Mid-summer · Weather & things to do
Aoraki / Mount Cook in January
Aoraki / Mount Cook edges warmer than December, with highs of 58°F (15°C), lows of 48°F (9°C) and about 7.0 in (177 mm) of rain.
It scores 61/100 for comfort, 3rd of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 58°F (15°C)
- Avg low
- 48°F (9°C)
- Rain
- 7.0 in (177 mm)
- Humidity
- 85%
- Cloud cover
- 66%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 55 min
- Comfort score
- 61/100 · Good
What January feels like
Highs near 58°F (15°C) make for comfortable sightseeing weather.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 48°F (9°C).
Rain is a real factor, with about 7.0 in (177 mm) across the month.
Plan around January
January is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (February & March).
- Comfort improves from 54/100 in December to 61/100.
- January sits inside the Nov – Mar window our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends.
What to pack for January
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 48°F
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoesfrequent rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Aoraki / Mount Cook in January
January is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Glacier Explorers
Boat tours among icebergs on Tasman Glacier's terminal lake.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best Sep–May.
Chamois Bar & Grill
Casual village pub for a beer and pub meal after hiking.
Why now January scores 61/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Sealy Tarns Track
Steep 2,200-step climb to alpine tarns with views of the Hooker Valley and glaciers.
Why now Highs near 58°F and 7.0 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Tasman Glacier View
Short climb to a lookout over the Tasman Glacier's terminal lake and moraine.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Peter's Lookout
Roadside stop on Lake Pukaki with the classic view up the lake to Aoraki.
Nearby in January
- Queenstown in January~114 mi · highs 69°F, 4.8 in rain · 6°C (10°F) warmer by day, drier
- Milford Sound in January~126 mi · highs 64°F, 7.9 in rain · 3°C (6°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Christchurch in January~128 mi · highs 75°F, 2.6 in rain · 10°C (17°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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Aoraki / Mount Cook?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 61/100 against a best of 68 in February & March. Expect highs of 58°F (15°C) and 7.0 in (177 mm) of rain. January is inside the Nov – Mar window our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends.
How cold is Aoraki / Mount Cook in January?
Average highs are 58°F (15°C) and average lows 48°F (9°C), making it the 2nd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Aoraki / Mount Cook in January?
Yes: about 7.0 in (177 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 78.7 in (1998 mm).
What should I pack for Aoraki / Mount Cook in January?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 48°F), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (frequent rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Aoraki / Mount Cook
Routes in season in January
- South Island Alps & Fiords Nov – Mar
Planning Aoraki / Mount Cook in January?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.