Queenstown’s weather features four very distinct seasons, with a dry climate and many sunshine hours. Western snow-capped, forested mountains
and pristine southern lakes, the extensive dry tussock grassland ranges and valleys and their summer heat and winter cold,
Summer (January-March)
The summer months offer beautiful long, hot days with soaring temperatures that can reach the mid to late 30’s centigrade and long summer twilights.
Warm breezes cross the azure waters of Lake Wakatipu, and pretty wildflowers line the roads with parched mountains of rock and tussock.
The lake is a great place just to relax and soak up the summer sunshine. Swimming, boating, kayaking and waterskiing are very popular at this time of year.
Autumn (April-May)
The fiery colours of autumn leave an indelible memory in your mind as you wander through fallen leaves. Nature expresses itself best in autumn with a
kaleidoscope of colours from alluring gold to vivid reds.
The weather is still kind to the visitor with the hot days quietly turning to the chillier temperatures of winter. The first frosts of winter help turn the autumn
leaves red and gold. This is a spectacular time of year for photographers who want to make the most of the autumn colours and mountain reflections on the lake.
Winter (June-September)
The winter snows arrive and turns the mountains to white. Some of the world's best skiing and snowboarding conditions are abundant in winter and early spring.
The winter months are considerably cooler featuring frosty conditions and snowy, crisp clear days.
A stable continental climate ensures crisp sunny winter days with an average temperature of 10 centigrade and cool frosty nights with temperatures below zero.
Spring (September- December)
With the blossoming of spring the snow melts and vibrant new life takes place around the Wakatipu Basin. Clean alpine air stirs newborn animals and wild
flowers colour the landscape. Skis and snowboards make way for mountain bikes and athletes jogging country roads and mountain tracks. |
