Milford Sound weather

What’s the weather like in Milford Sound?

Milford Sound is one of the wettest inhabited places on the planet with an average annual rainfall of 7,000 millimetres per year. Rainfall can reach 250 millimetres in 24 hours creating dozens of temporary waterfalls and feeding the permanent waterfalls which cascade down cliff faces, some reaching a thousand metres in height. And while it rains on average more than 200 days a year, don’t be put off. Milford Sound is spectacular in the rain or sunshine. Without the rain, Milford simply wouldn’t be one of New Zealand’s most famous natural landscapes. See the weather in Milford Sound right now.

Why does it rain so much in Milford Sound?

Milford Sound’s high rainfall is caused by its position alongside the mountains and the Tasman Sea. Warm winds travel over the ocean collecting moisture before hitting the high mountain ranges of the Southern Alps. The warm, moist air is forced upwards before cooling and turning to rainfall. This continual weather system in Milford Sound is known as orographic rainfall, and for visitors to Milford Sound, it means always being prepared for showers.

Learn more about the waterfalls in Milford Sound.

When’s the best time to visit Milford Sound?

Any time of year is a good time to visit Milford. Milford Sound on a rainy day provides a moody, mystical atmosphere. On rainy days, dozens of temporary waterfalls appear out of the sides of the towering mountainsides. In contrast, bright, blue-sky days in Milford Sound are the perfect opportunity to photograph wildlife. You may be lucky enough to snap seals lounging on Seal Rock or friendly keas showing off their brilliantly coloured wings in the sunlight.

Milford Sound Temperatures

Summer – December to February
15°C-20°C (60°F-68°F) during the day, falling to around 10°C (50°F) at night.

Spring – September to November and Autumn – March to May
10°C-18°C (50°F-65°F) during the day, falling to around 7°C (50°F) at night.

Winter – June to August
0°C-10°C (32°F-50°F) throughout the day, often mild and sunny during the daytime

Go back to Explore Milford Sound

FAQ

Do you provide disabled/wheelchair access?

We have a wheelchair ramp available for our vessels in Milford Sound. There are no wheelchair-accessible toilets onboard the vessel. We ask that you advise us prior to travelling.

Where do Milford Sound cruises leave from?

All cruises leave from and return to the wharf at the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal.

Do you operate on Christmas Day?

All trips operate on different schedules. Please refer to the individual trip for dates and times. Most experiences operate on Christmas day, but are subject to schedule updates and weather.

Will I see wildlife?

Milford Sound has an abundance of wildlife and is home to New Zealand fur seals and bottlenose dolphins year-round. Rare Dusky dolphins are known to visit the fiord and the world’s rarest penguin, the Fiordland Crested Penguin/Tawaki visits Milford during breeding season (August - November) and moulting season (March/April). While there is wildlife in Milford Sound, we can’t guarantee sightings as these are wild animals in their natural habitat. A visit to the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory offers more wildlife viewing opportunities with an abundance of sea life below the surface.

What cruise is best for wildlife viewing?

Every cruise provides the opportunity to view wildlife, but we cannot guarantee sightings. Our Nature Cruise includes plenty of stops for viewing the amazing geology and occasional wildlife, our skipper and friendly boat hosts will be sure to point out any wildlife.

Do your lunches have vegetarian options?

Yes, picnic lunches can be ordered as vegetarian or vegan. You can select this when booking online.

Which Milford Cruise is best for kids?

All cruises are suitable for children.

What’s the difference between the cruises?

Please check out our Cruise Comparison table, where you can see our range of cruises and the vessels. https://www.southerndiscoveries.co.nz/milford-sound/cruises-compare/

What should I bring on my Milford Sound cruise?

Due to the changeable nature of the weather in Milford Sound, it’s a good idea to bring a waterproof jacket, warm clothing and to wear comfortable shoes. We also have ponchos available for purchase so you can enjoy a glacial facial under Stirling Falls.

Is there somewhere to get a coffee or snack in Milford?

Yes, Discover Milford Sound Information Centre & Cafe is the perfect place to grab a coffee or a hot snack before or after your cruise. It's located beside the main carpark and is a short 15-minute walk to the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal.

Is there parking in Milford Sound?

Yes, there is paid car parking at the Milford Sound public car park. This car park does fill quickly in the summer months, so we advise getting there early.

Are there sandflies?

There are sandflies in Milford Sound. To avoid being bitten, bring mosquito spray with you and wear long-sleeve clothing and trousers. Mosquito spray is available for purchase from Discover Milford Sound Cafe & Information Centre in Milford Sound.

Do you have a webcam in Milford Sound?

Yes, you can view how the weather and day looks. Check out our Milford Sound webcam here.

How long does it take to drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound?

It typically takes around 5 hours to drive from Queenstown to Milford. Please allow extra time for road works and the Homer Tunnel traffic lights.

How long does it take to drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound?

We advise to allow 2.5 hours to drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound. There are various scenic stops along the way so we recommend allowing plenty of time.

Where is your desk in Milford Sound?

Inside the Milford Sound Visitor terminal. Once inside turn right and you will see the Southern Discoveries front desk.

What is included in the picnic lunch?

The picnic lunch includes a sandwich with selected meat and salad, cheese and crackers, seasonal fresh fruit, crisps, a cookie and a small chocolate bar. We can cater to most dietary requirements – please note this on your booking.

Can I get a refund for my booking?

We have a 24-hour cancellation and amendment policy, so as long as you notify us more than 24 hours before departure we can amend your booking to another day or cancel for a refund.

What weather can I expect in Fiordland?

Milford Sound is one of the wettest places in the world with an average annual rainfall of 7 metres per year. Rainfall can reach 250 millimetres in 24 hours and creates dozens of temporary waterfalls (as well as several more permanent ones) that cascade down the cliff faces, some reaching a thousand metres in height. The high rainfall is why Milford Sound is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls and rainforest. The temperature in Milford can vary depending on the season and can go from an average high of 19C (66F) in summer (Dec – Feb) to 9C (48F) in winter (Jun – Aug). All our vessels have spacious indoor areas with comfortable seating for cruising in all weather conditions.

Is it worth going to Milford/Doubtful Sounds on a wet day?

Milford Sound is the wettest place in New Zealand and one of the wettest places in the world! Many visitors are shocked to know that this true world wonder actually measures its rainfall in metres (and not millimetres like most of the world.) In fact, in 2016 Milford Sound received over nine metres of rain! Doubtful Sound is also rainy with an average of 3-6 metres of rain per year. Both fiords are magnificent to visit in rainy weather due to the significant amount of waterfalls. The fiords come alive with water streaming down sheer cliffs - a magical sight not to be missed.

How likely are we to see wildlife in Fiordland?

Although we cannot guarantee wildlife viewing, it is very likely that you will see the New Zealand fur seal, and likely more than just one or two! Dolphins are often sighted swimming alongside cruise vessels. Two species of penguins make Milford Sound their home at various times throughout the year. Little blue penguins and the Fiordland crested penguin - known at the Tawaki. Often hard to find and see, it is always a delight to spot them when we do.

How long does it take to travel to Milford Sound?

It takes approximately five hours to get to Milford from Queenstown depending on the time of year and road conditions. It takes approximately two hours to get to Milford Sound from Te Anau. You can drive a car or campervan or take a coach tour. We always recommend allowing plenty of time to get to Milford as the journey there is as spectacular as the cruise itself.

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Get in touch

in New Zealand

0800 264 536

Overseas

+64 3 441 1137

reservations@southerndiscoveries.co.nz reservations@southerndiscoveries.co.nz