Town in West Coast, New Zealand
Franz Josef weather by month and the best time to visit
When to go to Franz Josef
Dec–Mar is warmest, but rain falls year-round. Autumn and winter often bring clear, still days; heli-hike flights are cancelled in cloud and storms.
Franz Josef weather by month
Average daily high, rainfall and conditions.
- Jan19°177 mm
- Feb19°133 mm
- Mar18°151 mm
- Apr16°150 mm
- May13°178 mm
- Jun11°176 mm
- Jul10°150 mm
- Aug11°155 mm
- Sep13°177 mm
- Oct14°181 mm
- Nov16°173 mm
- Dec18°197 mm
Monthly averages
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19°C66°F | 13°C56°F | 177 mm | 85% | Rainy |
| February | 19°C67°F | 14°C57°F | 133 mm | 84% | Pleasant |
| March | 18°C65°F | 13°C55°F | 151 mm | 85% | Pleasant |
| April | 16°C60°F | 11°C51°F | 150 mm | 86% | Cool |
| May | 13°C56°F | 9°C48°F | 178 mm | 88% | Rainy |
| June | 11°C52°F | 7°C44°F | 176 mm | 87% | Rainy |
| July | 10°C51°F | 6°C43°F | 150 mm | 87% | Cold |
| August | 11°C52°F | 7°C44°F | 155 mm | 87% | Cool |
| September | 13°C55°F | 8°C46°F | 177 mm | 87% | Rainy |
| October | 14°C57°F | 9°C48°F | 181 mm | 86% | Rainy |
| November | 16°C60°F | 10°C51°F | 173 mm | 86% | Rainy |
| December | 18°C64°F | 12°C54°F | 197 mm | 85% | Rainy |
Best months across New Zealand
| Place | Best months | Warmest month |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland | Dec–Mar | Feb (24°C) |
| Queenstown | Jul–Aug, Dec–Mar | Jan (20°C) |
| Wellington | Jan–Apr | Feb (19°C) |
| Christchurch | Dec–Mar | Jan (24°C) |
| Rotorua | Nov–Apr | Jan (23°C) |
| Wanaka | Jul–Aug, Dec–Mar | Jan (21°C) |
| Taupo | Nov–Apr | Jan (24°C) |
| Bay of Islands | Dec–Apr | Feb (24°C) |
| Milford Sound | Nov–Apr | Feb (16°C) |
| Lake Tekapo | Nov–Apr | Feb (22°C) |
| Coromandel | Dec–Apr | Feb (24°C) |
| Tauranga | Dec–Apr | Feb (23°C) |
| Dunedin | Dec–Mar | Jan (16°C) |
| Nelson | Dec–Apr | Feb (25°C) |
| Waiheke Island | Dec–Mar | Feb (24°C) |
| Kaikoura | Dec–Mar | Jan (20°C) |
| Franz Josef | Dec–Apr | Feb (19°C) |
Quick answers
What is the best month to visit Franz Josef?
Dec–Apr. Dec–Mar is warmest, but rain falls year-round. Autumn and winter often bring clear, still days; heli-hike flights are cancelled in cloud and storms.
When is the rainy season in Franz Josef?
Rain peaks in December with about 197 mm. Months with 150 mm or more: Mar–Jan.
What is the hottest month in Franz Josef?
February, with average highs of 19°C (67°F).
How cold does Franz Josef get?
The coolest nights are in July, averaging 6°C (43°F).
More about Franz Josef
Going to Franz Josef solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Franz Josef meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- NASA POWER climatology (2001–2020)
- Department of Conservation (Franz Josef/Waiau)
- InterCity coaches
- Westland District Council
- Glacier Country tourism
- Health NZ: West Coast hospitals
Climate averages are modelled from NASA POWER (MERRA-2) for 2001–2020 at about 50 km resolution, so coasts and valleys can differ a little. Temperatures are adjusted by 4.7°C for the city's elevation. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.