2027 Climate Averages

Weather: Queenstown — January

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain. Recommended month to visit.

🌟 Climate Overview

January is an excellent time to visit Queenstown. Warm weather with highs of 22°C—great for outdoor activities. Rain is common, so pack an umbrella. Temperatures vary significantly between day and night—layering is recommended. As peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists.

7
GoTripzi Score Great

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

22°C

Avg Low

12°C

Rainy days

10days

Daylight

15.2h

Rainfall

99mm

Sunshine

11.4h/day

Humidity

70%

Humid
Sun Strength

9.2

Very High
Wind

9 km/h (gusts 42)

Is January a good time to visit Queenstown?

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Busy
  • Travel Costs Peak Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

06:18

Sunset

21:32

15.2h daylight

Visiting Queenstown in January: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
  • Long daylight hours maximize sightseeing time
  • One of the best months to visit

Cons

  • Peak season — expect crowds and higher prices
  • Very high UV — sunscreen and shade essential

Things to Do in January

Events & Festivals

🍽️
The Valley (Wine, Food & Music Festival)
January Food & Drink

Recommended for This Weather

🚶 Walking tours & sightseeing
🚲 Cycling & bike tours
🥾 Hiking & nature trails
🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Queenstown Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan Current 22°C 12°C 10d (99mm) 11.4h
70% Humid
9.2 Very High
Excellent
Feb 22°C 12°C 9d (98mm) 10.4h
72% Humid
8 Very High
Excellent
Mar 19°C 10°C 11d (89mm) 9.2h
76% Humid
6 High
Excellent
Apr 16°C 8°C 11d (96mm) 7.6h
81% Very Humid
3.9 Moderate
Good
May 12°C 5°C 13d (97mm) 5.8h
86% Very Humid
2.3 Moderate
Wet
Jun 8°C 3°C 12d (95mm) 4.4h
92% Very Humid
1.7 Low
Good
Jul 7°C 1°C 12d (114mm) 4.3h
92% Very Humid
2 Low
Good
Aug 9°C 3°C 13d (103mm) 6.5h
89% Very Humid
3.4 Moderate
Wet
Sep 10°C 3°C 18d (220mm) 8h
85% Very Humid
5.4 High
Wet
Oct 14°C 6°C 16d (161mm) 9.3h
79% Humid
7.1 Very High
Wet
Nov 18°C 9°C 14d (107mm) 10.6h
73% Humid
8.7 Very High
Wet
Dec 20°C 11°C 16d (112mm) 11.2h
73% Humid
9.1 Very High
Excellent

⚖️Find Your Ideal Month

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Your Best MonthMayScore: 6.7
1.May
6.72.Oct
6.73.Nov
6.64.Aug
5.85.Sep
5.86.Jan
4.77.Feb
4.78.Apr
4.79.Jun
4.710.Jul
4.711.Mar
4.312.Dec
3.8

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Queenstown – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Queenstown

Adventure capital, including bungee jumping, Milford Sound day trip and Skyline Gondola views, stunning lakes, and Southern Alps.

View Full Destination Guide

What to Pack for January

Summer clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses will be comfortable. Bring a light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen — the sun is strong.

Cool Very Busy

🎒Personalized Packing List

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Your Packing List

📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Queenstown?

🔥 Peak season — book early for best rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is January a good time to visit Queenstown?
January is typically excellent for visiting Queenstown, with average highs of 22°C and around 10 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Queenstown in January?
Evenings in Queenstown during January are mild at 12°C. A light cardigan or long sleeves for evenings is usually enough. Outdoor dining remains comfortable, making it a great time to enjoy rooftop bars and terrace restaurants.
What should I pack for Queenstown in January?
With highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C in January, we recommend: Warm layer for evenings, Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell, Sunscreen SPF 30+. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Queenstown in January?
Queenstown typically sees around 10 rainy days in January. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in Queenstown in January?
In January, Queenstown gets approximately 15.2 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is January peak season in Queenstown?
Yes, January is peak season in Queenstown. Expect higher prices for accommodation and more crowds at popular attractions, but also the best weather conditions. Book hotels and major attractions in advance to secure availability and better rates.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Pacific/Auckland)

Last Updated: February 2026

More Queenstown Guides

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