When To Go · Destination Guide
Two marine reserves, kelp forests, and wrecks on the doorstep of New Zealand's capital
Updated Feb 13, 2026 • 17 sources
When to go
Sea surface temperatures off Wellington peak around 17°C in late summer and dip to about 12°C in midwinter.
Best overall window
Warmest air and longest daylight. Sea surface temperature trends toward 15°C to 17°C, and city events calendar is busiest.
Outside that window
Cooler and more frequent fronts. Sea surface temperature dips near 12°C, and wind chill can be significant on the coast.
Start with the overall answer, then switch only when scuba, freedive, snorkel, or topside timing changes the trip in a meaningful way.
The overall row stays visible so you can compare it against the currently selected scope.
| Scope | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | Overall - Jan: Best | Overall - Feb: Best | Overall - Mar: Best | Overall - Apr: Good | Overall - May: Good | Overall - Jun: Tradeoffs | Overall - Jul: Tradeoffs | Overall - Aug: Tradeoffs | Overall - Sep: Good | Overall - Oct: Good | Overall - Nov: Good | Overall - Dec: Best |
These do not replace the overall planner. Use them only if a specific animal or event is driving your trip dates.
NZ fur seal encounters
Best for Scuba, Freedive, Snorkel, Topside
Year-round
Fur seals are common around Wellington's coastline and are often seen from shore at places like the South Coast.
Cook Strait marine mammal spotting
Best for Topside, Scuba
Jun to Sep
Winter to early spring is a strong window for spotting dolphins and the occasional whale from the coast or while crossing Cook Strait.
Little blue penguins on the South Coast
Best for Topside, Snorkel
Aug to Jan
Little blue penguins breed on Wellington's South Coast.
Late-summer warm water peak
Best for Scuba, Freedive, Snorkel
Feb to Mar
Sea surface temperatures off Wellington typically peak around 17°C in late summer.
Wellington On a Plate
Best for Topside
Aug
Signature Wellington food festival that pairs perfectly with winter culture travel.
New Zealand International Film Festival (Wellington)
Best for Topside
Jul to Aug
A strong indoor alternative when winter wind and swell make diving unpredictable.
CubaDupa street festival energy
Best for Topside
Mar
A lively latesummer cultural weekend that can be paired with morning shore dives and afternoon city exploration.
Spring wind season
Best for Scuba, Freedive, Snorkel, Topside
Sep to Nov
Spring is typically the windiest season.
Built from climate references, access rules, and destination operators. Wildlife timing and route flexibility can shift year to year.