Wellington is doing that thing again. You know, the one where it’s officially summer in New Zealand, but the sky looks like a moody charcoal painting and the wind is trying to steal your hat. Honestly, if you stepped outside this morning expecting a scorching January heatwave, you’ve probably already retreated back inside for a sweatshirt.
It’s currently 56°F out there. But because this is the capital, the "feels like" temperature is actually sitting at a brisk 52°F. That's a classic Wellington tax. We call it "Wind Chill," and it's being served up today by a persistent southeast breeze.
The Reality of Wellington Weather Today
Basically, today—Sunday, January 18, 2026—is a bit of a grey one. We aren't seeing those postcard-perfect blue skies just yet. The conditions are mostly cloudy, and there is a lingering 9% chance of rain right now. It’s not a washout, but it’s damp enough to make the air feel heavy.
Humidity is holding steady at 72%. In a city like Auckland, that might feel sticky, but here, paired with an 18 mph wind from the southeast, it just feels... cool. You’re looking at a high of 58°F for the day and a low of 55°F. It is a very narrow temperature band, which is typical when the cloud cover acts like a giant lid over the Cook Strait.
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What’s actually happening with the wind?
People joke about "Windy Welly," but today the southeast flow is the main character. A 21 mph gust (which is what we’re seeing in the daily max) isn’t a gale by our standards, but it’s enough to make a harbor walk feel more like an endurance sport.
If you're heading toward the South Coast or Lyall Bay, expect it to feel significantly sharper. The hills usually offer some protection, but southeast winds have a sneaky way of funneling through the valleys of Karori and Newtown.
What to Wear (The Layers Rule)
Don't let the "January" label fool you. This isn't the Gold Coast.
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- The Base Layer: A standard T-shirt is fine, but make it cotton or something breathable.
- The Essential: A light windbreaker or a denim jacket. Seriously. With a "feels like" of 52°F, you will regret leaving without a shell.
- The "Just in Case": Keep a small umbrella in the car. The rain chance is low (20% during the day), but Wellington showers are famously indecisive. They turn on and off like a faulty tap.
UV Index and Your Skin
The UV index is technically 0 right now because it’s nighttime as I write this, but even on these cloudy days, New Zealand’s sun is a different beast. The ozone layer is thin here. If the clouds break for even twenty minutes this afternoon, that UV rating will spike. Don't be the person who gets a "cloud burn"—it’s a real thing and it hurts.
Looking Ahead: Is Summer Coming Back?
If you’re over the grey, hang in there. Tomorrow, Monday, January 19, looks slightly better with a high of 61°F and some "partly cloudy" breaks in the evening. The real turnaround happens toward the middle of the week. By Wednesday, we’re looking at 69°F and much lighter winds.
But for today? It's a coffee-in-a-warm-cafe kind of Sunday.
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Pro Tip: If you're planning on doing laundry, maybe keep it inside. With 73% humidity and cloudy skies, your jeans will still be damp by dinner time. Stick to the dryer or wait for Tuesday’s sun.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check the harbor ferry schedule if you’re traveling to Eastbourne; southeast winds can make the crossing a bit "bouncy." If you’re hiking the Skyline Walkway, pack a headband to keep the wind out of your ears—it’s going to be gusty up on the ridges.