Mid-summer · Weather & things to do
Queenstown in January
Queenstown's warmest month brings highs averaging 69°F (20°C), lows of 50°F (10°C) and about 4.8 in (121 mm) of rain.
At 77/100 for comfort (3rd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 69°F (20°C)
- Avg low
- 50°F (10°C)
- Rain
- 4.8 in (121 mm)
- Humidity
- 78%
- Cloud cover
- 70%
- Daylight
- ~15 h 03 min
- Comfort score
- 77/100 · Great
What January feels like
Days are mild at around 69°F (20°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 50°F (10°C).
Rain is a real factor, with about 4.8 in (121 mm) across the month.
With about 15 h 03 min of daylight, evenings stay light late.
Plan around January
January is one of Queenstown's best months on the climate data.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, November – January.
- Comfort holds steady from December (76 → 77/100).
- 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 50°F
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoesfrequent rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Queenstown in January
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Botswana Butchery
Steak and lamb restaurant in a historic cottage on the waterfront.
Why now January scores 77/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Shotover Jet
Jet boat spins through the narrow Shotover River canyons.
Why now Highs near 69°F and 4.8 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Skyline Queenstown
Gondola up Bob's Peak with luge rides and a view over Lake Wakatipu.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Queenstown Gardens
Peninsula park with lakeside paths and a frisbee golf course.
Fergburger
Queenstown's famous burger joint, open late.
Nearby in January
- Milford Sound in January~44 mi · highs 64°F, 7.9 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Aoraki / Mount Cook in January~114 mi · highs 58°F, 7.0 in rain · 6°C (10°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Christchurch in January~222 mi · highs 75°F, 2.6 in rain · 4°C (7°F) warmer by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~963 m to Queenstown's ~324 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.
Queenstown in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Queenstown?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 77/100. Expect highs of 69°F (20°C) and 4.8 in (121 mm) of rain. January is inside the Nov – Mar window our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends.
How hot is Queenstown in January?
Average highs are 69°F (20°C) and average lows 50°F (10°C), making it the warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Queenstown in January?
Yes: about 4.8 in (121 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 50.4 in (1279 mm).
What should I pack for Queenstown in January?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 50°F), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (frequent rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Queenstown
Routes in season in January
- South Island Alps & Fiords Nov – Mar
Planning Queenstown in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.