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Best time to visit Queenstown: month by month
Short answer
December to March (summer) is best for hiking, lakes and long days, with highs of about 19-22°C. April brings golden autumn colours in Arrowtown, and June to September is the ski season, with highs of about 7-8°C. Weather changes fast in the mountains in any season.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 22°C | 13°C | 9 | very high |
| Feb | 21°C | 13°C | 9 | high |
| Mar | 19°C | 11°C | 10 | high |
| Apr | 16°C | 8°C | 11 | medium |
| May | 12°C | 6°C | 14 | low |
| Jun | 7°C | 3°C | 13 | medium |
| Jul | 7°C | 2°C | 14 | high |
| Aug | 8°C | 2°C | 15 | high |
| Sep | 12°C | 4°C | 15 | medium |
| Oct | 14°C | 5°C | 13 | low |
| Nov | 18°C | 9°C | 14 | medium |
| Dec | 20°C | 12°C | 16 | high |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Sep–Nov)
Cool, about 12-18°C by day and 4-9°C at night; fewer crowds and late snow on the peaks.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
Warm, about 20-22°C by day and 12-13°C at night, with long days; peak season for hiking and lake activities.
Autumn (Mar–May)
About 19°C in March falling to 12°C in May; golden colours in Arrowtown in April.
Winter (Jun–Aug)
Cold, about 7-8°C by day and 2-3°C at night; ski season at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables.
Events worth planning around
- Queenstown Winter Festival, late June
- Arrowtown Autumn Festival, April
- New Year's Eve celebrations on the waterfront, 31 December
- Ski season opening, usually June
When to avoid
Late December to January is the most crowded and expensive time. May and early June, between autumn and ski season, can be quiet with some closures.
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit Queenstown?
February or March for warm weather and slightly fewer crowds than January; April for autumn colours.
When is ski season in Queenstown?
Roughly June to September at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables.
How cold is Queenstown in winter?
Highs of about 7-8°C and lows of 2-3°C, colder on the ski fields.