What August feels like in Wellington
August is late winter in Wellington (Wellington is in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons run opposite to Europe and North America). The daytime air has a chill to it, though it is rarely bitter. There is little difference between day and night: nights are cool, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. The air is damp, which makes cool temperatures feel colder, particularly in wind.
Rain in Wellington in August
Rain is part of normal life this month, falling on about every other day. Each rainy day adds about 6.7 mm (0.3 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. The yearly figure is similar, around 7.4 mm per wet day. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in August
Mid-month, Wellington gets 10 h 26 min of daylight, from sunrise near 7:13 am to sunset near 5:39 pm. The days are stretching out — 59 min more daylight than mid-July. About 75% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How August compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, August comes out as the 2nd coolest month in Wellington. It is about as warm as July, with 7 mm less rain. The warm-up continues into September. September averages a high of 12.9°C (55.2°F).
Who August suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting Wellington in August
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Warm Layers
A proper winter coat, with gloves and a hat for early starts.
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is Wellington in August?
Expect around 11.9°C (53.4°F) in the afternoon and 8.8°C (47.8°F) at night, which most visitors would call chilly.
Does it rain a lot in Wellington in August?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about every other day and totals about 94 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Wellington in August?
The numbers point to rain protection, warm layers and sunglasses. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is August or September better for visiting Wellington?
September scores better on our climate ranking (#8 of 12 vs #12), rated Good against Fair. September is warmer and has fewer rainy days.