Milford SoundWhat’s the weather like in Queenstown?
If there’s one thing we love about Queenstown, it’s the distinct change from season to season. Each new season brings new sights and new experiences. From its position at latitude 45° south, Queenstown offers an amazing array of activities that range from hot weather and swimming in the lake to rugging up and hitting the snow. Here’s what you can do throughout the seasons in Queenstown.
Find out the weather in Queenstown right now.
Winter in Queenstown: June to August
In winter, Queenstown is abuzz with skiers, snowboarders and plenty of talk about where to find fresh snowfall. Four ski resorts are within easy reach of Queenstown; The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Cardrona and Treble Cone. With some of the driest and clearest days of the year, winter in Queenstown is also a good time to get into some off-mountain fun. Just make sure you’re dressed for cold weather.
Spring in Queenstown: September to November
Queenstown’s springtime is a dazzling display of new life and new colours emerging from the colder days of winter. It’s all the springtime clichés rolled into one, like newborn lambs, daffodils and colourful cherry blossoms. You’ll still see snow on the mountains in spring and maybe get a few more weeks of ski action. Explore the walking tracks, mountain hikes or cycle trails and keep an eye out for those stunning cherry blossoms.
Summer in Queenstown: December to February
With pleasant daytime temperatures ranging between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius (70°F-85°F), and the sun not setting until late at night, summer serves up perfect days for enjoying Queenstown’s outdoor activities. Expect to see an influx of visitors arriving to take on the region’s Great Walks through Fiordland or Mt Aspiring National Parks. Lake Wakatipu will beckon on a hot day for swimming, jet boating, scenic cruises or parasailing.
Autumn in Queenstown: March to May
Autumn is one of the most spectacular seasons on the Queenstown calendar. Throughout the district as the weather cools, leaves begin to change colour and turn the hillsides an implausible array of orange, brown, yellow and gold. One of the best spots to view the autumn spectacle is Arrowtown, where there is even an Autumn Festival to celebrate the flourish of colour.