Wellington Travel Forum

Hello,

would anybody be so kind to tell me during which time of the year one can go to the beach/outside swimming pools in wellington?

I can look at the temperatures, but I guess I cant compare them to German temperatures (at least not exactly), b/c the sun "burns" more over there, thus it's probably a bit hotter?

How bad is the ozone problem, btw?

thx

The weather can be variable in Wellington, at all times of the year. The end of December through to early April are the Summer months. There are lots good beach and swimming days during this period, but it is not always predictable. However, the most settled time for the good weather is usually end of January to about mid-March.

The sun is very strong in NZ due to the thin ozone layer. However this does not mean that you can't enjoy the outdoors. If you avoid being exposed to much to the full sun between 11am and 4pm, use a sunblock cream with an SPF factor of 30, making sure you reapply it every couple of hours and after swimming, you will be well protected. You can use a beach umbrella for shade at the hotest time, between spells in the water. A late afternoon swim can be very refreshing. We often take a picnic tea to the beach. If you are very fair-skinned I would recommend adhering to the those times to keep right out of the sun. And wear a hat at all times. You also need to be aware that even on dull, cloudy days, the UV rays penetrate the cloud cover and you can easily burn even if the temperature does not seem to be very high.

Caromia has pointed out well the dangers of the sun down here, and you should take the warnings seriously. Although I am outdoors every day for sports, gardening or whatever I always use sunscreen of SF 15 if I am outside, and if I go on full day walks I use SF 30, although I am suntanned the whole year.

Just had a German friend here for a visit who is dark haired and dark skinned but after a full day walk in the sunshine she had the first sunburn of her life.

The temperatures are not higher than in Germany, in summer it is even hotter in Germany. But the sun is definetely more dangerous here.

To me as a German the sea water still feels very chilly even in the best summer months but when I finally get over the first chill it is nice to be in the water. But it will never compare to the Caribbean and other nice bathtub-warm places ;-)

Sissi

The outdoor pools are not heated and therefore are quite refreshing! :-o
We only have 2 public outdoor pools, open till about end of March/early April. (http://www.wellington.govt.nz/services/swimpools/index.html)
Beaches also have very cool water - Scorching Bay and Oriental Bay look gorgeoous, but are very cold. Lyall Bay is a surf beach in the right weather, but you'll need a wetsuit! Warmest beaches are on the west coast, north of Wellington eg: Plimmerton to Waikanae.
Yes, take care with sunscreen - wear it at all times outdooors, even if it's a bit cloudy.

Thanks for all the replies! The most interesting part to me is that I could perhaps avoid really being exposed to that ozone problem if I avoid going to the beach, etc. during the middle of the day and would go to the beach in the (late) afternoon instead.

Only if you stay indoors during the day...

You will do yourself a gteat diservice if you miss out on all the incredible outdoor activities that are so dear to kiwi's hearts and which offer such great chances to experience our incredible scenery. The sun is certainly a danger if you do bot protect yourself and depiste having travelled in much hotter climates I have never experienced the strength of the sun like I have here. But be sun wise, wear a good spf, shade yourself and you will be fine. NZ is paradise - enjoy all it has to offer!