Mid-summer · Weather & things to do
Milford Sound in January
Milford Sound edges warmer than December, with highs of 64°F (18°C), lows of 51°F (11°C) and about 7.9 in (201 mm) of rain.
It scores 65/100 for comfort, 3rd of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 64°F (18°C)
- Avg low
- 51°F (11°C)
- Rain
- 7.9 in (201 mm)
- Humidity
- 83%
- Cloud cover
- 75%
- Daylight
- ~15 h 01 min
- Comfort score
- 65/100 · Good
What January feels like
Days are mild at around 64°F (18°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
Nights cool to an average low of 51°F (11°C).
Rain is a real factor, with about 7.9 in (201 mm) across the month.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 75%.
With about 15 h 01 min of daylight, evenings stay light late.
Plan around January
January is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (February & March).
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, November – January.
- Comfort improves from 61/100 in December to 65/100.
- 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 51°F
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes7.9 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Milford Sound in January
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Milford Track
Four-day Great Walk ending at Sandfly Point in Milford Sound.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best late Oct–Apr.
Rosco's Milford Kayaks
Guided sea kayaking on the fiord with options for beginners.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best Nov–Apr.
The Chasm
Short forest walk to where the Cleddau River carves holes in the rock.
Why now January scores 65/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Lake Gunn Nature Walk
Easy loop through moss-covered red beech forest to the lake shore.
Why now Highs near 64°F and 7.9 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Homer Tunnel
1.2 km rough-hewn tunnel through the Darran Mountains; watch for kea at the portal.
Nearby in January
- Queenstown in January~44 mi · highs 69°F, 4.8 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, drier
- Aoraki / Mount Cook in January~126 mi · highs 58°F, 7.0 in rain · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, drier
- Christchurch in January~247 mi · highs 75°F, 2.6 in rain · 6°C (11°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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Milford Sound?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 65/100 against a best of 72 in February & March. Expect highs of 64°F (18°C) and 7.9 in (201 mm) of rain. January is inside the Nov – Mar window our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends.
How cold is Milford Sound in January?
Average highs are 64°F (18°C) and average lows 51°F (11°C), making it the 2nd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Milford Sound in January?
Yes: about 7.9 in (201 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 83.8 in (2128 mm).
What should I pack for Milford Sound in January?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 51°F), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (7.9 in of rain on average) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Milford Sound
Routes in season in January
- South Island Alps & Fiords Nov – Mar
Planning Milford Sound in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.