Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Milford Sound in July
This is the coldest month in Milford Sound: highs average 47°F (8°C) and lows 39°F (4°C), with about 6.5 in (166 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 42/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 47°F (8°C)
- Avg low
- 39°F (4°C)
- Rain
- 6.5 in (166 mm)
- Humidity
- 91%
- Cloud cover
- 72%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 57 min
- Comfort score
- 42/100 · Tough
What July feels like
Afternoons only reach about 47°F (8°C), so plan on a warm jacket.
Nights cool to an average low of 39°F (4°C).
Rain is a real factor, with about 6.5 in (166 mm) across the month.
Daylight is short, roughly 8 h 57 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around July
July is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are February & March.
- Comfort holds steady from June (44 → 42/100).
- Our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends Nov – Mar, so July falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for July
- Insulated jackethighs only 47°F
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes6.5 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Milford Sound in July
A mixed month: these picks balance outdoor stops with indoor fallbacks.
The Chasm
Short forest walk to where the Cleddau River carves holes in the rock.
Pio Pio Restaurant
Milford Sound's only restaurant: Fiordland venison and crayfish, open daily for lunch and dinner.
Milford Track
Four-day Great Walk ending at Sandfly Point in Milford Sound.
Rosco's Milford Kayaks
Guided sea kayaking on the fiord with options for beginners.
Lake Gunn Nature Walk
Easy loop through moss-covered red beech forest to the lake shore.
Nearby in July
- Queenstown in July~44 mi · highs 44°F, 3.8 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, drier
- Aoraki / Mount Cook in July~126 mi · highs 42°F, 5.9 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, drier
- Christchurch in July~247 mi · highs 50°F, 2.9 in rain · 2°C (3°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 July: quick answers
Is July a good time to visit Milford Sound?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 42/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are February & March. Expect highs of 47°F (8°C) and 6.5 in (166 mm) of rain. Our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends Nov – Mar, so July is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Milford Sound in July?
Average highs are 47°F (8°C) and average lows 39°F (4°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Milford Sound in July?
Yes: about 6.5 in (166 mm) of rain falls across July on average, the 5th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 83.8 in (2128 mm).
What should I pack for Milford Sound in July?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 47°F), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (6.5 in of rain on average) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Milford Sound
Planning Milford Sound in July?
Share this July plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.