Late spring · Weather & things to do
Aoraki / Mount Cook in November
Aoraki / Mount Cook edges warmer than October, with highs of 52°F (11°C), lows of 42°F (6°C) and about 6.8 in (173 mm) of rain.
It scores 50/100 for comfort, 6th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 52°F (11°C)
- Avg low
- 42°F (6°C)
- Rain
- 6.8 in (173 mm)
- Humidity
- 86%
- Cloud cover
- 70%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 35 min
- Comfort score
- 50/100 · Fair
What November feels like
It's cool, with highs near 52°F (11°C), so a proper jacket stays on most of the day.
Lows average 42°F (6°C).
Rain is a real factor, with about 6.8 in (173 mm) across the month.
Plan around November
November is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (February & March).
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, October – December.
- Comfort improves from 44/100 in October to 50/100.
- November sits inside the Nov – Mar window our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends.
What to pack for November
- Insulated jackethighs only 52°F
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoesfrequent rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Aoraki / Mount Cook in November
A mixed month: these picks balance outdoor stops with indoor fallbacks.
Chamois Bar & Grill
Casual village pub for a beer and pub meal after hiking.
Glacier Explorers
Boat tours among icebergs on Tasman Glacier's terminal lake.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best Sep–May.
Panorama Room at The Hermitage
Hotel restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows facing Aoraki.
Sealy Tarns Track
Steep 2,200-step climb to alpine tarns with views of the Hooker Valley and glaciers.
Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
Museum and planetarium at The Hermitage on Hillary and Aoraki climbing history.
Nearby in November
- Queenstown in November~114 mi · highs 62°F, 4.3 in rain · 5°C (10°F) warmer by day, drier
- Milford Sound in November~126 mi · highs 58°F, 7.0 in rain · 3°C (6°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Christchurch in November~128 mi · highs 67°F, 2.7 in rain · 8°C (15°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 November: quick answers
Is November a good time to visit Aoraki / Mount Cook?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 50/100 against a best of 68 in February & March. Expect highs of 52°F (11°C) and 6.8 in (173 mm) of rain. November is inside the Nov – Mar window our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends.
How cold is Aoraki / Mount Cook in November?
Average highs are 52°F (11°C) and average lows 42°F (6°C), making it the 6th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Aoraki / Mount Cook in November?
Yes: about 6.8 in (173 mm) of rain falls across November on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 78.7 in (1998 mm).
What should I pack for Aoraki / Mount Cook in November?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 52°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 November
- South Island Alps & Fiords Nov – Mar
Planning Aoraki / Mount Cook in November?
Share this November plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.