When to go · Milford Sound

Milford Sound in August

Avoid month. Listed as a month to avoid: Jun–Aug (ice, avalanche closures, no overnight cruises).

Key facts

Verdict: Avoid
Temperature: 11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C) / 3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C); average high / low
Rain days: 17
Crowds: Medium; New Zealand overall
Prices: Medium; New Zealand overall

Plan around it

Verdict

AvoidBest and avoid months for Milford Sound

Listed as a month to avoid: Jun–Aug (ice, avalanche closures, no overnight cruises).

August is rated avoid. These months rate higher:

Long-term averages

Milford SoundHighs around 11.2 °C (52 °F), lows around 2.7 °C (37 °F), rain on about 17 daysHighs around 52 °F (11.2 °C), lows around 37 °F (2.7 °C), rain on about 17 days
West Coast and Fiordland, New Zealand · Franz Josef, Fox, Milford Sound, Te Anaucool
Among the wettest places on earth (Milford gets 6–7 m a year): rain makes the waterfalls, but slips close roads; sandflies all summer.

New Zealand overall: Cold and clear in the south, wet in the north; best snow of the season.

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Milford Sound, side by side.

First month

Second month

Verdict
Aug: Avoid
Jan: Great (better)
Daytime high
Aug: 11.2 °C (52 °F)52 °F (11.2 °C)
Jan: 19.5 °C (67 °F)67 °F (19.5 °C)
Night low
Aug: 2.7 °C (37 °F)37 °F (2.7 °C)
Jan: 10.7 °C (51 °F)51 °F (10.7 °C)
Rain days
Aug: 17 (better)
Jan: 18
Crowds
Aug: Medium
Jan: High
Prices
Aug: Medium
Jan: High
Festivals listed
Aug: 0
Jan: 1

August: Listed as a month to avoid: Jun–Aug (ice, avalanche closures, no overnight cruises).

January: Inside Milford Sound's best window: Nov–Apr (long days, road open); rain year-round.

Milford Sound: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.