Region in Southland, New Zealand
Milford Sound weather by month and the best time to visit
When to go to Milford Sound
Summer is busiest; Nov–Apr is the best for walking. Rain is frequent, but waterfalls look best after rain. Winter has avalanche and ice closures.
Milford Sound weather by month
Average daily high, rainfall and conditions.
- Jan15°201 mm
- Feb16°155 mm
- Mar14°164 mm
- Apr12°158 mm
- May9°192 mm
- Jun7°169 mm
- Jul6°166 mm
- Aug7°155 mm
- Sep9°193 mm
- Oct10°195 mm
- Nov12°178 mm
- Dec14°202 mm
Monthly averages
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°C60°F | 8°C47°F | 201 mm | 83% | Rainy |
| February | 16°C60°F | 8°C47°F | 155 mm | 84% | Cool |
| March | 14°C58°F | 7°C45°F | 164 mm | 86% | Rainy |
| April | 12°C53°F | 6°C42°F | 158 mm | 88% | Cool |
| May | 9°C48°F | 4°C39°F | 192 mm | 91% | Rainy |
| June | 7°C44°F | 2°C36°F | 169 mm | 92% | Rainy |
| July | 6°C43°F | 1°C34°F | 166 mm | 91% | Rainy |
| August | 7°C45°F | 2°C35°F | 155 mm | 90% | Cold |
| September | 9°C47°F | 3°C37°F | 193 mm | 88% | Rainy |
| October | 10°C50°F | 4°C38°F | 195 mm | 86% | Rainy |
| November | 12°C54°F | 5°C41°F | 178 mm | 84% | Rainy |
| December | 14°C58°F | 7°C45°F | 202 mm | 83% | 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 Milford Sound?
Nov–Apr. Summer is busiest; Nov–Apr is the best for walking. Rain is frequent, but waterfalls look best after rain. Winter has avalanche and ice closures.
When is the rainy season in Milford Sound?
Rain peaks in December with about 202 mm. Months with 150 mm or more: All year.
What is the hottest month in Milford Sound?
February, with average highs of 16°C (60°F).
How cold does Milford Sound get?
The coolest nights are in July, averaging 1°C (34°F).
More about Milford Sound
Going to Milford Sound solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Milford Sound 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)
- Milford Sound Tourism
- Department of Conservation
- NZ Transport Agency road status
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. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.