What September feels like in Wellington
September is early spring 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. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Wellington in September
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. Each rainy day adds about 6.6 mm (0.3 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. The yearly figure is similar, around 7.4 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in September
In mid-September, sunrise is at about 6:24 am and sunset at about 6:09 pm (local time) — 11 h 45 min of daylight. The days are stretching out — 1 h 19 min more daylight than mid-August. The sun is out for roughly 78% of those daylight hours, so there are plenty of bright spells.
How September compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, September comes out as the 4th coolest month in Wellington. Against August, the average high is 1°C (1.8°F) higher, with 15 mm less rain. The warm-up continues into October. October averages a high of 14.1°C (57.4°F).
Who September 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 September
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Light Jacket
Bring a sweater or light coat for cool afternoons.
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is Wellington in September?
Expect around 12.9°C (55.2°F) in the afternoon and 9.6°C (49.3°F) at night, which most visitors would call chilly.
Does it rain a lot in Wellington in September?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 79 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Wellington in September?
The numbers point to rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is September or October better for visiting Wellington?
On our 12-month climate ranking, September comes out ahead (#8 of 12 vs #9). October is warmer and has more rainy days.