Ever stood on the Wellington waterfront and felt like the wind was trying to personally evict you from the North Island? Honestly, if you haven’t, you haven't lived here long enough. People call it "Windy Welly" for a reason, but there’s a nuance to the wellington nz weather forecast that most visitors—and even some fresh-faced locals—completely miss.
It's not just about the gust. It’s about the soul-crushing southerlies versus the "everything is forgiven" blue-sky days.
Right now, we're looking at a classic mid-January stretch. The current temperature is sitting at 58°F under a cloudy night sky. Humidity is high at 81%, and there’s a 15 mph wind coming in from the south. It’s a bit damp, a bit moody, and quintessentially Wellington.
The Cook Strait Funnel: Why the wind actually happens
Most people think Wellington is just "near the ocean" so it's windy. Nah. It's way more scientific and slightly more annoying than that. You’ve got the Tararua Range to the north and the Marlborough ranges to the south.
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Basically, the wind has nowhere to go but through the Cook Strait.
Think of it like a river hitting a narrow gorge. The air speeds up—a phenomenon called the Venturi effect—and slams right into the city. According to MetService, Wellington averages about 178 days a year with gusts over 63 km/h. That’s nearly half the year where your umbrella is essentially a sacrificial offering to the sky gods.
Pro tip: Don't buy an umbrella here. Seriously. You’ll see them inside-out in every street-side trash can after a "breezy" afternoon. Get a decent Gore-Tex jacket with a hood that cinches tight.
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What the next few days look like
If you're planning a trip to Zealandia or a walk up Mount Victoria this week, keep an eye on the shifts. Today, Friday, January 16, we're expecting a high of 61°F and a low of 57°F. There’s a 70% chance of rain during the day, so maybe swap the outdoor hike for a long coffee at a Cuba Street cafe.
The weekend looks a bit more promising but still classic Welly:
- Saturday: Partly sunny with a high of 58°F. Winds will kick up from the south at 25 mph.
- Sunday: Similar vibes. High of 59°F, partly sunny, and a 24 mph southeast wind.
- Monday: The sun sticks around more. High of 60°F and the wind drops slightly to 21 mph.
Four seasons in one day isn't just a song
In Wellington, the forecast is more of a polite suggestion. You can wake up to a "clear dawn" which usually means a good morning, but by 2 PM, a southerly can roll in and drop the temperature by 10 degrees in minutes.
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The UV index here is no joke either. Even on a cloudy day like today (where the UV is currently 0 at night, but hit a 5 during the day), the "hole in the ozone" effect is real. You’ll feel cool because of the wind, but your face will be beet-red by dinner time if you don't slap on some SPF 50.
Why January is still the sweet spot
Despite the rain today, January is historically one of the driest months. The average high is usually around 67°F, which feels much hotter when the sun actually breaks through. You get about 15 hours of daylight right now. That means you can finish work at 5 PM and still have four hours of sunlight to hit the Oriental Bay beach or go mountain biking in the Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park.
How to actually read a Wellington forecast
If you're looking at a weather app and it says "mostly cloudy," look at the wind direction.
- Northerlies: These are usually warmer but gusty. They bring that blustery summer energy.
- Southerlies: These come straight from the Antarctic. Even in summer, a southerly will make you reach for a puffer jacket.
Locals use the "Mount Vic Camera" check. If the camera is shaking on the news, it's a "stay inside and watch a movie" kind of day. If the harbor looks like glass? Drop everything. Go outside. That’s the "good day" everyone talks about.
Actionable steps for surviving the Welly weather
- The Layering Rule: Never leave the house without a windproof layer, even if it’s 70°F and sunny.
- Forget the Umbrella: Invest in a jacket with a stiff peak on the hood.
- Check the Gusts, Not Just the Speed: A 15 mph wind is fine; 40 mph gusts will knock a kid over.
- Sunscreen is Mandatory: If the sun is out, you are burning. Don't trust the cool breeze.
Wellington weather is a bit of a wild ride, but honestly, it’s part of the city's charm. It keeps the air clean, the coffee culture strong, and the people resilient. Just don't expect your hair to stay in place.