Queenstown's summer highs only reach about 22°C (72°F), and the mountains around Lake Wakatipu change the weather fast. A sunny morning on the gondola can turn into rain by lunch, any month of the year. Pack layers and a proper rain shell before you pack anything else.
Queenstown weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 22°C72°F | 21°C70°F | 18°C64°F | 16°C61°F | 12°C54°F | 8°C46°F | 7°C45°F | 9°C48°F | 10°C50°F | 13°C55°F | 17°C63°F | 20°C68°F |
| Low | 13°C55°F | 12°C54°F | 9°C48°F | 8°C46°F | 5°C41°F | 3°C37°F | 2°C36°F | 2°C36°F | 2°C36°F | 4°C39°F | 7°C45°F | 10°C50°F |
| Rain days | 11 | 10 | 12 | 10 | 14 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 20 | 17 | 12 | 16 |
Season by season
Summer
December–FebruaryHighs are 20–22°C (68–72°F) with lows of 10–13°C (50–55°F). December is wet with 16 rain days, then January and February ease to 10 or 11. Pack light hiking layers, a warm fleece for evenings by the lake and a rain shell, plus sunscreen.
Autumn
March–MayMarch reaches 18°C (64°F), April 16°C (61°F) and May drops to 12°C (54°F) with lows of 5°C (41°F). May has 14 rain days. Pack warm layers and a waterproof jacket, and expect the Arrowtown trees to turn gold.
Winter
June–AugustHighs are only 7–9°C (45–48°F) and lows sit at 2–3°C (36–37°F). This is ski season at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. Pack a warm insulated jacket, thermals, gloves and a hat, and ski gear if you're not renting.
Spring
September–NovemberSeptember is the wettest month of the year with 20 rain days, at 10°C (50°F) highs and 2°C (36°F) lows. October reaches 13°C (55°F) with 17 rain days and November 17°C (63°F). Waterproofs are non-negotiable this time of year.
What to bring to Queenstown
0 of 25 packedSeptember averages 20 rain days and the weather flips fast in the mountains. This packs into its own pocket for every hike. Get it.
The men's packable shell. Stuff it in the day bag before the Ben Lomond track, because the forecast in Queenstown doesn't hold.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
Weather sealing on the main compartment and zippers keeps your layers and phone dry when a squall rolls across Lake Wakatipu.
- Peak Design Capture Clip V3Camera & Photo
Clips your camera to a backpack strap with a lockable quick-release, so it's ready on the track, not buried in your bag.
- Dramamine Advanced Herbals GingerHealth & Safety
Non-drowsy ginger capsules for motion sickness. Useful on winding mountain roads and lake boat trips from Queenstown.
- Nalgene 32 oz Wide Mouth BottleWater Bottles & Hydration
A 32 oz leak-proof bottle that's tough enough to ride on the outside of a pack. One fill covers a long day on the trails.
New Zealand is a long-haul flight from almost everywhere. 20 to 30 mmHg on the calf, ankle and arch. Check the price before you book.
- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Has the AU plug that fits New Zealand's Type I outlets, with five USB ports for phone, camera and power bank.
Clothing
- Insulated jacket · 1Jun–Sep lows of 2–3°C
- Merino base layers · 2 sets
- Fleece midlayer · 1
- Waterproof pants · 1September averages 20 rain days
- Hat and gloves · 1 setSki season Jun–Sep
- T-shirts · 3Summer highs reach 22°C
Footwear
- Waterproof hiking boots · 1
- Hiking socks · 3 pairs
Gear
- Sunglasses · 1
- Small dry bag · 1Jet boats and lake trips
Health and toiletries
- SPF 50 sunscreen · 1
- Lip balm with SPF · 1
- Blister plasters
Documents and money
- Passport
- Travel insurance detailsAdventure activities and skiing
Tech
- Power bank · 1Cold drains batteries
- Phone charger and cable
What shoes should you pack for Queenstown?
Trail shoes or light hiking boots with grip for tracks like Queenstown Hill and Ben Lomond. Waterproof is worth it given how often it rains. One pair of casual shoes for town covers the rest.
What do people wear in Queenstown?
Outdoor gear is normal in town. Fleeces, puffers and hiking shoes go to dinner without anyone blinking. Bring a clean layer for a nicer restaurant on the waterfront, but nobody dresses up much.
What plugs does Queenstown use?
New Zealand uses Type I plugs at 230V, the same angled pins as Australia. A universal adapter with the AU plug covers it.
Tours and things to do in Queenstown
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Queenstown.
What should you leave at home for Queenstown?
Leave the umbrella, mountain wind ruins them and a hooded shell does the job. Skip cotton for hikes, it stays wet and cold. Leave formal wear at home too, it's an outdoors town.
Packing for Queenstown: questions people ask
What should I wear in Queenstown in summer?
Light layers, a warm fleece and a rain jacket. Highs are 20–22°C (68–72°F), but evenings cool to 10–13°C (50–55°F) and showers come through fast.
How cold is Queenstown in winter?
Highs are 7–9°C (45–48°F) and lows 2–3°C (36–37°F) in town, colder up on the ski fields. Pack thermals and an insulated jacket.
What is the wettest month in Queenstown?
September, with 20 rain days. October follows with 17.
Do I need hiking boots in Queenstown?
Trail shoes or light boots with grip are worth it for tracks like Ben Lomond and Queenstown Hill, especially after rain.
What plug do I need for New Zealand?
Type I at 230V, the same as Australia. A universal adapter with an AU plug works.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.