Home › Weather › Wellington Weather
Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the Playlister UK weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
Live data from Open-Meteo · updates automatically ·
Wellington’s weather, as shown in the live forecast above, is dominated by its exposed coastal position – today expect brisk south-westerly winds, patchy cloud and mild temperatures near the seasonal norm, with a chance of brief showers moving in later.
What is the typical weather pattern for Wellington?
Wellington sits on the Cook Strait, giving it a windy, temperate marine climate. The city sees mild winters (average 8°C in July) and cool summers (average 17°C in January), with rainfall spread fairly evenly throughout the year. The “Roaring Forties” winds can gust over 100 km/h, especially in spring.
- Warmest month: February (average high 20°C)
- Coolest month: July (average low 6°C)
- Annual rainfall: ~1,200mm, with no pronounced dry season
- Prevailing wind: north-west, often funnelled by local terrain
How reliable are long-range forecasts for Wellington?
Short-term forecasts (up to 3 days) are fairly reliable due to consistent monitoring of the Cook Strait; but extended outlooks, such as the weather in Wellington 10 days ahead, can shift quickly as fronts roll in from the Tasman Sea. A 30 day forecast should be treated as a general trend rather than a day-by-day guarantee – accuracy drops sharply after two weeks.
Nearby locations like BBC Weather Rotorua (inland, less windy) and BBC Weather Picton (across the strait, often sunnier) can both differ markedly from Wellington’s conditions on the same day.
Is Wellington the windiest city in the world?
Not officially, but it regularly ranks among the windiest major cities. Average wind speed is around 22 km/h, and strong gusts are common, especially in spring. The wind is driven by the Cook Strait’s funnel effect between the North and South Islands.
When is the best time to visit Wellington for good weather?
Late summer (February–March) typically offers the warmest temperatures and most settled conditions. However, even in January you can experience a mix of sun, wind and rain – pack layers and a waterproof jacket whatever the season.
How does the Met Office cover New Zealand weather?
The Met Office (UK) does not produce forecasts for New Zealand. For official Wellington updates, use the BBC Weather service or New Zealand’s MetService. The term met office weather wellington may refer to a user search for any meteorological source covering the city.
Sources
For a broader picture of conditions across Britain, visit our UK weather hub and compare with locations like Birmingham Weather. If you need a longer outlook, our 10 Day Weather Forecast UK page provides extended predictions for British cities.