Does Wellington’s Weather Make It the Worst Capital to Live In? A Local’s Take

As the long weekend rolled through the South Coast of Wellington, I found myself standing on the windswept edge of Lyall Bay, watching the waves pound in. The question popped back into my mind — one I was asked just a few days earlier:
“Does Wellington really deserve its bad weather reputation?”

I have to say… maybe it does.
At least, sometimes.

When the southerly barrels up off the Cook Strait and slams into the city like it owns the place — yeah, it can be brutal. On days like that, the only way to make it down Courtenay Place is to hunker down, grit your teeth, and power through. We’ve all had umbrellas turned inside out. We’ve all had moments where the wind’s nearly knocked us off our feet. It’s a Wellington rite of passage.

But Here’s the Thing — It’s Just Weather

What really matters is what this weather draws out in us as Wellingtonians.
Resilience. Grit. And surprisingly, a whole lot of community spirit.

When the June storms hit last year, lashing the coast from Owhiro Bay to Island Bay and across the region, the destruction was real. Trees came down. Roads split open. Power lines snapped. But people got stuck in. Out came the wheelbarrows and chainsaws. Neighbours checked in on neighbours. Total strangers helped clear driveways and redirect traffic.

I’ll never forget standing by the sea wall at midnight in Lyall Bay, watching the swells slam into the shoreline with frightening force. That raw, unpredictable energy — it’s both terrifying and beautiful. And somehow, it feels like it belongs to us.

The Not-So-Pretty Bits

Of course, we’re not going to romanticise everything.
Wellington’s weather isn’t just inconvenient — it can be downright dangerous. Slippery roads from sudden downpours lead to accidents. Combined with strong gusts and poor visibility, driving can become a high-stakes challenge. And let’s be honest, the traffic isn’t winning any awards either.

Our narrow streets, frequent weather disruptions, and a lack of robust alternatives can make commuting a headache. One bad storm and the city seems to gridlock instantly. And while we keep hoping for an underground tunnel somewhere magical, we’re still waiting.

Sunshine and Silver Linings

But here’s a surprising fact: Wellington actually gets more sunshine than Auckland.
No one believes it until they check the stats. And when those good days roll in — crisp, clear, still — there’s nowhere better. The harbour glistens, the South Coast sparkles, and suddenly everyone’s on the waterfront like it’s a national holiday.

We might complain a lot about the wind, but you’ll find us paddleboarding, surfing, or sipping a flat white outdoors the moment the weather plays nice. We don’t take it for granted.

Oh, And Then There’s the Earthquakes

Yeah — we’ve got that going on too. Living on a fault line adds a bit of edge to everyday life. But again, it’s something we live with, prepare for, and take seriously. We build smart, we train often, and we’ve got each other’s backs when the ground starts to shake.

So, Worst Capital? Not Even Close.

Sure, Wellington’s weather can be rough. And some days, it does feel like we live inside a wind tunnel. But for those of us who’ve made it home, the weather is just one part of the story — and far from the whole picture.

This city is vibrant, creative, tough, and full of soul. It’s got music, food, theatre, wild coastlines, and people who’ll help you move a fridge in the rain without blinking. What more could you ask for?

So next time someone tells you Wellington has the worst weather, just smile and nod.
Because while they’re stuck inside complaining, we’re out here — raincoat on, coffee in hand — loving every wild, windy moment.