Late winter · Weather & things to do
Milford Sound in August
Milford Sound edges warmer than July, with highs of 49°F (10°C), lows of 40°F (4°C) and about 6.1 in (155 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 46/100, 9th of 12.
- Avg high
- 49°F (10°C)
- Avg low
- 40°F (4°C)
- Rain
- 6.1 in (155 mm)
- Humidity
- 90%
- Cloud cover
- 74%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 08 min
- Comfort score
- 46/100 · Fair
What August feels like
Cool days top out near 49°F (10°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 40°F (4°C).
Expect regular rain: about 6.1 in (155 mm) falls in the month.
Plan around August
August sits mid-table; the best months are February & March.
- Comfort improves from 42/100 in July to 46/100.
- Our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends Nov – Mar, so August falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for August
- Insulated jackethighs only 49°F
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoesfrequent rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Milford Sound in August
Weather can go either way, so the picks below mix open-air spots with indoor backups.
Milford Sound Cruise
Boat to the Tasman Sea mouth past Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls and fur seals.
Homer Tunnel
1.2 km rough-hewn tunnel through the Darran Mountains; watch for kea at the portal.
Key Summit Track
Climb from The Divide to an alpine plateau with views of the Darran and Humboldt ranges.
Mirror Lakes
Short boardwalk to still ponds reflecting the Earl Mountains.
The Chasm
Short forest walk to where the Cleddau River carves holes in the rock.
Nearby in August
- Queenstown in August~44 mi · highs 48°F, 3.5 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Aoraki / Mount Cook in August~126 mi · highs 44°F, 6.1 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Christchurch in August~247 mi · highs 53°F, 2.8 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~643 m to Milford Sound's ~271 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Milford Sound in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Milford Sound?
It's middling, scoring 46/100. The best months are February & March, at up to 72. Expect highs of 49°F (10°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 Milford Sound in August?
Average highs are 49°F (10°C) and average lows 40°F (4°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Milford Sound in August?
Yes: about 6.1 in (155 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the driest month of the year. The annual total is about 83.8 in (2128 mm).
What should I pack for Milford Sound in August?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 49°F), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (frequent rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Milford Sound
Planning Milford Sound in August?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.