Climate Information For Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown is located 310 meters (1020ft) about sea level nestled beside Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by mountains. Queenstown has a reputation for crisp clean air provided by the alpine climate and long summer days from its location at 45 degrees south of the equator. This gives Queenstown four distinct seasons and thought should be given into the season you wish to visit Queenstown to make the most of what you want out of your holiday. Just remember, if you are visiting from the northern hemisphere that the seasons are opposite to what you are used to. Summer in Queenstown is December – February and winter is June – August. Mountain weather can be changeable so it will be in your best interest to be prepared for the cold and the rain as it can come suddenly. In fact you sometimes can get all four seasons in one day.
Summer (December – February)
Summers in Queenstown is absolutely gorgeous and a great time to visit if your into your outdoor activities. It’s a perfect time of year for swimming, walking, white water rafting, water skiing, fishing, golf and eating outdoors. The days are hot and long with day time temperatures around 19 – 29°C (66 – 84°F) and the sun rising about 5am and setting about 10pm. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy your time in the sun. Temperatures can exceed 30°C (86°F) this time of year but it cannot be expected to happen every year. You may still get a cold snap during this time of year so be prepared.
Autumn (March – May)
Queenstown has stunning autumn colours during this time of year. The crisp cold nights create very vivid colours in the trees. Arrow town is especially pretty this time of year. The day time temperature ranges from 10 – 25°C (50 – 77°F) and the nights are becoming cool. Frosts become more common at night during May. There are many events in Queenstown this time of year and there may be something that takes your fancy. Arrowtown holds its autumn festival during April.
Winter (June – August)
Winter is a magical time of year in Queenstown with its snow capped mountains and crisp blue days. Queenstown provides excellent skiing for the winter sport enthusiast during this time of year. The snow usually only falls in Queenstown once to twice a year and is mostly confined to the mountains. This means you can enjoy the snow in the mountains and still enjoy other activities around Queenstown such as golf without the struggle of trying to find your white ball in the snow. The day time temperatures during winter range from 5 – 10°C (41-50°F) with cold frosty nights not usually below -5°C (23°F) but occasionally they can get as low as -15°C (5°F). The frost and snow can produce some stunning frosty scenery well worthy of getting the camera out.
Spring (September – November)
The plants coming into flower this time of year can be absolutely beautiful but the weather this time of year can be unpredictable as summer tries to take hold but winter tries to hold on. It can be warm and sunny one minute and cold and snowy the next. The best snow conditions for skiing are usually during the early part of spring. It’s a great chance to get back into the outdoor activities and you may get the chance to experience what Queenstown is like during winter and summer so you get two seasons for the price of one. The day time temperatures range from 9 – 15°C (48 – 59°F). Check out the events held in Queenstown this time of year as there can be a few.