Last updated: January 18, 2025
Wellington, New Zealand, is classified under the Köppen-Geiger climate classification as Cfb, indicative of a temperate maritime climate. Characterized by mild temperatures throughout the year, Wellington experiences a minimum of -4°C (25°F) in July, while summer months can see averages soaring to 27°C (81°F) in February. Overall, the city's annual average temperature rests at a comfortable 13°C (56°F), providing a pleasant environment for both residents and visitors alike.
Wellington, New Zealand, exhibits distinct seasonal temperature patterns that reflect its temperate maritime climate. During the summer months of January and February, residents enjoy relatively warm temperatures, with daytime highs reaching around 26°C (80°F) to 27°C (81°F), while nighttime lows hover near 3°C (38°F) to 5°C (41°F). As autumn arrives in March and April, temperatures begin to cool, with averages dropping to 16°C (61°F) and 14°C (58°F) respectively, though highs remain pleasant around 24°C (75°F). The winter months of June and July bring the coldest temperatures, with minimums falling to -4°C (25°F) and average highs only reaching 15°C (60°F) in July. Spring gradually warms the city in September and October, as temperatures rise back to averages of 11°C (51°F) to 12°C (54°F), culminating in a mild November with warmer days leading into summer. Overall, Wellington's climate features a gentle transition through the seasons, characterized by mild summers and colder winters.
Wellington experiences a minimum temperature of 6°C (43°F) in August and can reach a maximum of 23°C (73°F) in January, making it a pleasant destination year-round. In nearby Waikanae, the temperature dips to 4°C (40°F) in September but can rise to 25°C (77°F) during January. Similarly, Paraparaumu shares a similar temperature range, with a minimum of 4°C (40°F) in September and a maximum of 25°C (77°F) in January. For more detailed climate information, you can visit the links: monthly temperatures in Wellington, monthly temperatures in Waikanae, and monthly temperatures in Paraparaumu.
Wellington, New Zealand, experiences a consistent pattern of rainfall throughout the year, with a notable uptick during the winter months. The monthly precipitation averages range from 54 mm (2.1 in) in January to a peak of 127 mm (5.0 in) in December, reflecting the city’s maritime climate. The wettest months typically fall between April and July, where rainfall exceeds 100 mm and is accompanied by an increasing number of rainy days, peaking at 14 days in both July and August. This trend highlights Wellington's propensity for wetter weather as the year progresses, with significant precipitation contributing to the lush, green landscapes surrounding the city.
Despite the higher rainfall in winter, Wellington manages to maintain a relatively moderate annual precipitation total, averaging around 1,200 mm (47 in). The months of January and February are the driest, with average rainfalls of 54 mm and 80 mm respectively. Rainfall primarily occurs in short bursts rather than prolonged downpours, and the number of rainy days is comparatively lower during summer, with only about 7 to 8 days of rain per month. This creates a dynamic environment where Wellingtonians can enjoy both sunny intervals and refreshing showers, characteristic of this vibrant coastal city.
Wellington, New Zealand, showcases a distinct seasonal variation in sunshine duration, with a clear transition from shorter days in winter to the longer, brighter days of summer. The city experiences its peak sunshine in December, boasting an impressive 330 hours of sunshine, closely followed by November at 306 hours. As the warm months progress, sunlight gradually increases from 282 hours in January to 291 hours in February, creating a vibrant atmosphere perfect for outdoor activities and exploration. Conversely, the winter months of June and July see the least amount of sunshine, with only 166 hours and 191 hours, respectively, as daylight diminishes and cloudy conditions become more prevalent.
Transitioning into the shoulder seasons, spring sees a resurgence in sunlight, with September and October yielding 246 hours and 280 hours, respectively. This gradual rise in sunshine hours presents an enjoyable prelude to the summer, providing a boost in daylight as temperatures warm. Notably, April experiences a dip to 233 hours, marking a transitional phase where autumn begins to take hold before giving way to winter's shorter days. Overall, Wellington's sunshine patterns underscore the city's unique climatic characteristics, where vibrant summers contrast sharply with the mellow light of winter, offering residents and visitors diverse experiences throughout the year.
Wellington, New Zealand, experiences significant variability in its UV Index throughout the year, reflecting changes in solar intensity and seasonal patterns. The peak UV Index occurs during the summer months of January and February, reaching an extreme level of 13, which requires just 10 minutes of sun exposure to cause burns. This extreme rating underscores the importance of sun safety measures during peak summer, as residents and visitors can be quickly affected by harsh UV radiation. Following the summer, there is a noticeable decline in the UV Index, with March dropping to 9 (very high), transitioning into autumn where levels begin to moderate.
As Wellington moves into fall and winter, the UV Index significantly reduces, reaching levels as low as 2 during the months of June and July, equating to low exposure risk and longer burn times of 45 minutes. However, the UV Index begins to rise again in spring, with October and November exhibiting values of 9 and 11 respectively, highlighting a return to higher solar intensity. Despite winter’s lower UV exposure levels, residents should remain vigilant during the transition periods in spring and summer when the sun's intensity increases, particularly in November and December, when the UV Index spikes back to extreme levels. Overall, awareness and protective measures are essential in Wellington’s variable UV climate to ensure health and safety.
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Wellington, New Zealand, showcases a dynamic range in daylight duration throughout the year, reflecting the city's southern latitude and seasonal changes. The longest days occur in December, when daylight extends to an impressive 15 hours, making it ideal for outdoor pursuits and festivities. January follows closely with 14 hours, providing extended opportunities for exploration under the summer sun. As the year progresses toward autumn, daylight gradually diminishes, with March marking a drop to 12 hours, signaling the shift from the vibrant summer months to the cooler season.
Once winter arrives, Wellington experiences relatively short days, particularly in May, June, and July, where daylight is limited to just 9 hours. This period of reduced illumination is balanced by a gradual increase as spring approaches, which brings an increase to 11 hours by September and returns to 13 hours by October. The cycle continues as daylight extends again in November, reaching 14 hours before culminating in December's peak. This variation in daylight duration not only influences daily activities and lifestyle but also highlights Wellington’s enchanting seasonal transitions, each bringing its unique charm to the city.
Heretaunga, New Zealand, enjoys a temperate climate characterized by warm summers and cool winters. January is the warmest month, with average highs around 26°C (79°F) and ample sunshine at 287 hours, while July is the coldest, averaging only 10°C (50°F) and experiencing more precipitation, with about 103 mm (4.1 in). The region sees its highest rainfall in April with 97 mm (3.8 in) and December with 104 mm (4.1 in), contributing to a lush environment. Overall, Heretaunga's climate is marked by moderate temperatures and varying sunshine throughout the year, making it a pleasant locale for outdoor activities. For more detailed information, visit Heretaunga climate.
Mount Victoria, New Zealand experiences a temperate climate characterized by mild summers and cool winters. In January, temperatures range from 11°C (52°F) to 23°C (73°F), while July sees temperatures drop to a minimum of 7°C (44°F) and a maximum of 15°C (59°F). Precipitation is most significant in April and July, with 104 mm (4.1 in) and 108 mm (4.3 in) respectively, while sunshine peaks in December with 336 hours. This region enjoys a diverse weather pattern that makes it a unique destination for outdoor enthusiasts. For more detailed information, visit Mount Victoria climate.
Otaki, New Zealand, experiences a temperate climate characterized by mild summers and cool winters. During the summer months of January and February, temperatures range from 6°C to 26°C (44°F to 79°F), accompanied by moderate rainfall of about 98-109 mm. Winters, particularly in July and August, see temperatures dropping to as low as 0°C (33°F) with increased precipitation, peaking at 169 mm in July. The area enjoys considerable sunshine, especially in December with 315 hours, making it a pleasant destination year-round. For more detailed information, visit Otaki climate.
Paekakariki, New Zealand experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild temperatures year-round. Summer months (December to February) see average highs around 24-25°C (76-77°F) and rainfall peaking in February with 106 mm (4.2 in). Winters (June to August) are cooler, with average temperatures dropping to 10°C (50°F) and maximums around 14°C (58°F), while precipitation rises, especially in July and August with about 155-156 mm (6.1 in). Sunlight varies throughout the year, peaking in December with 324 hours, ideal for outdoor activities. For more information, check out the Paekakariki climate.
Paraparaumu, New Zealand, experiences a temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters. January and February are the warmest months, featuring average temperatures around 17°C (63°F) to 25°C (77°F) and relatively high sunshine hours, peaking at 285 hours in February. Rainfall is frequent, particularly from April to August, with July receiving the highest precipitation at 155 mm (6.1 in). The region enjoys significant sunshine throughout the year, with December reaching up to 324 hours of sun. For more detailed information, visit Paraparaumu climate.
Porirua, New Zealand, experiences a temperate oceanic climate marked by mild temperatures throughout the year. January is the warmest month, with average highs around 17°C (62°F) and ample sunshine totaling 287 hours, while July sees cooler averages down to 11°C (52°F). Precipitation is relatively evenly distributed, peaking in April with 104 mm (4.1 in) and diminishing in January with only 33 mm (1.3 in). The city enjoys some of its longest sunshine hours in December, reaching up to 336 hours. For more detailed information, visit Porirua climate.
Raumati Beach, New Zealand, experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters. January and February see the warmest temperatures, averaging around 17-18°C (62-64°F), while July is the coldest month, with an average of 10°C (50°F). Precipitation is relatively high, especially in winter months like July and August, which can receive up to 156 mm (6.1 in). Despite the rain, the area enjoys considerable sunshine, peaking in December with 324 hours of sun. For detailed climate information, visit Raumati Beach climate.
Waikanae, New Zealand, experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild temperatures and varied precipitation throughout the year. Summer temperatures average around 17-25°C (62-77°F), with January being the warmest month, while winter months drop to an average of 10-11°C (50-52°F). Rainfall peaks in the cooler months, with July and August receiving the most precipitation, averaging 155-156 mm (6.1 in). Despite the rainfall, Waikanae enjoys significant sunshine, particularly in December, which records up to 324 hours. For more detailed information, visit Waikanae climate.
Wellington, New Zealand, experiences a mild maritime climate characterized by warm summers and cool winters. January and February are the warmest months, with average temperatures around 17°C to 18°C (63°F to 64°F) and maximums peaking at 23°C (73°F). Precipitation is relatively high, especially from April to July, with peak rainfall in June at 108 mm (4.3 in). Sunshine hours are abundant during the summer months, reaching up to 336 hours in December, while winter months see less sunshine with around 169 hours in June. For more details, check the Wellington climate.
In conclusion, Wellington, New Zealand, presents a unique climate characterized by its temperate maritime conditions, significant seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours. With mild summers marked by extended sunlight and vibrant outdoor opportunities, the city contrasts sharply with its cooler, shorter winter days. The interplay of these climatic factors emphasizes the importance of adapting outdoor activities to seasonal trends, particularly in terms of sun safety during periods of high UV exposure and making the most of daylight hours throughout the year. Overall, Wellington's dynamic weather patterns create a rich and inviting environment, celebrating the distinctive charm of each season.