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Queenstown is hands down one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand, if not the world. The area is brimming with towering mountains, massive lakes and a TON of adventure activities.
One of the most amazing things about Queenstown is that there is hardly a bad time to visit. It’s a mountain town, so you’re either going to be blessed with epic hiking trails or snow capped peaks to zoom your way down.
However, depending on what you’re into, you’ll want to plan when you visit Queenstown carefully. Otherwise, you might be dreaming of lounging in your kini’ by the lake but instead, you might end up with a cuppa mulled wine by the fire.
Luckily, you have me! Your local Kiwi guide. I have been to Queenstown in aaall the seasons and I’m here to let you in on which season is the best to visit depending on what you’re into.
Best Time to Visit Queenstown – March and September
Cheapest Time to Visit Queenstown– March – May, September – November
Best Time to Visit for Skiing– July – August
Best Time For Sightseeing – December – February
Best Time for Hiking– November – April
Best Time for Beaching– December – February
When is the best time to visit Queenstown?
When travelling to New Zealand, you’ll most likely be told to visit in the summer or the shoulder seasons. But almost never will someone recommend that you travel in winter. It can be a bit grim when the main activities are hiking, beaching, camping, etc. However, the South Island (or any of the ski towns) are the exception. These spots POP OFF over winter, and Queenstown is the epicentre of it.
During the months of June, July and August, Queenstown PACKS out with the snow kiddos. Snow attire becomes the norm around town, skis and boards are racked up on all the cars, and the nightlife goes hard. Even if you don’t ski, it’s a magical time to see the mountains covered in snow, to rug up warm around the fire and sip on a glass of local wine.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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Not only is Queenstown gorgeous in the winter, but the summer is another level. The vibes are high during the months of December, January, and February. The sun is shining. Every man and his dog are on their bike zooming around the lake. The beaches pack out, the hiking trails are absolutely rammed, and the adventure activities are booming. Tourism is at its peak. It’s easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in New Zealand, especially at this time of year.
However, in saying this, my favourite time to visit Queenstown (and almost every other place in the world) is during their shoulder seasons. My favourite times to visit are March and September.
In March, you’re just wrapping up the summer period, but it’s not too cold yet, so you can still enjoy most of the outdoor activities. In fact, sometimes it’s even nicer as you’ll be hiking or biking in slightly cooler temperatures. September is also magical; it’s just coming into spring, and you’ll more than likely still be blessed with ample snow, so you can hit the slopes for some discounted skiing.
Shoulder seasons are my fav as there are fewer people and the prices of accomodation, flights, and activities are often significantly less. You just risk the sliiiight chance of it being a little cooler.
Psst, if you want to know my fav places to stay in Queenstown, check out the following hotel, hostel and Airbnb 🙂
When is the cheapest time to visit Queenstown?
The cheapest time to visit Queenstown is in Autumn (March, April, May) and Spring (September, October, November). These are the awkward “in-between” seasons where it’s often not quite hot enough to relax by the lake, but it’s also not cold enough to hit the slopes.
Queenstown sees far fewer tourists during these months, and therefore, most of the accommodation and flights can be nabbed for a fraction of the price. However, due to the weather, there are fewer activities on the table to get involved in during this time.
But that doesn’t mean your trio can’t be epic during these times. In fact, it’s often ideal for those who want to go hiking in Queenstown! As you won’t be in the dire heat or trudging through the snow.
My favourite months are September and March – AKA the shoulder seasons. These months are on the tail end of the best seasons, so you can often lap up the last of the season.
When to Visit Queenstown – Weather by Month
I’ve started to give you an insight into the best months to visit, but let’s dive in even deeper and go through it month by month.
January in Queenstown
- Average Max. Temperature: 21.8°C
- Rainfall: 75 mm
January is pretty damn beautiful in Queenstown. The sun is (usually) shining, and locals and travellers alike are usually out and about soaking in the rays. The days are super long, with the sun rising at 6 am and setting around 9.30 pm.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
However, this time of year can be VERY busy as it’s still summer holidays. There are many European and North American travellers around, escaping the cold at home.
This is not a time I’d recommend visiting, as not only is it the busiest time of year, but businesses often hike their prices up over the summer. I’m talking flights, accommodation, car rentals… the whole shi-bang. Queenstown ain’t cheap as it is, so travelling here in January is def going to take a whack at your wallet.
If you don’t mind the crowds, I’d recommend heading on a Milford Sound Cruise. It’s one of the most beautiful places to visit near Queenstown, especially if you catch it on a clear day in January.
February in Queenstown
- Average Max. Temperature: 22°C
- Rainfall: 52 mm
February in Queenstown is fairly similar to January – it’s still summer, so you’ll find the sun is still shining bright for most of the month. It’s a fantastic time to get involved in some of the best mountain biking and hiking trails in New Zealand.
One of my favourite biking routes is just heading around the Frankton tracks. These can take you from Queenstown Centre all the way to Kelvin Heights. It’s simple and fairly easy, but the views are absolutely incredible.
It is also a great time to go camping in New Zealand. Queenstown has some pretty epic spots to park up – from paid campsites to DOC campsites.
You’ll likely see less domestic tourism as kids return to school and everyone returns to their daily grind. However, the weekends often spike in terms of crowds and prices.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
It’s also a gorgeous time to head to the local vineyards to sit in the sun and enjoy a wine tasting. Check out this Wine Tour with the Wine Doctor – it’s one of the best-reviewed wine tours in Queenstown.
March in Queenstown
- Average Max. Temperature: 20°C
- Rainfall: 84 mm
March is the first month of autumn. It’s actually a really nice time to visit if you don’t mind slightly cooler temperatures in exchange for lower prices and fewer crowds. The days are still relatively long, with the sun rising about 7.30 am and setting around 8.30 pm – giving you a decent number of sunlight hours to get in all of your activities.
If you want to enjoy the sun without it being too hot, this is a great time to go hiking or biking in Queenstown. There are loads of eBike tours available to join, but this one is my top pick: Ride to the Sky Mountain eBike Tour.
April in Queenstown
- Average Max. Temperature: 16°C
- Rainfall: 67 mm
The crowds really start to tinker off in April as the Great Walk season comes to an end. You can start to feel the weather changing in April, which might be a bit chilly, but it brings about the classic Autumn beauty. The red, orange and yellow colours blanket the town; it’s one of the most beautiful times of year. Arrowtown (just a 20-minute drive away) is particularly gorgeous at this time of year.
Photo: Nic Hilditch-Short
May in Queenstown
- Average Max. Temperature: 12°C
- Rainfall: 81 mm
May is one of the quietest times of year. It’s just after the hikers and bikers have fled the scene, but just before the snow season settles in. It’s not the best time to visit if you want to get involved in activities – if you can’t hike, bike or ski in Queenstown… you’ll be in for a very slow holiday.
If you do choose to visit during this time of year, you’ll be able to get yourself a steal of a price as it’ll just be you and the locals at this time of year.
June in Queenstown
- Average Max. Temperature: 8°C
- Rainfall: 74 mm
June is when the ski bunnies start to flood into Queenstown. You start to see the roof racks packed with snowboards and skis zooming through the town, prepping to hit the slopes. Skiing is one of the top things to do in New Zealand when winter comes along.
The mountains usually open around mid-June. There are four ski fields to choose from that are close to Queenstown: The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Cardrona and Treble Cone. The first two are in Queenstown, and the latter two are in Wanaka, which is pretty close by 🙂
Prices do start to rise around this time of year as the town starts to get busier with snow tourists. However, you can still get yourself a pretty good deal if you’re early enough.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
July in Queenstown
- Average Max. Temperature: 8°C
- Rainfall: 58 mm
The ski season usually sets in come July. Although the peaks are covered in snow, it is actually pretty rare for it to snow in Queenstown itself – however, it gets pretty damn chilly! It’s a beautiful time to visit as those incredible towering peaks that surround Queenstown are topped with a mountain of snow… literally.
New Zealand’s school holidays fall in July, and during this time, you will see TONS of families heading to Queenstown for their ski holidays. I’d avoid the mountain and Queenstown, if you can, during this time. Everything becomes mega-expensive and busy over this period.
Photo: @amandaadraper
August in Queenstown
- Average Max. Temperature: 10°C
- Rainfall: 59 mm
August is still chilly, and it is still stunning. The snow-capped mountains make you feel like you’re living in a winter wonderland. Daylight hours are reduced during this time, and it is bloody cold in the town. So, if you do decide to visit during this time, you’ll want to pack warm clothes and a lot of them.
One of my favourite things to do in Queenstown in the summer AND winter is to sample the local wine and craft beer. If this sounds like something you’d be into, I’d recommend checking out this Twilight Wine and Craft Beer Tour.
September in Queenstown
- Average Max. Temperature: 13°C
- Rainfall: 77 mm
September is one of my favourite times to visit Queenstown. It’s the first month of Spring in New Zealand, and there is just something magical about it. The mountain is still – usually – covered in snow, and you can ski for a reduced rate (gotta love Spring skiing). It’s that time of year when you can often ski in just your t-shirt!
The weather starts to pick up, a little, with more sunny days but also a tad more rain. You’ll want to pack your umbrella and a good rain jacket for a September trip to Queenstown.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
Things are a bit cheaper during September, and the crowds are minimal. In fact, I’ve even hiked Ben Lomond in September! AKA, one of the best day hikes in New Zealand. However, be sure to check the forecast before you set off.
October in Queenstown
- Average Max. Temperature: 16°C
- Rainfall: 90 mm
Daylight hours start to increase! The sun rises at 6.30 am and sets at 7 pm, so there is more time in the day for activities. However, it’s still pretty cold in October, so although you’ll be able to get into outdoor activities, you’ll need to rug up warm.
October is the calm before the storm. Crowds are few and prices are lower.
November in Queenstown
- Average Max. Temperature: 18°C
- Rainfall: 65 mm
November is actually a relatively busy time to visit Queenstown. Nowhere near as busy as summer, but the visitor numbers pick up significantly. There is just enough sun that you can nearly sunbathe at the beach; however, there is still often snow up on the peaks. The Great Walk season is open, and the hikers start arriving in full force.
That feeling that summer is on its way wafts through the air. The days are longer, the sun is beaming, and the winter feathers start to get shaken off. It’s a good time to be in Queenstown.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
December in Queenstown
- Average Max. Temperature: 21°C
- Rainfall: 69 mm
Christmas in New Zealand never quite feels like Christmas! After a longer, snowy year, December in New Zealand will bring sunshine, BBQS and beach days. December is the kick-off to summer. School holidays kick off, workplaces close down for summer/ Christmas, and the vibes are high.
It’s a very busy time of year in Queenstown, and honestly, I’d try to avoid it if you can. Prices are often hiked this time of year, and the crowds are packed.
Best Time to Visit Queenstown by Activity
Queenstown itself is a fairly small area, but surrounding it, you’ve got some absolutely incredible places to explore. From hiking, biking, beaching and skiing – here is a breakdown of the best time to visit for each activity:
Best time to visit Queenstown for the ski mountains
The best time to visit Queenstown if you’re keen to hit the slopes (in my opinion) is August and September. June is when the mountain officially opens, however, it’s the start of the season and it can be a bit touch and go on the snow quality.
July is usually epic for snow, but it’s also school holidays for half of the month, and it’s just not fun waiting half an hour in queues every time you want to do a run. However, August is often prime for snow and medium crowds – if you avoid the weekends, you’re often sweet.
September might be a slightly rogue suggestion from me, but I LOVE Spring skiing. If you get lucky with the snow, it’s the best. You pay slightly less for skiing in Spring, and you can often ski in your t-shirt if you get a bluebird day.
Best time to visit Queenstown for biking
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
Mountain biking is a hugely popular sport in Queenstown, I swear every local has a fancy bike that they use just for getting around. If you want to join em’ and hit the mountain biking trails in Queenstown, the best time of year for biking is between October and April.
I feel like by this point, you’ve probably guessed when my favourite time for biking is… yep! It’s shoulder seasons – November/ December and March/ April. There are fewer crowds and lower prices, plus the trails are usually in good condition. It’s before the peak heat and after the snow.
Over the summer (December – February), you can definitely take your bike for a spin and enjoy it. But the tracks are busy and can get pretty dusty. If you can avoid the peak season and visit in the shoulder season, I’d highly recommend it 🙂
Best time to visit Queenstown for hiking
If you’re heading to Queenstown with the aim of hiking, you’ll want to make sure that you plan to visit during the “summer” season, between October to April. If you visit over the winter, you will be faced with snowy, freezing conditions that only the pros, with all the required equipment, should attempt.
My favourite times for hiking in Queenstown are October/November and March/April… yep, you guessed it, shoulder season! Not only will you face fewer crowds on the tracks, but it’ll also be slightly cooler than the peak of summer, which falls over December, January and February.
However, if you do visit over these summer months, you will be blessed with plentiful daylight hours so you can pack in plenty of kilometres before it gets dark. Be sure to pack lots of water and take sun cream if you do plan to hike over the summer.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Best time to visit Queenstown for the beaches
If you’re planning to catch a few rays at the gorgeous lakeside beaches in Queenstown, February is your month. Why February, you ask? Well, December is when the weather just starts picking up. It can still be a lil’ cold. In January, the beaches are gorgeous, but they are absolutely PACKED. But in February, you get the warm weather and quiet beaches. It’s the winning combo.
However, you can hang out on the beaches anytime between December – February and have an enjoyable time 🙂 But be prepared, the lake can be chilly!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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Hide Yo’ Money!Best Time to Visit Queenstown for Parties and Festivals
Queenstown is a popular place for parties. I’m not only talking about your Friday and Saturday night club scene (although that pops off too, especially over the summer and winter months). But Queenstown also hosts an array of festivals throughout the year, which bring in a load of visitors.
Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular festivals:
Photo: Nic Hilditch-Short
As I mentioned earlier, Arrowtown is absolutely stunning in Autumn. Each year, Arrowtown puts on a six-day Autumn Festival in April where visitors can enjoy the autumn colours, sample local cuisine, watch the parade, join in a workshop or even do some native tree planting.
Held over 10 days from late August to September, Queenstown hosts the Winter Pride Festival. It is the most popular Winter Pride Festival in the Southern Hemisphere.
Winter Pride Festival hosts multiple events across all four mountains (The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Cardrona and Treble Cone). These events support the local LGBTQ+ community and promote local artists, DJS and Drag Performers.
Snow Machine Festival is one the snow lovers. It aims to bring those wild après vibes from Europe to the NZ slopes. Hosting some of the hottest music around on the snow-capped mountains of Coronet Peak and The Remarkables.
Rhythm and Alps (also known as R&V) is the South Island version of the popular New Year’s music festival in the North Island of New Zealand called Rhythm and Vines. This brings thousands of (mostly) young people to the South Island to bring in the New Year. Whilst technically located in Cardrona Valley, you’ll find that most people stay in Queenstown or Wanaka.
FAQs About The Best Time To Visit Queenstown
Rather ask that burning question than keep it to yourself – chances are, there are many others out there that have the same question! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the best time to visit Queenstown:
Don’t Forget Your Queenstown Travel Insurance
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect them to. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Queenstown.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
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Final Thoughts on The Best Time To Visit Queenstown
Overall, Queenstown is an EPIC place to visit nearly all year round. Minus April and May, you can essentially go to Queenstown any time of year and have a bloody good time. When is the best time to visit completely depends on what you’re into. If you’re into skiing, you’ll want to visit over the winter. However, if you’re into hiking, biking or beaching, you’ll want to visit over the warmer months.
I hope this article has shed some light on the best time to visit for you! Queenstown is famous for being the adventure capital of the world, so you know you’re going to be in for one hell of a time. From hiking to the peak of Ben Lomond or zipping down the slopes of The Remarkables to chillin’ in the onsen spa or hitting the wineries… There’s a mix of activities for everyone!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Check out our ultimate guide to backpacking around Queenstown.
- Check out where to stay in Queenstown for some dope accommodation
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Queenstown.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
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