent, so you can plan outdoor activities without much guesswork.
Average Daytime Temperatures
Daytime temperatures in Wellington usually land between 63°F (17°C) and 67°F (19°C). At the peak of summer, daily highs rarely go above 74°F (23°C), so the city feels milder than most other coastal capitals.
The warmest afternoons show up in early February, when the average high hits about 68°F (20°C). Wellington skips the sweltering heat, so walking, cycling, or exploring stays pretty comfortable.
Wind changes how the air feels. Even at 65°F, a steady breeze can make things feel cooler, especially near the waterfront. If you’re planning to be outside for a while, it’s smart to bring a light jacket.
Nighttime Lows and Highs
Summer nights in Wellington stay cool. Average lows climb from about 54°F (12°C) in December to 58°F (14°C) in February.
On the mildest nights, temperatures might stay near 59°F (15°C), but cooler evenings can drop to 49°F (9°C).
You’ll probably want an extra layer after sunset. Even during the warmest stretch, nights almost never feel muggy.
The air stays fresh, making it easy to get a good night’s sleep without blasting the fan or AC.
The difference between day and night temperatures isn’t huge. Days feel pleasant, and evenings lean crisp.
This balance makes outdoor dining and late-night walks pretty popular around the city.
Monthly Temperature Variations
Wellington’s summer runs from December through February. In December, average highs sit around 63°F (17°C), with nights near 54°F (12°C).
By January, things warm up a bit, with highs averaging 65°F (18°C).
February is usually the warmest month, with highs near 67°F (19°C) and lows around 58°F (14°C).
The changes across the months are small, but you’ll notice them if you stay for the whole season. Early summer feels cooler and breezier, while late summer brings the most stable, comfortable weather for being outside.
Rainfall and Humidity in Summer
Wellington’s summer weather stays mild, but you should expect some rain and steady humidity. The city’s spot on the coast brings frequent changes, with rainfall spread out across the season instead of piling up all at once.
Average Precipitation Levels
Wellington gets less rain in summer compared to winter, but showers still show up. January is usually the driest, averaging about 58 mm of rain.
February and December bring a bit more, usually in the 60–70 mm range.
Rainfall amounts aren’t huge, but the city’s unpredictable weather means brief showers happen often. Rain falls in short bursts instead of long downpours.
This pattern keeps the air fresh and leaves plenty of room for dry, sunny days.
Summer only makes up a smaller slice of the annual total of about 927 mm, so it’s one of the better times to be outside, though you’ll still want to pack a light rain jacket.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Even though summer brings less rain overall, the number of rainy days stays noticeable. You’ll get 8–12 days with measurable rain each month from December to February.
Rain usually comes as passing showers, not all-day events. It’s not rare to see both sunshine and rain in the same afternoon.
Carrying a light rain jacket or umbrella just makes sense, especially if you’re walking or catching the ferry.
The hills and the Cook Strait help stir things up, so weather can flip quickly. Winds push moisture inland, leading to sudden showers that clear out within an hour.
This variability is just part of Wellington’s summer, so it pays to be ready when you’re heading outside.
Humidity Trends
Humidity in Wellington during summer lands in the moderate range compared to a lot of coastal cities. Average relative humidity sits between 70–75%, but the frequent breezes keep things comfortable.
Winds help prevent the air from feeling heavy, even on warmer days.
You might notice a bit more humidity in the mornings, especially after overnight rain. By afternoon, the mix of sunshine and wind usually makes things feel drier.
That keeps outdoor activities more pleasant than in places where the air just hangs.
Humidity levels don’t change much across the season, so you won’t see big spikes. With mild temperatures, the balance creates a comfortable environment for both locals and visitors exploring Wellington in summer.
Sunshine, Daylight, and UV Exposure
In Wellington, summer brings longer daylight, more sunshine, and higher ultraviolet (UV) radiation than at other times of the year. These factors shape how you experience the outdoors, from planning adventures to thinking about sun protection.
Average Hours of Sunshine
Wellington gets about 2,000–2,040 hours of sunshine each year, with January being the sunniest. In summer, you can expect around 7–8 hours of direct sunshine per day.
That’s a lot more than in winter, when daylight is shorter and clouds stick around.
More sunshine makes outdoor activities a lot more tempting, but it also means stronger glare and more heat exposure.
Wellington’s coastal spot helps keep temperatures from swinging too wildly, but sunshine hours are definitely longer in summer.
Compared to other cities, Wellington gets fewer sunshine hours than places like Adelaide or Athens, but way more than northern spots like Tromsø.
This gives you plenty of bright days, but not the harsh intensity of really hot, dry climates.
Daylight Duration Changes
Since New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, summer stretches from December through February. During these months, Wellington enjoys its longest days.
Daylight lasts about 14–15 hours in December and January, so you get tons of time to be outside.
By March, daylight starts to shrink, dropping closer to 12 hours per day as autumn creeps in.
The change is gradual, but you’ll notice the difference in evening light, especially if you’re visiting from somewhere closer to the equator.
Longer daylight means more chances for sightseeing, hiking, and waterfront fun. But it also means the sun stays high during peak UV hours, so you need to be careful if you’re out for long stretches.
UV Index and Sun Protection
New Zealand has some of the highest UV levels in the world, and Wellington is no exception. In summer, the UV Index (UVI) often reaches 9–11 at solar noon, which is very high to extreme.
Even on cooler or windy days, UV exposure can be intense.
You should take precautions like:
- Wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- Using sunglasses with UV protection
- Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and light clothing
- Seeking shade during midday hours
UV radiation in New Zealand stays strong even in spring and autumn, not just summer. Clear skies, reflective waters, and a thinner ozone layer at southern latitudes all add up.
If you plan to be outside for a while, especially near the water, regular sun protection is essential. Even a short time without it can leave you sunburned quicker than you’d expect.
Wind and Weather Variability
In Wellington, summer conditions are shaped just as much by the wind as by the temperature. You’ll notice frequent shifts in cloud cover and the occasional burst of unsettled weather.
These changes definitely influence how you plan your time outdoors.
Typical Wind Conditions
Wellington has a reputation for its strong, persistent winds. In summer, northwesterly winds usually take over and get funneled through the Cook Strait, which speeds them up.
Average wind speeds hit about 20–25 km/h. Gusts often blow even harder on exposed hills and along the waterfront.
These winds can turn a warm day surprisingly cool, so throwing a light jacket in your bag—even in midsummer—makes sense. Every so often, you’ll catch a break with calmer weather, and then the sunshine and breeze balance out nicely.
The wind shapes daily life here. It changes ferry schedules, makes outdoor dining a little unpredictable, and even affects how you walk along the waterfront. Sometimes, sudden gusts sneak up on you, especially in the city’s narrow streets.
Cloud Cover Patterns
Wellington’s summer weather flips between sunshine and shifting cloud cover. On average, you’ll see 35–45% of summer days partly cloudy, with the rest split between mostly sunny and overcast.
Wind moves the clouds quickly, so the sky can change in just a few hours. You might start your walk with clear blue above and finish under a blanket of gray, with no rain in sight.
This ever-changing sky changes the light, too. Photographers love the dramatic contrasts, and honestly, it keeps things interesting. For everyday plans, it’s smart to keep both sunglasses and a rain layer handy, since the weather can flip with almost no warning.
Occasional Weather Extremes
Summer usually feels mild, but Wellington throws in a few curveballs. Heavy rain showers sometimes pop up when moist air rolls in, though they don’t tend to last long. Average monthly rainfall sits around 60–80 mm, spread over several days.
Strong gales cause more disruption. Gusts over 100 km/h hit now and then, especially when a low-pressure system passes near the lower North Island. These winds can close walking tracks, cancel flights, and make the harbor rough.
You won’t find many heatwaves here. Temperatures rarely break 25°C (77°F), and if they do, it’s usually during a dry northwesterly spell. Even then, the wind cools things down enough to keep outdoor activities comfortable.
Travel Tips and Best Time to Visit Wellington
Wellington’s summer stays mild compared to a lot of places, but the mix of sun, wind, and rain means you’ll want to plan ahead. Knowing when to visit, what to pack, and how to make the most of the outdoors can really shape your trip.
Ideal Months for Visiting
You’ll find the most comfortable weather in January, February, and March. These months bring the warmest days, usually 17°C to 21°C (63–70°F). Sometimes, highs reach 25–26°C (77–79°F), but the wind usually keeps it from getting too hot.
Rain still happens, but summer averages only 7–8 wet days per month, a lot less than winter. Sunshine sticks around for 7–8 hours a day, so you get plenty of daylight to explore.
If you’re not into crowds, late summer to early autumn (March–April) feels a bit quieter and nights get a little cooler. The weather still holds up, but you won’t bump into as many visitors as you would in January.
Packing Recommendations for Summer
Even at the height of summer, Wellington’s climate can catch you off guard. Pack layers so you can adjust to sudden temperature swings and wind. A light jacket or windbreaker is a must because those gusts don’t take a day off.
Bring comfortable walking shoes—the city’s hilly, and you’ll want to wander on foot. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are smart choices. The summer sun in New Zealand packs a punch thanks to lower ozone, so you’ll need UV protection even when it’s cool.
For evenings, toss in a warmer top or sweater. Temperatures can dip to 10–12°C (50–54°F) at night, especially by the water. If you’re thinking of swimming, just know the sea rarely warms past 18°C (64°F), so a quick dip is definitely refreshing—maybe even bracing.
Outdoor Activities and Local Events
Summer really feels like the best time for outdoor activities in Wellington. Hike up Mount Victoria for those panoramic views, or wander along the waterfront promenade.
You could even hop on a short ferry ride to Matiu/Somes Island. Beaches like Oriental Bay draw crowds for swimming and picnics, even though the water stays pretty cool.
Cultural events hit their stride in summer too. There are food festivals, outdoor concerts, and local markets that show off Wellington’s creative side.
If you’re into wine, you might want to check out nearby regions like Wairarapa for a day trip. It’s a nice way to explore beyond the city.
Windy days turn up a lot, but honestly, most people just go ahead with their plans. The wind gives Wellington its quirky vibe, and it makes sailing or wind sports surprisingly fun for anyone feeling adventurous.