Early autumn · Weather & things to do
Milford Sound in March
Milford Sound edges cooler than February, with highs of 62°F (17°C), lows of 50°F (10°C) and about 6.5 in (164 mm) of rain.
At 67/100 for comfort (2nd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 62°F (17°C)
- Avg low
- 50°F (10°C)
- Rain
- 6.5 in (164 mm)
- Humidity
- 86%
- Cloud cover
- 72%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 22 min
- Comfort score
- 67/100 · Good
What March feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 62°F (17°C), good for long walks.
Lows average 50°F (10°C).
Rain is a real factor, with about 6.5 in (164 mm) across the month.
Plan around March
March is one of Milford Sound's best months on the climate data.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by April, the score drops to 60/100.
- Comfort slips from 72/100 in February to 67/100.
- March sits inside the Nov – Mar window our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends.
What to pack for March
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 50°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 March
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.
Lake Gunn Nature Walk
Easy loop through moss-covered red beech forest to the lake shore.
Why now March scores 67/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Homer Tunnel
1.2 km rough-hewn tunnel through the Darran Mountains; watch for kea at the portal.
The Chasm
Short forest walk to where the Cleddau River carves holes in the rock.
Why now Highs near 62°F and 6.5 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Nearby in March
- Queenstown in March~44 mi · highs 65°F, 3.7 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, drier
- Aoraki / Mount Cook in March~126 mi · highs 56°F, 5.9 in rain · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Christchurch in March~247 mi · highs 70°F, 2.4 in rain · 5°C (8°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 March: quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Milford Sound?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 67/100. Expect highs of 62°F (17°C) and 6.5 in (164 mm) of rain. March is inside the Nov – Mar window our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends.
How cold is Milford Sound in March?
Average highs are 62°F (17°C) and average lows 50°F (10°C), making it the 4th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Milford Sound in March?
Yes: about 6.5 in (164 mm) of rain falls across March on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 83.8 in (2128 mm).
What should I pack for Milford Sound in March?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 50°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
Routes in season in March
- South Island Alps & Fiords Nov – Mar
Planning Milford Sound in March?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.