Queenstown, New ZealandQuick decision
When to visit Queenstown?
🌞 Best time overall
January
🌡️ Optimal temperature
54°F–70°F 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 °F | Max °F | Rainy days (%) | Precip. in/d | Sun h/d | Score | Ski score 🎿 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🌤️ January | 54°F | 70°F | 38% | 0.1in | 13.0h | 7.6/10 | 4.5/10 |
| 🌤️ February | 54°F | 70°F | 36% | 0.2in | 12.4h | 7.5/10 | 4.5/10 |
| 🌤️ March | 52°F | 66°F | 34% | 0.1in | 10.6h | 7.2/10 | 4.5/10 |
| 🌦️ April | 46°F | 59°F | 41% | 0.1in | 8.7h | 5.8/10 | 4.3/10 |
| 🌦️ May | 41°F | 54°F | 43% | 0.2in | 6.9h | 4.3/10 | 4.9/10 |
| 🌦️ June | 37°F | 45°F | 37% | 0.1in | 6.1h | 4.0/10 | 6.6/10 |
| 🌦️ July | 36°F | 45°F | 43% | 0.2in | 5.5h | 3.2/10 | 6.4/10 |
| 🌦️ August | 36°F | 46°F | 41% | 0.1in | 7.6h | 4.1/10 | 6.5/10 |
| 🌦️ September | 37°F | 52°F | 48% | 0.3in | 9.0h | 4.3/10 | 5.6/10 |
| 🌦️ October | 41°F | 57°F | 51% | 0.2in | 10.5h | 5.0/10 | 4.8/10 |
| 🌦️ November | 46°F | 63°F | 47% | 0.2in | 12.0h | 7.0/10 | 4.6/10 |
| 🌦️ December | 52°F | 66°F | 49% | 0.2in | 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°F, 39% rainy days, 8.7h sunshine/day. Score: 5.8/10.
☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) — Challenging climate
Average 7°F, 40% rainy days, 6.4h sunshine/day. Score: 3.8/10.
🍂 Autumn (Sep–Nov) — Challenging climate
Average 14°F, 49% rainy days, 10.5h sunshine/day. Score: 5.4/10.
❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb) — Good time
Average 20°F, 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/suiner: January (7.6/10, 21°F).
Yes, it's peak ski season. Average ski score December–February: 4.5/10. Cold temperatures (21°F max in January) and frequent snowfall.
In January, temperatures average 21°F. Ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
July is the wettest month with 43% rainy days.
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