Honestly, if you're checking the what's the temperature in wellington new zealand right now because you're packing a suitcase, leave the umbrella at home. No, seriously. Put it back. In Wellington, an umbrella is basically just a kite that’s destined to break within ten minutes of you stepping onto Lambton Quay.
The current vibe in the capital is... well, it’s classic Wellington. As of today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, the mercury is sitting at exactly 58°F. But here is the thing: it actually feels like 54°F because we’ve got a southeast wind kicking up at 22 mph.
The Reality of the Wellington "Summer"
Most people assume that because it’s January—the middle of the Southern Hemisphere summer—it should be scorching. That is a massive misconception. While Auckland might be humid and sticky, Wellington stays famously moderate. Today’s high is only hitting 58°F, and we’re looking at a low of 55°F tonight.
It’s mostly cloudy out there. You’ve got a 20% chance of rain, but in this city, "rain" often just means a salty mist blown sideways by the Cook Strait.
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What to Expect This Week
If you’re sticking around for a few days, the temperature in Wellington New Zealand is going to tease you with a bit of warmth before a big shift.
- Monday, Jan 19: A slight bump to 61°F. It’ll be partly sunny, which is basically a local holiday.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: Holding steady at 62°F with more clouds.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: This is the outlier. We’re looking at a high of 68°F and a UV index of 8. If you’re fair-skinned, you will burn in fifteen minutes. New Zealand’s sun is notoriously harsh due to lower ozone levels and a lack of pollution.
- Thursday, Jan 22: The mood shifts. Heavy rain is expected with a high of 64°F and a massive jump in humidity to 91%.
Why is it Always Windy?
You can't talk about the temperature without talking about the wind. Wellington sits right on the edge of the Cook Strait, which acts like a giant funnel for the "Roaring Forties"—strong westerly winds that circle the Southern Ocean.
When that wind comes from the south, it's straight off the Antarctic ice shelf. Even on a "warm" day of 65°F, a southerly gust will make you wish you had a puffer jacket. Conversely, a northerly wind is usually warmer but can be incredibly gusty. Today’s 24 mph wind from the southeast is a moderate breeze by local standards; we don't start worrying until the bins start rolling down the street at 60 mph.
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Historical Perspective: The Extremes
Wellington isn't a city of extremes, which is why locals love it. The all-time record high for the city (recorded way back in 1895) is only about 88°F (31.1°C). On the flip side, it rarely ever freezes at sea level. The record low is a mere 28.6°F (-1.9°C).
Basically, it's a "Goldilocks" climate—never too hot, never too cold, just constantly moving.
Pro Tips for Managing the Wellington Climate
If you're visiting, you need to master the "Wellington Layer."
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- Forget the Umbrella: I'm repeating this because it's important. Buy a high-quality hooded raincoat with a drawstring.
- The Merino Rule: Even in summer, keep a light merino wool top in your bag. The temperature in Wellington New Zealand can drop 10 degrees the second the sun goes behind a cloud or the wind changes direction.
- Check the UV Index: Don't let the cool breeze fool you. Today's UV index is 7, which is high. Even on a cloudy day, the sun here will cook you.
- Watch the Tides: If you're planning on walking the South Coast (highly recommended), the wind and tide combo can occasionally send waves right over the road.
Wellington is a city that requires a bit of resilience, but that’s part of the charm. When the sun finally cracks through the clouds and the wind dies down—as the locals say—"you can't beat Wellington on a good day."
Next Step: Check the local MetService "Wind Chill" factor rather than just the raw temperature before heading out for a walk around the bays; it’s the only number that actually tells you how many layers you’ll need.