Weather in Fiordland

About Fiordland

Milford Sound cuts through Fiordland like a sword blade of sheer drama, with 1,000-metre waterfalls plunging directly into the fjord and seals lounging on rocks. New Zealand's most spectacular destination is best seen by boat, where mist clings to the cliffs.

Country

New Zealand

Best months to visit

Year-round

Currency

NZD

Language

English

Things to do in Fiordland

Cruise Milford Sound Hike the Milford Track Kayak through the fiord Visit Doubtful Sound by boat Fish for salmon and trout Climb nearby peaks

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

15C

Cool, with frequent heavy rain.

February

15C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

March

14C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

April

11C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

May

Cold, with regular rainfall.

June

Cold, with regular rainfall.

July

Cold, with regular rainfall.

August

Cold, with regular rainfall.

September

Cold, with regular rainfall.

October

Cold, with frequent heavy rain.

November

11C

Cool, with frequent heavy rain.

December

13C

Cool, with frequent heavy rain.

Fiordland National Park guards some of the most dramatic scenery in New Zealand, where sheer rainforested cliffs plunge into the dark waters of Milford and Doubtful Sounds. Often shrouded in rain and mist, the fiords are at their most atmospheric in poor weather, when waterfalls multiply down the cliff faces and the clouds part briefly to reveal Mitre Peak rising directly from the sea.

Best areas to stay in Fiordland

Milford Sound

The most accessible and famous fiord, dominated by the dramatic peak of Mitre Peak and reached via the Milford Road from Te Anau.

Te Anau

The main gateway town, with lake views and access to glow-worm caves on Lake Te Anau.

Doubtful Sound

A larger, more remote fiord reached via a boat and coach transfer, known for its sense of isolation and resident dolphin and seal populations.

Milford Road (Highway 94)

One of New Zealand's most scenic drives, passing the Mirror Lakes, the Divide and the Homer Tunnel en route to Milford Sound.

Getting to Fiordland

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Flights

Fly into Queenstown, then drive around 3-4 hours via Te Anau, or take a scenic flight directly to Milford Sound.

⏱

From London

~28-30 hours from London including connections and the onward drive.

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Getting around

A hire car covers the Milford Road from Te Anau; cruises and scenic flights are booked through operators in Te Anau or Queenstown.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Milford Sound?

It's spectacular year-round — even on rainy days, when temporary waterfalls cascade down the cliffs; summer offers easier road access and longer daylight.

How do I get to Milford Sound?

By road from Te Anau (around 1.5-2 hours) along the scenic Milford Road, or by scenic flight, which avoids the drive and offers aerial views of the fiords.

Is a cruise necessary to appreciate Milford Sound?

A boat cruise is the best way to experience the scale of the cliffs and waterfalls up close, with options ranging from short trips to overnight cruises.

What is Doubtful Sound like compared to Milford?

Doubtful Sound is larger, more remote and requires a boat crossing plus a coach transfer to reach, resulting in fewer visitors and a more isolated feel.

Should I book Milford Road access in advance?

During peak season a booking system operates for driving the Milford Road, so checking and booking ahead is recommended.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

It rained for most of our Milford Sound cruise and our guide said that's when it's at its best — dozens of temporary waterfalls down the cliffs. Unforgettable.

Finn R. · October 2023

★★★★★

The drive along the Milford Road was as memorable as the fiord itself — stopped at the Mirror Lakes and the Divide on the way through.

Saskia L. · February 2024

★★★★☆

Did a Doubtful Sound day cruise instead of Milford and it felt much more remote — barely saw another boat the whole time.

Owen T. · December 2023