Wellington’s weather is a mess of contrasts… a meteorological rollercoaster where calm is rare, and umbrellas are (often) pointless. Nestled at the southern tip of New Zealand’s North Island, the city sits at the mercy of the Cook Strait’s winds, which barrel through like an uninvited guest. They’re not just breezy, they’re headline news. Gusts routinely hit over 96 km/h, and on Mt Kaukau, wind speeds can average a relentless 44 km/h. If wind were a sport, Wellington would take the gold.
Rain? There’s plenty … except when there isn’t. The Rimutaka and Tararua Ranges have over 2000 mm annually, while the city itself gets around 1000mm, which can leave it feeling a bit parched and “hosepipebanny”. Don’t expect consistency … this is Wellington, after all.
Temperature-wise, Wellington is the Goldilocks of New Zealand (if you don’t like it super cold or super hot). Summers hover around a comfortable 18–24°C, while winters drop to a brisk but manageable 6–8°C. Coastal areas stay pleasantly moderate, thanks to the sea playing peacemaker. And let’s not forget the sun… it usually shines more here than in most places in the country, clocking in over 2100 hours a year. Yes, sunshine and wind … like the Flight of the Conchords or the Topp Twins, a pair that rarely arrive without some drama. When the forecast says 22 degrees in Wellington, don’t confuse it with Brisbane’s version of 22. Sure, the number of the map is the same, but temperature is measured in the shade, and thanks to the humidity (and a number of other meteorological quirks), NZ shade is a whole lot cooler than Brisbanes. As such, 22 feels warmer than it should in Wellington, that is if the wind isn’t cold (this is Wellington, after all).
What I’m trying to say is that Wellington’s climate is unpredictable … except when it isn’t, but that’s part of its charm. It’s not just weather; it’s a lifestyle. And if you’ve ever had a gust of wind steal your hat, only to watch it somersault down Lambton Quay, you’ll know exactly what I mean.
The Obligatory Blog 