Best Time to Visit Queenstown
Queenstown is best visited All year, when the weather is mild, drier and comfortable for sightseeing.
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Once you know the best time to go, find out exactly what to pack for Queenstown at 247PackingList — climate-matched checklists for every destination. For country facts like currency, language and plug type, see our New Zealand country guide at 247CountryInfo.
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Average daily high and low temperatures (°C/°F). Bars show the daily range each month.
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| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun/day | Rainy days | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January Best | 21.5°C | 12.5°C | 85.5mm | 11.8h | 9 | 10/10 |
| February Best | 21.2°C | 12.6°C | 121.9mm | 10.8h | 9 | 9/10 |
| March Best | 18.6°C | 10.5°C | 85.5mm | 9.6h | 9 | 10/10 |
| April Best | 15.3°C | 7.9°C | 94.5mm | 8.3h | 13 | 10/10 |
| May Best | 12.2°C | 6.2°C | 117.5mm | 6.2h | 13 | 9/10 |
| June Best | 7.6°C | 3.0°C | 114.5mm | 5.4h | 12 | 9/10 |
| July Best | 6.6°C | 1.6°C | 131.0mm | 4.6h | 14 | 9/10 |
| August Best | 8.7°C | 2.5°C | 118.8mm | 6.8h | 14 | 9/10 |
| September Best | 11.4°C | 3.7°C | 202.3mm | 8.3h | 14 | 8/10 |
| October Best | 14.3°C | 5.4°C | 131.5mm | 9.6h | 14 | 9/10 |
| November Best | 17.5°C | 8.5°C | 94.9mm | 10.7h | 14 | 10/10 |
| December Best | 19.5°C | 10.9°C | 114.3mm | 11.5h | 16 | 9/10 |
Queenstown Climate
Queenstown has a oceanic climate — mild temperatures year-round with regular rainfall. Check the annual climate overview for Queenstown for the full year picture.
Counting down to your trip? Use our holiday countdown timer at LeftToTime to track the days. Owners often keep a Queenstown travel guide to hand for planning on the go. Check clothing sizes in New Zealand at 247Sizing before you shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Queenstown?
The best month to visit Queenstown is January, when temperatures average 21.5°C and conditions score 10/10 for comfort.
What is the weather like in Queenstown in January?
In January, Queenstown sees average highs of 21.5°C (70.7°F) and lows of 12.5°C. Conditions are pleasantly mild and fairly wet (9 rainy days on average), with roughly 11.8 hours of sunshine a day. Weather-wise, this is one of the most reliable months to travel.
When is rainy season in Queenstown?
Queenstown does not have a distinct rainy season — rainfall is spread relatively evenly through the year.
Is Queenstown good to visit in winter?
Yes — winter (June, July, August) averages 6.6°C highs with a 9/10 comfort rating, making it a solid time to visit.
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Climate data sourced from Open-Meteo (open source, open data licence). Monthly averages calculated from 2020–2023 historical data. Weather can be unpredictable — always check a live forecast before travelling.