Best time to visit Queenstown
The best time to visit Queenstown is anytime.
Queenstown’s winter ski season runs from June to early October, while summer brings clear blue skies and long days to enjoy the region’s many adventure activities.
Queenstown weather
Because of its moderate altitude at 310m high and mountain surroundings, Queenstown enjoys long, warm days in summer, with temperatures that can often climb beyond 30°C (86°F), while winters are very cold, with frequent snowfalls.
With six international ski areas open from early-June until early-October, winter is best for skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing and heli-skiing.
Winter, from late-May through to late-August, sees an average daily high temperature below 9°C (48°F), with frosty mornings, clear blue skies and cold temperatures.
Spring, from early-September to late-November brings unpredictable weather with a mix of sunshine and rain. Daytime temperatures range between 12°C (53°F) and 17°C (62°F).
Spring is still good for skiing as well as mountain biking and hiking. Rivers swell in spring making rafting and jetboating especially thrilling.
Summer, from early-December to mid-March, sees average daily high temperatures above 21°C (70°F). You can expect long, sunny days with dawn breaking around 6am and dusk setting around 10pm.
Summer in Queenstown offers every adventure sport imaginable (except skiing and snowboarding, of course).
Autumn, from early-March to late-May, brings clear, settled days with around 10 hours of daylight. Temperatures range between 18°C (64°F) and 12°C (53°F). Autumn is still warm enough to enjoy most of the region’s summer activities.
Which is the hottest month in Queenstown?
The hottest month of the year in Queenstown is January with an average high of 23°C (73°F) and a night-time low of low of 11°C (52°F).
The warm season in Queenstown lasts from early-December to mid-March, with an average daily high temperature above 22°C (71°F).
However, on the warmest days of summer, the temperature may climb above 32°C (90°F).
When is it sunniest in Queenstown?
The sunniest time of year in Queenstown is usually February, with bright sunshine on average for 48% of daylight hours; that's seven hours of sunshine per day.
Which is the coldest month in Queenstown?
The coldest month of the year in Queenstown is July, with an average low of -1°C (30°F) and high of 8°C (46°F).
The cold season lasts from June to late-August, with an average daily high temperature below 8°C (46°F).
However, on the coldest days of winter, the temperature may drop to a low of -9°C (16°F).
Which month has the most rain in Queenstown?
December is usually the wettest month in Queenstown with 76mm (3in) on average. There are normally nine days in December with some rainfall. Rain falls throughout the year in Queenstown.
Which month has the most snow in Queenstown?
The month with the most snow in Queenstown is June, with an average snowfall of 38 millimetres (1.5in).
You can expect some snowfall from late-May to early-August.
What are the windiest months in Queenstown?
The windiest month of the year in Queenstown is December, with an average hourly wind speed of 15 kilometres per hour (8 knots; 10 mph).
The windy part of the year lasts from early-September to late-March, with average wind speeds of more than 11 kilometres per hour (6 knots; 8 mph).
The calmer time of year lasts from April through August. The least windy month of the year in Queenstown is July, with an average hourly wind speed of 8 kilometres per hour (4 knots; 6mph).
The predominant average hourly wind direction in Queenstown varies throughout the year.
Queenstown Weather Averages
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Average high temperature (°C) | |||||||||||
| 23 | 22 | 20 | 16 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 14 | 16 | 19 | 21 |
| Average low temperature (°C) | |||||||||||
| 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 1 | -1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 |
| Average daily sunshine (hrs) | |||||||||||
| 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 |
| Average daily daylight (hrs) | |||||||||||
| 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 |
| Comfort level | |||||||||||
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Average relative humidity (%) | |||||||||||
| 70 | 74 | 75 | 78 | 81 | 83 | 83 | 80 | 73 | 71 | 67 | 69 |
| UV Index (max) | |||||||||||
| 10 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 10 |
| Number of days with some snow | |||||||||||
| - | - | - | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2.6 | 2.7 | 2 | 1 | - | - |
| Average monthly snowfall (mm) | |||||||||||
| - | - | - | 2 | 13 | 38 | 32 | 20 | 4 | 1 | - | - |
| Average days of rainfall (≥1mm) | |||||||||||
| 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 |
| Average monthly rainfall (mm) | |||||||||||
| 63 | 48 | 52 | 56 | 70 | 72 | 49 | 68 | 66 | 65 | 67 | 76 |
| Average wind speed (km/h) | |||||||||||
| 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 15 |
| Queenstown, New Zealand | |||||||||||
Source: Meteorological data for Queenstown is based on weather statistics gathered for the 30-year period 1991 to 2020 by the MetService New Zealand at the closest weather station: Queenstown Airport (ZQN), located 8km (5mi) east of Queenstown CBD.
Advice on the best time to visit a particular destination is based on average local weather statistics, when the weather conditions are generally better than at other times of the year. We consider high and low temperatures, risk of rain (and thunderstorms, etc.), amount of sunshine and sea temperature. For general outdoor activities we favour clear, rainless days with a temperature range between 18°C (64°F) and 27°C (80°F); and for hot-weather activities we favour clear, rainless days with a temperature range between 24°C (75°F) and 32°C (89°F). Often, the best times to visit correspond to high season and therefore involve higher prices.
Latest update: Best time to visit Queenstown: 10 May, 2024
Disclaimer: The information on this site is provided as is, without any assurances as to its accuracy or suitability for any purpose. Weather data and conditions at any given location and time are unpredictable and variable. We assume no responsibility and can not be held legally responsible for any decisions made on the basis of the information presented on this site.
Advertising