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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Aussie Pulse Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
Check the live forecast above for Wellington today, then plan around the chance of showers and the nor’westerly wind that often builds through the afternoon. Wellington’s weather is famously changeable due to its exposed Cook Strait position, so a light jacket and a compact umbrella are practical any time of year.
What makes Wellington’s weather so changeable?
Wellington sits right in the path of prevailing westerlies funnelling through Cook Strait, which creates rapid shifts between sun, cloud and gusty winds. The surrounding hills and harbour also trap local cloud bands, meaning the weather in Wellington can be noticeably different from suburbs like Upper Hutt or the coast at Eastbourne. Wind speeds often pick up from late morning, reaching 40–60 km/h on a typical spring or summer afternoon.
What should you plan for today and the next few days?
For Wellington weather today and tomorrow, expect a mix of morning cloud, possible isolated showers, then clearing to partial sun as the sea breeze strengthens. The NIWA forecast suggests the next weather in Wellington 10 days will follow this pattern: a day or two of settled conditions, then another front moving in from the Tasman Sea. Check the hourly forecast above for exact timing, especially if you’re heading to the ferry terminal or the Hutt Valley.
Does Wellington get storms like other parts of Australia?
Not typically. Wellington’s storms are usually rain-bearing fronts with strong northwesterly winds, rather than the severe thunderstorms you might see in eastern Australia. Hail and lightning are rare, but wind gusts can exceed 130 km/h a few times each year.
How accurate is the Wellington weather forecast for the next week?
Day 1–3 forecasts are very reliable for temperature and wind direction, but exact shower timing can shift a few hours. By day 5–7, the general pattern (fronts, settled spells) is useful, but avoid relying on precise hourly details beyond 48 hours.
Why is Wellington windier than Dubbo or other inland towns?
Wellington’s Cook Strait position acts like a wind funnel, compressing air and speeding it up. Inland places like Dubbo lack this channelling effect, so they experience lighter, more localised winds. The nor’westerly is Wellington’s signature gust.
Sources
For the latest across the ditch, see our Australia weather hub or check Melbourne weather and Sydney weather for comparison.