Wellington in January
In January, Wellington averages 20°C (67°F) during the day and 15°C (59°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 14 days of the month see precipitation (46 mm total).
Peak seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
January offers comfortable temperatures in Wellington, with some rain to plan around.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Wellington
January is one of the warmest months in Wellington (1st of 12) and one of the driest months (11th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 4°C above the annual average (16°C). January runs 2°C warmer than December (18°C) and stays flat into February.
January sunrise & sunset in Wellington
Times shown for Wellington local time (Pacific/Auckland), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Wellington — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Wellington's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Wellington in January
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on January's tier (Peak season) and Wellington's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Wellington
Wellington is in peak season during this month — expect bigger crowds at famous sights, higher hotel and flight prices, and longer queues. Restaurant reservations a few days out are advisable, and any boutique hotels you have your eye on should be booked weeks ahead. The trade-off: most attractions, restaurants, and seasonal services are fully open, the weather is at its most reliable, and the city feels at its most alive.
Why this tier: excellent tourism weather Southern Hemisphere summer holidays
Sun & mosquito risk — January in Wellington
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Wellington in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20°C / 67°F | 15°C / 59°F | 46 mm | 14 | — |
| February | 19°C / 67°F | 15°C / 59°F | 80 mm | 12 | — |
| March | 18°C / 65°F | 14°C / 58°F | 78 mm | 15 | — |
| April | 16°C / 62°F | 13°C / 55°F | 96 mm | 16 | — |
| May | 15°C / 59°F | 12°C / 53°F | 100 mm | 18 | — |
| June | 13°C / 56°F | 10°C / 49°F | 100 mm | 17 | — |
| July | 12°C / 54°F | 9°C / 47°F | 102 mm | 19 | — |
| August | 12°C / 54°F | 9°C / 48°F | 103 mm | 19 | — |
| September | 13°C / 55°F | 9°C / 49°F | 88 mm | 19 | — |
| October | 15°C / 58°F | 11°C / 51°F | 66 mm | 17 | — |
| November | 16°C / 61°F | 12°C / 54°F | 88 mm | 18 | — |
| December | 18°C / 64°F | 14°C / 57°F | 77 mm | 16 | — |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Wellington in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Wellington in January?
In January, Wellington averages a high of 20°C (67°F) and a low of 15°C (59°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Wellington in January?
January can be fairly wet in Wellington, with about 14 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Wellington?
January is mild and pleasant but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Wellington in January?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Wellington for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.