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Wellington, New Zealand · Temperate oceanic

Wellington in January: go or not?

Good time. Wellington in January gets 7.7/10.

📅 Updated August 2026 🛰️ ERA5 · 10 years 📍 41.29°S · 174.78°E
⚡ This month's verdict
Go for it
Wellington · January
7.7
15–20°
Temperature
26%
Rain
8h
Sun
🌊 Seaside☀️ Bright🍴 Gastronomy
Photo : Corey Serravite via Unsplash
The month in detail

What to expect in January

Even in winter, Wellington enjoys 20.0°F. A real asset for escaping the European cold. Expect rain on 26.0% of days — a light raincoat in the bag is recommended. A good balance between weather and crowds, even if January (7.7/10) remains theoretically better.

January is the best month of the year in Wellington. Compared to December: +4°F daytime, 11 pts fewer rainy days, +0.5h of sun per day.

This month's conditions

What it's like in January

UV index
8 · very high
protection essential
Feels like
comfortable
14°
Sea
19°C
cool, invigorating
Daylight
14.7h of daylight
Air quality
excellent
AQI 14
Compare

Is January the right month?

January is actually the best month of the year in Wellington. Good timing.

See all 12 months →
Context

Our verdict

Wellington, the New Zealand capital: 215,000 inhabitants, the windiest city in the world ("Windy Welly", average annual wind 17 miles/h), intense café culture, cultural scene. January-February are my favorite months (8.1-8.3/10): 59-68°F, 26% rain, austral summer.

Read Gilles' full review →

Book

Plan your trip

Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.

🏨
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Wellington
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Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
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Flights
Multi-airline comparator
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🎟️ Activities & tours · Wellington

GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation

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Affiliate link · GetYourGuide
Practical info

What you need to know before you go

Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach trip.

Country · New Zealand

🗣️LanguageEnglish
💶CurrencyNew Zealand Dollar ($)
🚗DrivingLeft-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘModerate · 3/5

🌡️ Climate

🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthJanuary · 68°F
❄️Coolest monthJuly · 54°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘJuly · 43%

🏖️ Beach trip

📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
Explore

Other destinations in January

If January doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.

Similar climate
New ZealandNew ZealandAucklandNew ZealandGuadeloupeGuadeloupeTaupoNew ZealandBasseterreSaint Kitts and Nevis
Nearby
ChristchurchNew Zealand305 kmRotoruaNew Zealand372 kmQueenstownNew Zealand647 kmQueenstown SkiNew Zealand647 km
Other top picks
FuerteventuraSpain7.7Hawaii / MauiUnited States7.7LanzaroteSpain7.7MauiUnited States7.7TenerifeSpain7.7
← DecemberFebruary →
🗺️ See all 754 destinations on the map
Location

Where is Wellington ?

Global position + regional geographic context.

🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
New Zealand
Temperate oceanic climate with a 7.7 → 4.1 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
41.29°S · 174.78°E
Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Wellington?
January is the best month with 68°F highs, 59°F lows, 7.5h of sunshine and 26.0% rainy days. The months of January & February offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Wellington get in January?
Wellington averages 7.5 sunshine hours per day in January. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.2/10.
What is the rainiest month in Wellington?
June is the most unfavourable month with June has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Wellington in January?
In January, overnight lows reach 59°F, while afternoon highs average 68°F.
Is Wellington good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Wellington scores 7.1/10 on average — Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains January with a score of 7.2/10.
When should you avoid Wellington?
June is the most difficult month to visit Wellington, with June has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Wellington in January?
In January, the sea averages 67°F in Wellington: cool, invigorating. Swimming is possible but brisk; sensitive swimmers may prefer a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Wellington in January?
The average UV index reaches 8 in January in Wellington (very high), with about 14.7h of daylight. Protection essential.