When to go · Milford Sound

Milford Sound in July

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

Key facts

Verdict: Avoid
Temperature: 9°C (49°F)49°F (9°C) / 2°C (35°F)35°F (2°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).

July is rated avoid. These months rate higher:

Long-term averages

Milford SoundHighs around 9.2 °C (49 °F), lows around 1.6 °C (35 °F), rain on about 17 daysHighs around 49 °F (9.2 °C), lows around 35 °F (1.6 °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: Ski peak and school holidays in Queenstown and Wānaka; Matariki events; drive alpine roads with care.

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

First month

Second month

Verdict
Jul: Avoid
Jan: Great (better)
Daytime high
Jul: 9.2 °C (49 °F)49 °F (9.2 °C)
Jan: 19.5 °C (67 °F)67 °F (19.5 °C)
Night low
Jul: 1.6 °C (35 °F)35 °F (1.6 °C)
Jan: 10.7 °C (51 °F)51 °F (10.7 °C)
Rain days
Jul: 17 (better)
Jan: 18
Crowds
Jul: Medium
Jan: High
Prices
Jul: Medium
Jan: High
Festivals listed
Jul: 0
Jan: 1

July: 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.