Milford Sound Weather and Climate Information for Visitors

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Overview

Located within the lush Fiordland region of New Zealand's South Island, Milford Sound is annually ranked among the top tourist destinations in the entire country, drawing an average of anywhere between 500,000 and 1 million visitors per year.

In terms of weather and climate, Milford Sound is renowned as the wettest of all the inhabited regions of New Zealand – and also one of the wettest in the world, receiving levels of rainfall that are high enough to contribute to the existence of the huge number of waterfalls which populate the fiord. It is not uncommon for levels of rainfall to reach as high as 250mm during a 24 hour span. The waterfalls that are created by this extreme amount of rainfall are one of the major draw-cards for visitors to Milford Sound, with some of them reaching a thousand metres in length as they cascade down the sheer faces of the many cliff walls that add to the visual spectacle of the area.

Temperatures and Rainfall

As mentioned, rainfall plays a huge part in both shaping Milford Sound's natural beauty and contributing to the number of visitors who seek out the fiord each year. The rainfall can build up to a point that is so heavy that portions of the rainforest which cling to the faces of cliffs come loose and tumble into the sound below, causing an unusual and unpredictable hazard.

In total, Milford Sound averages 182 days of rainfall every year, with the wettest months tending to be the Summer months of December and January, with January receiving an incredible average of 722mm of rain annually. In terms of temperature, Milford Sound hovers around the “cool to chilly” level throughout the year, with a yearly average maximum temperature of 14.5°C and a low of 6°C; however temperatures seldom drop into the sub-zero range.

Seasons

The seasons in Milford Sound do not bring such drastic changes from season to season as can be witnessed in other New Zealand regions, as the “wet” season – while letting up slightly in certain months – is virtually perpetual throughout the year. Thus, regardless what time of the year you are planning your journey to the Sound, packing a waterproof jacket and other wet-weather gear is highly recommended as it rains an average of around 16 days per month.

Summer

Running from the months from December to March, “Summer” in Milford Sound is a relative term, as the weather remains cool and highs rarely reach higher than 20°C. High humidity levels are common due to the abundance of mountainous regions and continuous flow of water from all sources, which can contribute to the air temperature feeling warmer than what is strictly shown on the thermometer. January is by far the month with the heaviest level of rainfall of the entire year, while in February it remains relatively high but is considerably lower than in both January and December. Average maximum temperatures for the Summer months in Milford Sound hover around the 19°C mark, while minimums sit at just above 10°C.

Autumn

While in other regions the transition to autumn typically signifies a change in foliage from greens to yellows and reds, Milford Sound consists of mainly coniferous trees meaning that it remains almost uniformly green throughout this season. During the change from summer, temperatures witness a fairly significant drop, with average maximums falling to a chilly 12°C by the time May rolls around, making bringing appropriately warm clothing advisable. In addition, the level of sunshine suffers a noticeable decline by April, and it is not uncommon for snow to occasionally fall in both April and May. During autumn, rainfall levels in Milford Sound also remain similarly high to those in summer.

Winter

From late May to September, Milford Sound in the winter is appreciably colder and makes travelling there on rainy days less of a comfortable proposition than in the warmer seasons. Average temperatures tend to hover around 9°C in June and July, with minimums frequently approaching the 1-2°C mark at the coldest part of the night, and temperatures as low as -5°C sometimes recorded. Frost is common throughout the winter, while rainfall remains high by common standards, but relatively lower than any other time of the year. Snowfall can often be a hazard as it falls frequently from June to September, and snow chains are essential for tires if you are travelling by road in the region.

Spring

Spring is one of the best seasons to visit Milford Sound as the mild conditions and rising temperatures make for a cool yet comfortable daytime atmosphere, with daily maximums sitting around 16°C. Nights remain cold however, with minimums of 6-7°C commonplace. Rainfall increases once again, and the level is specifically high in October – it is, in fact, typically the second-wettest month of the year after January. During early spring the ice begins to melt and new plantlife begins budding, adding an additional layer of scenic charm to what is already by its nature a visually attractive region.

In addition, if you are looking for further ideas on activities, attractions and other things to do in Milford Sound, don't hesitate to check out our main Milford Sound region page for an extended catalogue of options, general information about Fiordland, and much more!