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Queenstown Weather in January

January in Queenstown brings moderate temperatures, with highs of 17°C (63°F) and nights dropping to 7°C (45°F). Rainfall is on the higher side this month, averaging around 143 mm (5.6 in), so keep a rain jacket handy.

Rainfall in Queenstown in January

Typically, you can expect about 11 days of rain this month, with 143 mm (5.6 in) on average. When it rains this month, it tends to come down fairly heavily. Showers can be substantial even if they don't last all day.

Temperature in Queenstown in January

January in Queenstown brings typical temperatures with highs around 17°C (63°F) and lows of 7°C (45°F). January marks the summer season. Conditions are often most pleasant around the middle of the day. At 7°C (45°F) overnight, it gets properly cold after dark. On the bright side, cold nights tend to make for excellent sleeping conditions.

Sunshine in Queenstown in January

The month enjoys around 230 hours of sunshine, creating mostly sunny days with good weather conditions.

If you're a fan of comfortable temperatures and drier conditions, January is a great time to visit.

Queenstown Temperature in January

Min Temperature

7°C (45°F)

Max Temperature

17°C (63°F)

Chance of Rain

37%

Precipitation

143 mm (5.6 in)

Rainy days

11 days

Humidity

70%

Sunshine

230 hours

Percentage Sunshine

Queenstown Weather by Month

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

January

17°C (63°F)View January → February

17°C (63°F)View February → March

15°C (59°F)View March → April

12°C (54°F)View April → May

8°C (46°F)View May → June

4°C (39°F)View June → July

3°C (37°F)View July → August

4°C (39°F)View August → This monthSeptember

6°C (43°F)View September → October

9°C (48°F)View October → November

13°C (55°F)View November → December

15°C (59°F)View December →

Best Time to Visit Queenstown →

Daily Historical Temperatures

31-year average (1996-2026)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Queenstown typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around 17°C (63°F). Nights are cool, with lows typically ranging from 8°C (46°F) to 11°C (52°F).

Average temperatures in January

Daily Historical Precipitation

31-year average (1996-2026)

Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.

Average precipitation in January

Historical weather records for Queenstown in January

Browse day-by-day weather records for Queenstown spanning 32 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.

Queenstown historical weather extremes in January

Our historical data for Queenstown spans 1996 to 2025, revealing these weather extremes.

On January 27, 2006, temperatures climbed to 32°C (90°F), marking the warmest January day on record.
Queenstown experienced its chilliest January day on January 8, 2010, reaching only 9°C (48°F).
Queenstown registered its coldest January night on January 3, 2013, with temperatures dropping to -2°C (28°F).
The wettest day in January Queenstown was on January 31, 2015 with 46 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation.

Best Places in New Zealand in January

Find out more about the weather in New Zealand and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of New Zealand in January →

Conditions Temperatures Precipitation

Temperatures Precipitation

perfect weather

pleasant

tolerable

unpleasant

poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Marker color shows the average daytime high temperature in January: blue is cold, red is hot.

Marker color shows total monthly precipitation in January: pale blue is dry, deep blue is wet.

What to Wear in Queenstown in January

Comfortable temperatures call for an easy wardrobe in January. Pack summer basics like t-shirts and shorts, but include a light jacket for cooler moments. A pair of comfortable walking shoes is essential. Expect heavy rainfall, so bring good rain protection and waterproof bags. You'll definitely want to pack sunglasses and sunscreen. There will be plenty of bright sunshine this month.