Early spring · Weather & things to do
Milford Sound in September
Milford Sound edges warmer than August, with highs of 52°F (11°C), lows of 41°F (5°C) and about 7.6 in (193 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 46/100 (10th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cloud cover.
- Avg high
- 52°F (11°C)
- Avg low
- 41°F (5°C)
- Rain
- 7.6 in (193 mm)
- Humidity
- 88%
- Cloud cover
- 75%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 42 min
- Comfort score
- 46/100 · Fair
What September feels like
It's cool, with highs near 52°F (11°C), so a proper jacket stays on most of the day.
Lows average 41°F (5°C).
Rain is a real factor, with about 7.6 in (193 mm) across the month.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 75%.
Plan around September
September is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are February & March.
- Comfort holds steady from August (46 → 46/100).
- Our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends Nov – Mar, so September falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for September
- Insulated jackethighs only 52°F
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes7.6 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Milford Sound in September
A mixed month: these picks balance outdoor stops with indoor fallbacks.
Pio Pio Restaurant
Milford Sound's only restaurant: Fiordland venison and crayfish, open daily for lunch and dinner.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 52°F.
Lake Gunn Nature Walk
Easy loop through moss-covered red beech forest to the lake shore.
Homer Tunnel
1.2 km rough-hewn tunnel through the Darran Mountains; watch for kea at the portal.
Milford Sound Cruise
Boat to the Tasman Sea mouth past Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls and fur seals.
Key Summit Track
Climb from The Divide to an alpine plateau with views of the Darran and Humboldt ranges.
Nearby in September
- Queenstown in September~44 mi · highs 53°F, 4.3 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Aoraki / Mount Cook in September~126 mi · highs 46°F, 7.0 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, drier
- Christchurch in September~247 mi · highs 58°F, 2.2 in rain · 3°C (6°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 September: quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Milford Sound?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 46/100, held back mainly by cloud cover. The best months are February & March. Expect highs of 52°F (11°C) and 7.6 in (193 mm) of rain. Our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends Nov – Mar, so September is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Milford Sound in September?
Average highs are 52°F (11°C) and average lows 41°F (5°C), making it the 4th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Milford Sound in September?
Yes: about 7.6 in (193 mm) of rain falls across September on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 83.8 in (2128 mm).
What should I pack for Milford Sound in September?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 52°F), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (7.6 in of rain on average) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Milford Sound
Planning Milford Sound in September?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.