Wellington, New Zealand: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Wellington, New Zealand? If you're planning to go to Wellington, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Wellington
- Important essentials for Wellington
- Activities for Wellington
- Wellington in January: weather and what to pack
- Wellington in February: weather and what to pack
- Wellington in March: weather and what to pack
- Wellington in April: weather and what to pack
- Wellington in May: weather and what to pack
- Wellington in June: weather and what to pack
- Wellington in July: weather and what to pack
- Wellington in August: weather and what to pack
- Wellington in September: weather and what to pack
- Wellington in October: weather and what to pack
- Wellington in November: weather and what to pack
- Wellington in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Wellington, New Zealand
Based on the climate and weather in Wellington, the best time to go is February. See below for details.
Important essentials for Wellington, New Zealand
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Wellington, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection you can have.
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently get worn. An unreadable vaccination card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly product.
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
Other health necessities
Emergency water purifier
Some areas of this country may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to take an emergency water purifier like this one.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great kit.
Emergency rapid COVID-19 test
U.S. residents can get them free here. Otherwise, you can buy them here.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Wellington. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. This one should work in most places, but you should check with your hotel.
Airplane or car necessities
For families with young children
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Activities for Wellington, New Zealand
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Wellington.
If you see Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
Comfy walking shoes
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
We also recommend these top tours in and around Wellington.
What to wear/what to pack for Wellington, New Zealand by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
In January, Wellington is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 60s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the 50s F (mid 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Wellington, with several of the days of the month having rain. In January, humidity reaches as high as 70%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
Pants or jeans
Light and heavy skirts
Light jacket or fleece
Extra socks
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
February
If you vacation in Wellington during February, you are likely to see that it is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Pants or jeans
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
Extra socks
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
March
Traveling to Wellington in March, you will notice that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
Extra socks
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
Pants or jeans
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
April
In April, Wellington can be chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (high 10s C) and once in a while jump into the 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Wellington, with several of the days of the month having rain. In April, humidity reaches as high as 80%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
Pants or jeans
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light and heavy skirts
Light jacket or fleece
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
May
May in Wellington is cool and very rainy. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
Pants or jeans
Extra socks
-
Dresses
Light and heavy skirts
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
June
June in Wellington can be brisk and very rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Pants or jeans
Extra socks
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
Light and heavy skirts
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
July
If you go to Wellington in July, you will notice that it can be very chilly and very rainy. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light jacket or fleece
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
Pants or jeans
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
August
August for Wellington is pretty cool and very rainy. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light jacket or fleece
Pants or jeans
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
September
September in Wellington is crisp and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 80% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light jacket or fleece
Light and heavy skirts
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
Pants or jeans
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
October
October here is relatively cool and very rainy. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light and heavy skirts
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light jacket or fleece
Extra socks
-
Dresses
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
November
In November, Wellington is chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Wellington, with several of the days of the month having rain. In November, humidity reaches as high as 80%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
Light and heavy skirts
Light jacket or fleece
Pants or jeans
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
December
If you go to Wellington in December, you will notice that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
Light jacket or fleece
Light and heavy skirts
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
These are essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
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