When to go · Franz Josef
Franz Josef in September
Mixed month. Outside the best window (Feb–Apr; also Dec–Jan for long days). Across New Zealand: Spring: lambs and blossom, but changeable weather and late snow; daylight saving starts late in the month.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Temperature
- 14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C) / 5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 17
- Crowds
- Low
- New Zealand overall
- Prices
- Low
- New Zealand overall
Verdict
Outside the best window (Feb–Apr; also Dec–Jan for long days). Across New Zealand: Spring: lambs and blossom, but changeable weather and late snow; daylight saving starts late in the month.
Is another month better than September?
September is rated mixed. These months rate higher:
- DecemberGreatInside Franz Josef's best window: Feb–Apr; also Dec–Jan for long days.
- JanuaryGreatInside Franz Josef's best window: Feb–Apr; also Dec–Jan for long days.
- FebruaryGreatInside Franz Josef's best window: Feb–Apr; also Dec–Jan for long days.
- MarchGreatInside Franz Josef's best window: Feb–Apr; also Dec–Jan for long days.
Weather in September
- Franz JosefHighs around 14 °C (57 °F), lows around 5 °C (41 °F), rain on about 17 daysHighs around 57 °F (14 °C), lows around 41 °F (5 °C), rain on about 17 days
- West Coast and Fiordland, New Zealand · Franz Josef, Fox, Milford Sound, Te Anaurainy
Among the wettest places on earth (Milford gets 6–7 m a year): rain makes the waterfalls, but slips close roads; sandflies all summer.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · New Zealand overall
- Low
- Prices · New Zealand overall
- Low
New Zealand overall: Spring: lambs and blossom, but changeable weather and late snow; daylight saving starts late in the month.
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Franz Josef, side by side.
Verdict
Sep: Mixed
Jan: Great (better)
Daytime high
Sep: 14 °C (57 °F)57 °F (14 °C)
Jan: 21 °C (70 °F)70 °F (21 °C)
Night low
Sep: 5 °C (41 °F)41 °F (5 °C)
Jan: 11 °C (52 °F)52 °F (11 °C)
Rain days
Sep: 17
Jan: 14 (better)
Crowds
Sep: Low
Jan: High
Prices
Sep: Low
Jan: High
Festivals listed
Sep: 0
Jan: 1
September: Outside the best window (Feb–Apr; also Dec–Jan for long days). Across New Zealand: Spring: lambs and blossom, but changeable weather and late snow; daylight saving starts late in the month.
January: Inside Franz Josef's best window: Feb–Apr; also Dec–Jan for long days.
Franz Josef: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast