Queenstown

Queenstown Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Queenstown.

Climate overview of Queenstown

Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand, experiences significant temperature variation throughout the year. Summers bring daytime highs of 17°C (63°F) in February, while winters cool to 3°C (37°F) in July.

With around 1540 mm (61 in) of annual rain/snowfall, Queenstown has a notably wet climate. However, this rain/snowfall is not evenly distributed — the city has mild summers and cold winters. The wettest month is October. Sunshine peaks in January, when the city sees around 7.7 hours of sunshine per day.

Queenstown Weather by Month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Queenstown - and find the best time to visit.

Monthly Temperature in Queenstown

Depending on the time of the year, temperatures range from moderate to chilly in Queenstown. Average daytime temperatures reach a moderate 17°C (63°F) in February. In July, the coolest month of the year, temperatures drop to a chilly 3°C (37°F).

At night, temperatures range from around 7°C (45°F) in February to -3°C (27°F) in July.

Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.

Temperature ranges by month

Rainfall in Queenstown

Queenstown has a relatively rain/snowy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 1540 mm (61 in) of rain/snowfall annually. Despite minor fluctuations, Queenstown enjoys fairly consistent precipitation throughout the year. In October, you can expect around 152 mm (6 in) of precipitation, while in July, Queenstown receives about 107 mm (4.2 in). For more details, please visit our Queenstown Precipitation page.

The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow

Sunshine Hours in Queenstown

Queenstown can be enjoyed more throughout the sunniest month of January under a blue sky, with approximately 7.7 hours of sunshine daily. In contrast, the city experiences much darker days in June, with only 2.4 hours of sunlight per day.

Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.

Monthly hours of sunshine

Daily hours of sunshine

Humidity in Queenstown by Month

Best Time to Visit Queenstown

For the most comfortable conditions available during the year, consider visiting Queenstown in January, February, March and December. Conditions are usually least comfortable in April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November.

Monthly ratings reflect general weather comfort, based on daytime temperature and rainfall. Swimming and winter conditions are highlighted separately where relevant.

  • Best overall: January, February, March and December
  • Warmest weather: January and February
  • Most sunshine: January and December
  • Fewest rainy days: February, March, June and August
  • Seasonal pattern: Mild summers and cold winters
  • Coldest conditions: July, with freezing nights around -3°C (27°F).

Frequently asked questions about the climate in Queenstown

What is the best time to visit Queenstown?

January, February, March and December typically offer the most optimal weather in Queenstown. In contrast, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November tend to have less optimal conditions. Queenstown has mild summers and cold winters.

What temperatures can I expect in Queenstown?

Daytime highs range from 3°C (37°F) in July to 17°C (63°F) in February. Nighttime lows range from -3°C (27°F) to 7°C (45°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.

How much rain does Queenstown get?

Annual rainfall is around 1540 mm (61 in). October is the wettest month with 152 mm (6 in), while July is the driest with 107 mm (4.2 in).

How sunny is Queenstown?

Queenstown receives around 1,928 hours of sunshine per year. January is the sunniest month with 230 hours, while June is the cloudiest with just 72 hours.

Queenstown 3-Day Forecast

Queenstown 3-Day Forecast

Queenstown on the map

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