Queenstown, New Zealand Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Queenstown
Located in New Zealand, Queenstown experiences a oceanic climate with mild temperatures year-round with regular rainfall. Afternoon temperatures peak near 70°F (21°C) in January and dip to about 43°F (6°C) in July, with around 56.6 inches (1438 mm) of precipitation falling across the year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: January - highs near 70°F (21°C)
- Coldest month: July - highs near 43°F (6°C)
- Record high: 86°F (30°C) · Record low: 14°F (-10°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: September (13 rainy days) · Sunniest: December (11.6 h sun/day)
- Climate type: oceanic - mild temperatures year-round with regular rainfall
- Snow: about 28 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on January. Highs average 70°F (21°C) and overnight lows stay near 54°F (12°C). The coolest month is July, with typical highs of 43°F (6°C) and lows around 34°F (1°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 86°F (30°C) and dropped as low as 14°F (-10°C).
Rain, sun and snow
September is usually the wettest month. It brings about 6.6 inches (168 mm) of rain over 13 days, while August is the driest. December brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.6 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 28 days in a typical year, mostly from March through November.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 70° | 54° | 11 | 4.3 in | 11.2 h/day | 69% |
| February | 68° | 53° | 11 | 4.7 in | 10.9 h/day | 71% |
| March | 65° | 51° | 11 | 3.9 in | 9.2 h/day | 75% |
| April | 58° | 46° | 13 | 4.5 in | 7.6 h/day | 80% |
| May | 51° | 41° | 13 | 5.1 in | 6.1 h/day | 86% |
| June | 45° | 36° | 12 | 3.9 in | 5.2 h/day | 90% |
| July | 43° | 34° | 14 | 5.0 in | 5.1 h/day | 90% |
| August | 46° | 35° | 14 | 3.9 in | 6.8 h/day | 88% |
| September | 50° | 38° | 13 | 6.6 in | 8.2 h/day | 82% |
| October | 56° | 41° | 15 | 5.4 in | 9.5 h/day | 76% |
| November | 62° | 46° | 14 | 4.6 in | 11.0 h/day | 73% |
| December | 67° | 51° | 15 | 4.9 in | 11.6 h/day | 70% |
Queenstown month by month
Queenstown weather in January
January brings highs around 70°F (21°C), lows near 54°F (12°C), about 11 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Queenstown.
Queenstown weather in February
February brings highs around 68°F (20°C), lows near 53°F (12°C), about 11 wet days.
Queenstown weather in March
March brings highs around 65°F (18°C), lows near 51°F (10°C), about 11 wet days.
Queenstown weather in April
April brings highs around 58°F (14°C), lows near 46°F (8°C), about 13 wet days and roughly 1 snowy days.
Queenstown weather in May
May brings highs around 51°F (11°C), lows near 41°F (5°C), about 13 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days.
Queenstown weather in June
June brings highs around 45°F (7°C), lows near 36°F (2°C), about 12 wet days and roughly 4 snowy days.
Queenstown weather in July
July brings highs around 43°F (6°C), lows near 34°F (1°C), about 14 wet days and roughly 6 snowy days - typically the coldest month of the year in Queenstown.
Queenstown weather in August
August brings highs around 46°F (8°C), lows near 35°F (2°C), about 14 wet days and roughly 5 snowy days - typically the driest month of the year in Queenstown.
Queenstown weather in September
September brings highs around 50°F (10°C), lows near 38°F (3°C), about 13 wet days and roughly 5 snowy days - typically the wettest month of the year in Queenstown.
Queenstown weather in October
October brings highs around 56°F (13°C), lows near 41°F (5°C), about 15 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days.
Queenstown weather in November
November brings highs around 62°F (17°C), lows near 46°F (8°C), about 14 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Queenstown weather in December
December brings highs around 67°F (19°C), lows near 51°F (10°C), about 15 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Queenstown.
Seasons in Queenstown
Spring (September through November)
Spring in Queenstown stays on the cool side of mild, with daytime highs averaging 56°F (13°C) and nights around 42°F (5°C); expect showers on roughly 42 days across the season, plus around 9 snowy days.
Summer (December through February)
Summer in Queenstown is pleasantly warm, with daytime highs averaging 68°F (20°C) and nights around 53°F (11°C); expect showers on roughly 37 days across the season.
Fall (March through May)
Fall in Queenstown stays on the cool side of mild, with daytime highs averaging 58°F (15°C) and nights around 46°F (8°C); expect showers on roughly 37 days across the season, plus around 5 snowy days.
Winter (June through August)
Winter in Queenstown runs cold, with daytime highs averaging 44°F (7°C) and nights around 35°F (2°C); expect showers on roughly 39 days across the season, plus around 14 snowy days.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Queenstown?
Is Queenstown hot in summer?
Is Queenstown cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Queenstown get in a year?
Best time to visit Queenstown
The best time to visit Queenstown is generally November to March, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 66°F (19°C).
Pack for Queenstown with a warm jacket and layers for the cooler season; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - January nights average 54°F (12°C).
Queenstown temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.