Wellington: When to Go

While it can get cold, the weather is never so miserable that there's no point in going to Wellington: there are things to see and do all year round and plenty of activities even in winter. The warmer months (November to April) are busiest, especially during the school holidays in December and January. If you're travelling during peak periods (especially the Christmas season) it's best to book ahead, as much accommodation and transport fills up. It's probably more pleasant to visit either before or after this (relatively) hectic period, when the weather is still warm and there aren't as many other travellers around.

Weather

November to April are the warmer months and the best time to visit; average maximum temperatures during this time hover around 20°C (68°F). During the colder, wetter months, May to August, the daily temperature lurks around 12°C (54°F).

Wellington is renowned for being windy - the city's maritime climate catches the blustery, persistent and often chilly winds that whistle through the Cook Strait.

Temperature (average ° C)

Rainfall (average mm)