Queenstown, New ZealandQuick decision
When to visit Queenstown?
🌞 Best time overall
January
🌡️ Optimal temperature
12°C–21°C in January
🌧 Least rain
38% rainy days in January
🌧 Wettest month
July (43%)
📅 Best score
7.6/10
By trip type
Best time by type of trip
Bungee jumpingYear-round — birthplace of bungee (Kawarau Bridge, 43 m).
Remarkables & Coronet Peak skiingJun–Sep — skiing with Lake Wakatipu views.
Milford SoundYear-round — fjord cruise, waterfalls, dolphins.
Central Otago Pinot NoirFeb–Apr — world's southernmost vineyards, exceptional Pinot Noir.
Monthly climate data
Queenstown weather month by month
| Month | Min °C | Max °C | Rainy days (%) | Precip. mm/d | Sun h/d | Score | Ski score 🎿 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🌤️ January | 12°C | 21°C | 38% | 3.5 | 13.0h | 7.6/10 | 4.5/10 |
| 🌤️ February | 12°C | 21°C | 36% | 4.0 | 12.4h | 7.5/10 | 4.5/10 |
| 🌤️ March | 11°C | 19°C | 34% | 3.2 | 10.6h | 7.2/10 | 4.5/10 |
| 🌦️ April | 8°C | 15°C | 41% | 3.6 | 8.7h | 5.8/10 | 4.3/10 |
| 🌦️ May | 5°C | 12°C | 43% | 4.1 | 6.9h | 4.3/10 | 4.9/10 |
| 🌦️ June | 3°C | 7°C | 37% | 3.2 | 6.1h | 4.0/10 | 6.6/10 |
| 🌦️ July | 2°C | 7°C | 43% | 4.0 | 5.5h | 3.2/10 | 6.4/10 |
| 🌦️ August | 2°C | 8°C | 41% | 3.0 | 7.6h | 4.1/10 | 6.5/10 |
| 🌦️ September | 3°C | 11°C | 48% | 6.7 | 9.0h | 4.3/10 | 5.6/10 |
| 🌦️ October | 5°C | 14°C | 51% | 5.1 | 10.5h | 5.0/10 | 4.8/10 |
| 🌦️ November | 8°C | 17°C | 47% | 4.0 | 12.0h | 7.0/10 | 4.6/10 |
| 🌦️ December | 11°C | 19°C | 49% | 4.5 | 12.6h | 7.1/10 | 4.4/10 |
Ideal
Fair
Challenging climate
Source: Open-Meteo · 10 years
Seasonal breakdown
What to expect each season
🌸 Spring (Mar–May) — Acceptable
Average 15°C, 39% rainy days, 8.7h sunshine/day. Score: 5.8/10.
☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) — Challenging climate
Average 7°C, 40% rainy days, 6.4h sunshine/day. Score: 3.8/10.
🍂 Autumn (Sep–Nov) — Challenging climate
Average 14°C, 49% rainy days, 10.5h sunshine/day. Score: 5.4/10.
❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb) — Good time
Average 20°C, 41% rainy days, 12.7h sunshine/day. Score: 7.4/10.
Accommodation
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Tip : off-peak months (July, August) are cheapest but weather is significantly worse.
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Activities and tours in Queenstown
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Flights
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Monthly weather
Detailed weather by month
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
It depends on the activity. For skiing: June (ski score 6.6/10). For hiking/summer: January (7.6/10, 21°C).
Yes, it's peak ski season. Average ski score December–February: 4.5/10. Cold temperatures (21°C max in January) and frequent snowfall.
In January, temperatures average 21°C. Ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
July is the wettest month with 43% rainy days.
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