Milford Sound Weather - A Guide to Visiting in Every Season
Milford Sound is a highlight on any New Zealand itinerary, and the experience can vary quite a bit depending on the time of year you visit. This guide covers Milford Sound's year-round weather patterns and what to expect from each season, so you can plan a trip that suits the conditions you'd like to experience.
Key Takeaways
Milford Sound is one of the wettest places on Earth, but rain is part of what makes it so spectacular. Showers are possible at any time of year.
Te Anau, the closest town to Milford Sound, gets significantly less rain (around 1,200mm a year vs 7,000mm in Milford Sound), so the two often have very different weather on the same day.
Each season offers a different experience: spring brings new wildlife and waterfalls fed by snowmelt; summer offers warm temperatures and long daylight hours; autumn brings cooler weather and quieter trails; winter brings snow-capped mountains and a peaceful atmosphere.
Self-driving in winter is generally not recommended for those unfamiliar with alpine conditions, with a guided tour being the safer and more relaxed option.
Whatever season you visit, pack for all conditions: layers, a waterproof jacket, sturdy footwear, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Milford Sound Weather
Milford Sound’s Location
Milford Sound is located in the heart of Fiordland National Park, on the lower west coast of New Zealand's South Island.
Its remote position deep in the Southern Alps creates a habitat where many rare and unique species thrive, set within a peaceful, largely untouched landscape.
This location also means Milford Sound has highly changeable weather year-round, and is famously one of the wettest places on Earth, with around 7,000mm of rainfall a year.
Why Milford Sound Is So Wet
The weather here is shaped by the Southern Alps. As warm, moist air travels east over the Tasman Sea, it hits the alps and is forced upwards. As the air rises, it cools and releases its moisture, which falls as rain over Milford. In the cold winter months, that moisture often falls as snow.
For visitors, this means a constant possibility of showers throughout the year, and both rain and snow in winter. The flipside is that sunny days are also common, and it's possible to see both rain and sunshine within minutes of each other.
Being properly prepared for all weather is the key to enjoying a Milford Sound visit. As long as you've packed layers and a waterproof jacket, the weather is part of what makes the experience memorable.
Te Anau Weather
Te Anau is the nearest town to Milford Sound, and people often assume the weather there will be the same in both locations.
But Te Anau sits on the eastern side of the mountains, which trap most of the rain before it can reach Te Anau.
Te Anau gets around 1,200mm of rain a year, and snow rarely settles in the area. The weather is generally milder and drier, even on days when Milford Sound is having a downpour.
Because of these differences and its proximity, Te Anau makes a great base for visiting Milford Sound. There's a range of accommodation options, along with restaurants, cafes, and activities to fill out the rest of your stay.
Milford Sound in Spring
Spring in New Zealand runs from September to November, and Milford Sound's weather during this time can be quite unpredictable.
Some days are cold with frosty grounds, others are warm. Temperatures range from highs of around 15°C to lows between 4°C and 7°C, with average rainfall around 550mm across the season.
Activities and Sites
Spring is one of the more exciting times of year for wildlife in Milford Sound. The journey along the Milford Road is fantastic any season, but in later spring, you may spot new generations of native birds taking their first steps into the world.
At Mirror Lakes, you might see scaup, small native diving ducks, teaching their new broods how to dive. Forest birds with their young will also be more visible at this time of year.
Spring is also when new fur seal pups and dolphins are born, so a Milford Sound cruise during this season can be especially good for wildlife viewing.
The waterfalls are also at their most powerful in spring, thanks to melting snow and ice from the surrounding mountains.
Hiking in Spring
Fiordland is home to three of New Zealand's Great Walks: the Milford Track, the Kepler Track, and the Routeburn Track. You can start all three from Te Anau.
The Great Walks season officially begins in October. Outside this window, the tracks are still open, but facilities may be limited, and there are no hut wardens. Off-season Great Walks are only recommended for experienced hikers.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) manages all three trails, and essential safety information and bookings can be found on their website.
Spring Tips
Pack for all weather: Spring days in Milford Sound can change quickly, so come prepared for rain, sun, warmth, and cold. Sunscreen, layers, a waterproof coat, sturdy shoes, a warm hat, and a sun hat are all essentials.
Be cautious near rivers: Rivers in spring are often swollen with snowmelt, so extra care is needed if you're out hiking, especially around river crossings. Check the DOC website for current conditions and weather warnings before any walk.
Milford Sound in Summer
Summer in New Zealand runs from December to February. Temperatures are higher during these months, but rainfall is also high, ranging from around 500mm in January to 600mm by late February.
Daytime temperatures average between 17°C and 19°C, with nights cooling to around 7°C to 8°C.
Activities and Sites
With warmer temperatures, summer is the best time of year for camping along the Milford Road. It's also when wildlife along the road and in Milford Sound is at its most active.
You'll see various native birds during the drive, and you're likely to spot the cheeky kea, the world's only alpine parrot, at various Milford Road stops. Kea are curious birds that like to hang around places where there are lots of people.
Longer daylight hours in summer mean you can spend more time enjoying the scenery, and you can book a Milford Sound cruise later in the day if you'd like a more relaxed start. On the water you'll see fur seals basking in the sun, and you may spot the Fiordland crested penguin out foraging.
Walks in Summer
The Great Walks are in their official open season during the summer months, and conditions are at their safest. Many visitors come to Te Anau in summer to walk the trails, and hut wardens and full facilities are in operation.
Summer Tips
Prepare for sandflies: Warmer weather brings sandflies out in force, so insect repellent is essential. Some people find taking a non-drowsy antihistamine in the mornings helps reduce the itching that can come with bites.
Take extra caution when driving: Summer is peak visitor season, so the Milford Road is busy. You'll need to be extra cautious when driving the narrow, winding road. Many people find a guided tour from Te Anau or from Queenstown is a more relaxed option in summer.
Pack layers: Despite the warmer days, summer evenings can be cool, especially if you're camping. Warm layers are still useful, particularly at night.
Book well in advance: Visitor numbers are highest in summer, so booking ahead for guided tours, cruises, and Great Walks is essential.
Milford Sound in Autumn
Autumn runs from March to May, with a cooling trend across the season. Highs drop to around 12°C and lows to around 4°C, sometimes dropping below 0°C at night. Rainfall ranges from around 550mm in March to 560mm by late May.
Activities and Sites
Autumn is a great time of year to visit Milford Sound. Daylight hours are still reasonably long through to early April, and there are noticeably fewer visitors, so the stops along the Milford Road feel much less crowded.
The scenery in Te Anau can be especially picturesque during autumn, with the deciduous trees turning to orange and red. In Milford Sound itself, the native forest is evergreen, so the landscape stays lush and green year-round.
A Milford Sound cruise in autumn can be a particularly peaceful experience thanks to the smaller visitor numbers in the area.
Walks in Autumn
The Great Walks season is open until the end of April, so if you want to hike the Milford, Kepler, or Routeburn tracks, autumn is a great time to do it. Many people prefer hiking in autumn for the long daylight hours and fewer people on the tracks.
Milford Sound In Winter
The winter months of June to August bring the coldest temperatures, with highs between 9°C and 11°C and lows of around 1°C to 2°C, sometimes dropping below 0°C at night. Rainfall decreases in winter to around 430mm, while snow often blankets the mountains.
Activities and Sites
Winter in Milford Sound can be an incredible experience, with snow on the surrounding peaks and a hushed, peaceful atmosphere throughout the area.
Wildlife in Milford Sound isn't bothered by the cold, so you'll still see native birds along the Milford Road, plenty of fur seals on a Milford Sound cruise, and occasionally dolphins. The colder temperatures also mean fewer sandflies, so you're much less likely to get bitten.
Winter Planning
Visiting Milford Sound in winter takes some extra planning, particularly around driving. The Milford Road can be hazardous in certain conditions, daylight hours are short, and tours and cruises run slightly later than in the rest of the year to account for the conditions.
Self-driving to Milford Sound in winter is generally not recommended unless you're an experienced alpine driver. Frost, black ice, and snow are common on the Milford Road, so the safer option is to take a guided tour. Tour drivers are highly experienced in winter conditions and carry the necessary equipment, including snow chains.
Guided tours from Queenstown to Milford Sound run throughout the year, including winter. A tour from Queenstown is a longer day, with travel from around 6am to 8pm and some driving in the dark at both ends. Taking a tour rather than self-driving means an experienced winter driver handles the road for you.
One thing to keep in mind in winter is that avalanche risk on the Milford Road can lead to occasional last-minute closures. These can affect any tour or self-drive trip, so it's worth building some flexibility into your plans if you're visiting during the colder months.
Touring from Te Anau has a few advantages in winter. The travel time is shorter, making for a more relaxed day, and if a road closure does occur, Te Anau has plenty of things to do to keep you occupied until the road reopens.
Walks in Winter
Winter is the off-season for Great Walks, so while tracks are still open, facilities are limited, and there are no hut wardens. In some cases, you may need to apply for permission to walk the track.
Doing a full Great Walk in the off-season is only recommended for experienced hikers, and checking the DOC website regularly for safety information and updates is essential.
Day walks are a more accessible winter option. You can get a taste of the Kepler Track, for example, by doing the 1 to 3 hour return walk along Lake Te Anau to Dock Bay and Brod Bay, with views of lake and forest scenery along the way.
Winter Tips:
Book in advance: Even though there are fewer visitors in winter, it's still important to book tours and cruises ahead as most operators limit numbers during this season.
Pack warmly: Warm clothing is essential in winter, and a waterproof layer is still essential even with less rainfall.
Take extra caution when walking: Ice and frost are common on walking tracks during winter, so watch your step.
Year-Round Packing Tips
Pack layers for the fluctuating weather in Milford, and ensure you have a waterproof jacket.
Wear sturdy footwear to ensure safety and comfort on walking tracks.
Guard against New Zealand's intense UV radiation with a high-SPF sunscreen, even in winter.
Combat pesky sandflies with insect repellent, and consider taking a non-drowsy antihistamine for added protection.
Pack necessary medications, including options for travel sickness.
Don't forget your camera or smartphone to capture the breathtaking scenery.
Bring cash for quick snacks in Milford Sound.
Bring your own snacks, especially if you have dietary restrictions.
One of the greatest things about Milford Sound is that it promises an incredible visit any time of year. Whether you’re surrounded by the new life of spring or snow-capped mountains of winter, as long as you’re prepared for warmth, cold, rain, or shine, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience in any season of the year.
