Late winter · Weather & things to do
Aoraki / Mount Cook in August
Little changes in Aoraki / Mount Cook from July: highs stay near 44°F (7°C), lows near 36°F (2°C), and about 6.1 in (155 mm) of rain falls.
With a comfort score of 41/100 (10th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 44°F (7°C)
- Avg low
- 36°F (2°C)
- Rain
- 6.1 in (155 mm)
- Humidity
- 87%
- Cloud cover
- 62%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 11 min
- Comfort score
- 41/100 · Tough
What August feels like
It's cool, with highs near 44°F (7°C), so a proper jacket stays on most of the day.
Lows average 36°F (2°C).
Expect regular rain: about 6.1 in (155 mm) falls in the month.
Plan around August
August is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are February & March.
- Comfort holds steady from July (40 → 41/100).
- Our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends Nov – Mar, so August falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for August
- Insulated jackethighs only 44°F
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes6.1 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Aoraki / Mount Cook in August
Weather can go either way, so the picks below mix open-air spots with indoor backups.
Sealy Tarns Track
Steep 2,200-step climb to alpine tarns with views of the Hooker Valley and glaciers.
Kea Point Track
Easy walk from the village to a viewing platform over the Mueller Glacier moraine lake.
Hooker Valley Track
10 km return walk over three swing bridges to an iceberg lake below Aoraki.
Tasman Glacier View
Short climb to a lookout over the Tasman Glacier's terminal lake and moraine.
Peter's Lookout
Roadside stop on Lake Pukaki with the classic view up the lake to Aoraki.
Nearby in August
- Queenstown in August~114 mi · highs 48°F, 3.5 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, drier
- Milford Sound in August~126 mi · highs 49°F, 6.1 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Christchurch in August~128 mi · highs 53°F, 2.8 in rain · 5°C (9°F) warmer by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Aoraki / Mount Cook in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Aoraki / Mount Cook?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 41/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are February & March. Expect highs of 44°F (7°C) and 6.1 in (155 mm) of rain. Our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends Nov – Mar, so August is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Aoraki / Mount Cook in August?
Average highs are 44°F (7°C) and average lows 36°F (2°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Aoraki / Mount Cook in August?
Yes: about 6.1 in (155 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the 5th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 78.7 in (1998 mm).
What should I pack for Aoraki / Mount Cook in August?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 44°F), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (6.1 in of rain on average) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Aoraki / Mount Cook
Planning Aoraki / Mount Cook in August?
Share this August plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.