Late spring · Weather & things to do
Milford Sound in November
Milford Sound warms up: highs climb to 58°F (15°C), from 54°F in October, with lows of 46°F (8°C) and about 7.0 in (178 mm) of rain.
It scores 58/100 for comfort, 6th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.

- Avg high
- 58°F (15°C)
- Avg low
- 46°F (8°C)
- Rain
- 7.0 in (178 mm)
- Humidity
- 84%
- Cloud cover
- 76%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 41 min
- Comfort score
- 58/100 · Fair
What November feels like
Highs near 58°F (15°C) make for comfortable sightseeing weather.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 46°F (8°C).
Rain is a real factor, with about 7.0 in (178 mm) across the month.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 76%.
Plan around November
November is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (February & March).
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (November – January), which brings about 22.9 in (581 mm) in total.
- Comfort improves from 49/100 in October to 58/100.
- November sits inside the Nov – Mar window our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends.
What to pack for November
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 46°F
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes7.0 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Milford Sound in November
A mixed month: these picks balance outdoor stops with indoor fallbacks.
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.
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.
Lake Gunn Nature Walk
Easy loop through moss-covered red beech forest to the lake shore.
Why now Highs near 58°F keep it comfortable outside.
Mirror Lakes
Short boardwalk to still ponds reflecting the Earl Mountains.
Why now Mild enough in November to enjoy at an easy pace.
Homer Tunnel
1.2 km rough-hewn tunnel through the Darran Mountains; watch for kea at the portal.
Nearby in November
- Queenstown in November~44 mi · highs 62°F, 4.3 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, drier
- Aoraki / Mount Cook in November~126 mi · highs 52°F, 6.8 in rain · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Christchurch in November~247 mi · highs 67°F, 2.7 in rain · 5°C (9°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 November: quick answers
Is November a good time to visit Milford Sound?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 58/100 against a best of 72 in February & March. Expect highs of 58°F (15°C) and 7.0 in (178 mm) of rain. November is inside the Nov – Mar window our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends.
How cold is Milford Sound in November?
Average highs are 58°F (15°C) and average lows 46°F (8°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Milford Sound in November?
Yes: about 7.0 in (178 mm) of rain falls across November on average, the 6th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 83.8 in (2128 mm).
What should I pack for Milford Sound in November?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 46°F), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (7.0 in of rain on average) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Milford Sound
Routes in season in November
- South Island Alps & Fiords Nov – Mar
Planning Milford Sound in November?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.





