Weather & Equipmentat Milford Sound
Complete guide to gear up and enjoy Milford Sound in every season
The climate of Milford Sound
Milford Sound has a temperate oceanic climate with exceptionally high rainfall.
Located in a valley surrounded by towering mountains, the fjord creates its own microclimate with rapid and spectacular weather changes.
Extreme rainfall
6,000mm of rain per year, 10 times more than London
Mild temperatures
Moderate variations between 5°C (winter) and 20°C (summer)
Rapid changes
Changeable weather: 4 seasons in one day possible
Month-by-month weather at Milford Sound
| Month | Min Temp (°C) | Max Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Rainy days | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January (Summer) | 11°C | 20°C | 460mm | 12 days | ☀️ Best period |
| February (Summer) | 11°C | 20°C | 380mm | 11 days | ☀️ Dry and warm |
| March (Autumn) | 9°C | 18°C | 480mm | 14 days | 🍂 Autumn colors |
| April (Autumn) | 7°C | 16°C | 520mm | 15 days | 🍂 Fewer crowds |
| May (Autumn) | 5°C | 13°C | 580mm | 17 days | 🌧️ Wetter weather |
| June (Winter) | 3°C | 11°C | 650mm | 19 days | ❄️ Maximum waterfalls |
| July (Winter) | 3°C | 10°C | 680mm | 20 days | ❄️ Wettest month |
| August (Winter) | 4°C | 12°C | 620mm | 18 days | ❄️ Snow possible |
| September (Spring) | 5°C | 14°C | 550mm | 16 days | 🌸 Nature awakens |
| October (Spring) | 7°C | 16°C | 510mm | 15 days | 🌸 Good compromise |
| November (Spring) | 8°C | 17°C | 480mm | 14 days | 🌸 Wildflowers |
| December (Summer) | 10°C | 19°C | 450mm | 13 days | ☀️ High season |
January (Summer)
☀️February (Summer)
☀️March (Autumn)
🍂April (Autumn)
🍂May (Autumn)
🌧️June (Winter)
❄️July (Winter)
❄️August (Winter)
❄️September (Spring)
🌸October (Spring)
🌸November (Spring)
🌸December (Summer)
☀️Recommended equipment by season
Summer (December - February)
Driest and warmest period
🧥 Essential clothing
- • Lightweight waterproof jacket (always!)
- • T-shirt and light pants
- • Sweater or fleece for evenings
- • Shorts for hot days
👟 Footwear
- • Waterproof hiking shoes
- • Spare sneakers
- • Sandals for after activities
🎒 Accessories
- • Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- • Hat and sunglasses
- • Insect repellent (sandflies)
Winter (June - August)
Wettest and coldest period
🧥 Essential clothing
- • Robust waterproof jacket (MANDATORY)
- • Thermal underwear
- • Wool sweater or thick fleece
- • Waterproof pants
- • Waterproof gloves and beanie
👟 Footwear
- • Waterproof hiking boots
- • Merino wool socks
- • Gaiters for snow
🎒 Accessories
- • Plastic bags for gear
- • Microfiber towel
- • Hand/foot warmers
Autumn (March - May)
Cool temperatures, moderate rain
🧥 Layering system
- • Waterproof shell jacket
- • Insulating layer (fleece/down)
- • Breathable base layer
- • Adaptable clothing
Spring (September - November)
Changeable weather, essential preparation
🧥 Maximum adaptability
- • 4-season equipment
- • Modular clothing
- • Rain/wind/sun protection
- • Flexible layering system
Essential equipment all year round
Waterproof jacket
Crucial investment. Gore-Tex or equivalent recommended.
Waterproof footwear
Boots or waterproof hiking shoes with gripping soles.
Device protection
Waterproof case for phone, camera. Rain is guaranteed!
Waterproof bag
To protect spare clothes and valuables.
Equipment by activity
Fjord cruise
1h30 to 3h on the water
🧥 Clothing
- • Windproof waterproof jacket
- • Warm layers (wind on water)
- • Long pants (even in summer)
- • Non-slip shoes
📷 Camera equipment
- • Waterproof case mandatory
- • Cloth to clean lens
- • Security strap
- • Spare battery kept dry
💊 Comfort
- • Seasickness medication
- • Snacks and hot drink
- • Gloves for camera handling
- • Sunglasses
Hiking around the fjord
Trails and Milford Track
👟 Footwear
- • Waterproof hiking boots
- • Merino wool socks
- • Gaiters (muddy terrain)
- • Spare shoes
🎒 Pack and protection
- • Backpack with rain cover
- • Waterproof bags for gear
- • Hiking poles
- • Map and compass
🏕️ Multi-day
- • Sleeping bag rated to 5°C
- • Ground insulating mat
- • Stove and fuel
- • Freeze-dried food
Scenic flights by plane or helicopter
Panoramic flight over the fjord
👕 Clothing
- • Dark clothing (less reflection)
- • Avoid bright colors
- • No reflective jewelry
- • Closed shoes mandatory
📸 Aerial photography
- • Wide-angle lens recommended
- • Polarizing filter for reflections
- • Burst mode for multiple shots
- • Clean lens before flight
🤢 Comfort
- • Preventive anti-nausea medication
- • No heavy meal beforehand
- • Look at horizon if unwell
- • Deep breathing
Recommended brands and shops
🏪 Where to buy in New Zealand
Kathmandu
NZ outdoor specialty chain. Stores in Queenstown, Te Anau. Decent quality, high prices.
Macpac
Renowned New Zealand brand. Excellent value for money for jackets and backpacks.
Torpedo7
General sports chain. Good prices on basic equipment. Present in major cities.
The Warehouse
Discount store. Cheap basic equipment for emergencies only.
⭐ Recommended brands
Waterproof jackets
Arc'teryx, Patagonia, The North Face, Marmot. Lasting investment for extreme climate.
Footwear
Salomon, Merrell, Keen, Mammut. Waterproofing and grip priority on slippery terrain.
Technical layers
Smartwool, Icebreaker (NZ), Patagonia. Merino wool excellent for humid climate.
Recommended budget
NZ$300-600 for complete quality equipment. Rental possible for short stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready for all conditions!
With the right equipment, Milford Sound reveals its beauty in all weather. Don't let the weather spoil your experience!
🌧️ Rain or shine, Milford Sound will amaze you!
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Where to Stay at Milford Sound
Complete accommodation guide: Milford Sound Lodge, camping, overnight cruises and alternatives in Te Anau and Queenstown.
Milford Sound from Queenstown
How to organize your visit to Milford Sound from Queenstown: transport, tours, practical tips for an unforgettable day in Fiordland.