Queenstown month by month

The best time to visit Queenstown

For most travellers, the sweet spot in Queenstown is February · December · January: 22° avg. high, premium prices. Peak season brings the biggest crowds of the year, while the quiet months trade weather for space and value.

Climate through the year

Month	Temp	Crowds	Price	Verdict
January	22° / 11°	High	$$$	Ideal
February	22° / 11°	High	$$$	Ideal
March	19° / 8°	Moderate	$$	Great
April	15° / 5°	Moderate	$$	Great
May	11° / 2°	Low	$	Fair
June	8° / 0°	Moderate	$$	Great
July	7° / -1°	High	$$$	Ideal
August	8° / -1°	High	$$	Ideal
September	11° / 1°	Moderate	$	Fair
October	14° / 4°	Moderate	$	Fair
November	17° / 6°	Moderate	$$	Great
December	20° / 9°	High	$$$	Ideal

Best months February December January August

The year in Queenstown

Four broad seasons, and what each one actually feels like on the ground in Queenstown.

Spring Great

Sep–Nov · highs around 14°C · Warming up, adventure season ramping up

Sep ·Oct ·Nov

Summer Ideal

Dec–Feb · highs around 21°C · Long days, summer crowds returning fast

Dec ·Jan ·Feb

Autumn Great

Mar–May · highs around 15°C · Mild, vineyard harvest, autumn colors starting

Mar ·Apr ·May

Winter Ideal

Jun–Aug · highs around 8°C · Peak ski season, school holiday crowds

Jun ·Jul ·Aug

When to go, depending on what you want

Best weather

The months where climate comfort peaks, whatever else is happening.

January ·February

Best value

Still a good trip, at the lowest prices of the year.

May ·September

Fewest crowds

When you get the main sights closest to yourself.

May ·September

Biggest events

When the calendar gives you something the other months do not.

March ·June ·November

Practical basics

Region: Oceania
Local currency: NZD
Hemisphere: Southern (summer in Dec–Feb)
Yearly range: -1° – 22°
Strongest months: February, December, January
Good for: adventure · snow · nature · romance

Events in Queenstown

Mar Gibbston Wine & Food Festival — Central Otago vineyards pour pinot noir amid the autumn harvest.
Jun Queenstown Winter Festival — Fireworks, parades and ski races open the Southern Hemisphere season.
Nov Queenstown Marathon — Runners circle Lake Wakatipu against the backdrop of the Remarkables.

Every month in Queenstown

A dedicated breakdown for each month — weather, crowds, prices, events and a verdict.

Queenstown in January 22° · $$$ Ideal Queenstown in February 22° · $$$ Ideal Queenstown in March 19° · $$ Great Queenstown in April 15° · $$ Great Queenstown in May 11° · $ Fair Queenstown in June 8° · $$ Great Queenstown in July 7° · $$$ Ideal Queenstown in August 8° · $$ Ideal Queenstown in September 11° · $ Fair Queenstown in October 14° · $ Fair Queenstown in November 17° · $$ Great Queenstown in December 20° · $$$ Ideal

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to visit Queenstown?

What is the cheapest time to visit Queenstown?

May — This month counts as low season: some of the best deals of the year. Save 56%.

What is the weather like in Queenstown?

Average highs sit around 22°C with lows near -1°C. Rainfall is moderate; the odd shower is likely.