Wellington Weather"Their heads bent, their legs just touching, they stride like one eager person through the town, down the asphalt zigzag where the fennel grows wild, and on to the esplanade... The wind is so strong that they have to fight their way through it, rocking like two old drunkards." ~Katherine Mansfield  Wellington has been known as the Windy City. As a strong wind blows on a spring day it may feel more like winter, but that's just part of Wellington's charm. It is certainly wise to be indoors and gaze at Wellington’s infamous “horizontal rain” drumming perpendicularly against the glass window.Travellers heading to Wellington from the Northern Hemisphere (including the United States and Europe) are reminded that the seasons of the area are flip-flopped with those of their point of origin. In other words, when it is summer in the United States, it is winter in Wellington and vice-versa. This can be nice for travelers who wish to escape the heat of summer or cold of winter in their own areas.  Wellington SeasonsWinter (June, July, August)Wellington's weather is noticeably cooler during the winter months, although winters in Wellington are quite short and never extreme, with only occasional frosts. You will find that in Wellington the seasons tend to blend into one another. It is extremely rare for Wellington to experience snow and in winter there are many days with a blue sky and bright sunshine. Spring (September, October, November) The spring months in Wellington are true to season. Linen and cotton clothing is ideal, however, pack a sweater or medium-weight jacket for likely temperature changes. In the spring, the trees and flowers are in bloom and those prone to allergies should pack necessary medication. Summer (December, January, February) Typical summer daytime maximum air temperatures range from 19°C to 24°C, and seldom exceed 30°C. Don’t forget your sunhat and sunscreen too! Fall (March, April, May) March to May are New Zealand's autumn months. While temperatures are a little cooler than summer, the weather can be excellent. Recommended Clothing Dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and night-spots. Men are generally not expected to wear suits and ties, except in a few of the top formal bars and restaurants in major cities. A medium-weight waterproof and windproof jacket is always a good idea whatever time of year you choose to visit: the weather can change without notice. Umbrellas and hats are practically useless given the wind. Visitors who try to use them quickly find their umbrella turned outside by the wind and hats gone with the wind! That said, the inclemencies of the weather has bred many a particularly resilient and helpful Wellingtonian who would go out of the way to lend assistance to a passerby. Many a tourist has remarked on this pristine quality and the open and helpful friendliness of the people of Wellington.  contact us |