Early summer · Weather & things to do
Milford Sound in December
The year's rain peaks now, with about 8.0 in (202 mm) falling in Milford Sound, alongside highs near 62°F (17°C) and lows of 49°F (10°C).
It scores 61/100 for comfort, 4th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 62°F (17°C)
- Avg low
- 49°F (10°C)
- Rain
- 8.0 in (202 mm)
- Humidity
- 83%
- Cloud cover
- 76%
- Daylight
- ~15 h 22 min
- Comfort score
- 61/100 · Good
What December feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 62°F (17°C), good for long walks.
Lows average 49°F (10°C).
Expect regular rain: about 8.0 in (202 mm) falls in the month.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 76%.
Long days help: there are roughly 15 h 22 min of daylight mid-month.
Plan around December
December is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (February & March).
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, November – January.
- Longest days of the year, about 15 h 22 min of daylight.
- Comfort improves from 58/100 in November to 61/100.
- December sits inside the Nov – Mar window our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends.
What to pack for December
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 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 December
December is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Milford Sound Cruise
Boat to the Tasman Sea mouth past Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls and fur seals.
Why now December scores 61/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Key Summit Track
Climb from The Divide to an alpine plateau with views of the Darran and Humboldt ranges.
Why now Highs near 62°F and 8.0 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Pio Pio Restaurant
Milford Sound's only restaurant: Fiordland venison and crayfish, open daily for lunch and dinner.
Mirror Lakes
Short boardwalk to still ponds reflecting the Earl Mountains.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
The Chasm
Short forest walk to where the Cleddau River carves holes in the rock.
Nearby in December
- Queenstown in December~44 mi · highs 66°F, 4.7 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, drier
- Aoraki / Mount Cook in December~126 mi · highs 56°F, 7.8 in rain · 4°C (6°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Christchurch in December~247 mi · highs 72°F, 3.0 in rain · 5°C (10°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 December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Milford Sound?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 61/100 against a best of 72 in February & March. Expect highs of 62°F (17°C) and 8.0 in (202 mm) of rain. December is inside the Nov – Mar window our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends.
How cold is Milford Sound in December?
Average highs are 62°F (17°C) and average lows 49°F (10°C), making it the 3rd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Milford Sound in December?
Yes: about 8.0 in (202 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 83.8 in (2128 mm).
What should I pack for Milford Sound in December?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 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
Routes in season in December
- South Island Alps & Fiords Nov – Mar
Planning Milford Sound in December?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.