Year-round weather and climate in Queenstown, New Zealand
Average temperatures in Queenstown run from an average low of 2°C36°F in July up to an average high of 21°C70°F in January. February is the driest month at 9 rainy days; December the wettest at 16. Here is the annual climate data, so you know what you are packing for.
Good to know
- Population
- 10K
- Currency
- NZD
- Language
- English / Māori
- Time zone
- Auckland
Best time to visit
For the warmest temperatures and best chance of outdoor activities, plan your trip around January, February, and March.
Rain character
Tropical Downpours: Expect intense bursts of rain during wetter months. Pack quick-drying footwear and a compact umbrella.
Day-to-night swing
Evening Chill: Temperatures drop by a noticeable 9°C16°F when the sun goes down. A light sweater or jacket is usually all you need for evening plans.
Seasonality Profile
Oceanic: Notoriously mild. Cool summers, damp winters, and a persistent chance of rain year-round.
Evening vibe
Cozy Indoor Culture: Evenings are generally crisp, damp, or sweltering. Nightlife centers around indoor venues.
Sightseeing stamina
All-Day Strolling: Weather is generally forgiving for long walking days. Comfortable sneakers are your most important packing item.
Average temperatures, sunshine, and rainfall
Average monthly weather in Queenstown, based on recent historical data. Essential insights on temperature swings, expected rainfall, and daily sunshine.
Bars span the average daily low to high. Feb is typically driest at 9 days (116mm); Dec the wettest at 16 days (114mm).
| Month | Average high | Average low | Sunshine hours | Rainy days | Total rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 21°C / 70°F | 12°C / 54°F | 12h | 10 | 100mm |
| Feb | 21°C / 69°F | 12°C / 54°F | 11h | 9 | 116mm |
| Mar | 18°C / 65°F | 10°C / 50°F | 10h | 10 | 98mm |
| Apr | 15°C / 60°F | 8°C / 46°F | 8h | 13 | 110mm |
| May | 12°C / 53°F | 6°C / 42°F | 6h | 12 | 102mm |
| Jun | 8°C / 46°F | 3°C / 37°F | 5h | 12 | 109mm |
| Jul | 7°C / 44°F | 2°C / 35°F | 5h | 13 | 124mm |
| Aug | 9°C / 48°F | 2°C / 36°F | 7h | 15 | 118mm |
| Sep | 11°C / 52°F | 3°C / 38°F | 8h | 15 | 240mm |
| Oct | 14°C / 57°F | 5°C / 42°F | 9h | 14 | 150mm |
| Nov | 17°C / 63°F | 8°C / 47°F | 11h | 14 | 98mm |
| Dec | 20°C / 67°F | 11°C / 52°F | 12h | 16 | 114mm |
Weather data by Open-Meteo.com (opens in a new tab)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the sunniest time of year to visit Queenstown?
The most sunshine in Queenstown comes around January, averaging 12 hours a month. If you're heading there then, pack your sunglasses and sunscreen.
What clothes should I pack for Queenstown?
Your packing list depends entirely on when you travel. Temperatures in Queenstown swing from an average low of 2°C36°F in July up to 21°C70°F in January. The Packola app builds a tailored packing list for you based on the live weather forecast for your exact travel dates.
Do I need to pack an umbrella for Queenstown?
Queenstown gets rain on about 153 days out of the year. The wettest month is December. If you're traveling during the rainy season, you'll definitely want to pack an umbrella and a light rain jacket.
Pack smarter.
Averages get you close, but the week you travel is what matters. Get the live forecast, a smart packing list, and discover the best local spots and activities in Queenstown with Packola.
Get the app