When to go · Milford Sound
Milford Sound in September
Mixed month. Outside the best window (Nov–Apr (long days, road open); rain year-round). 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
- 13°C (56°F)56°F (13°C) / 4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 18
- Crowds
- Low
- New Zealand overall
- Prices
- Low
- New Zealand overall
Verdict
Outside the best window (Nov–Apr (long days, road open); rain year-round). 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:
- NovemberGreatInside Milford Sound's best window: Nov–Apr (long days, road open); rain year-round.
- DecemberGreatInside Milford Sound's best window: Nov–Apr (long days, road open); rain year-round.
- JanuaryGreatInside Milford Sound's best window: Nov–Apr (long days, road open); rain year-round.
- FebruaryGreatInside Milford Sound's best window: Nov–Apr (long days, road open); rain year-round.
Weather in September
- Milford SoundHighs around 13.2 °C (56 °F), lows around 4.1 °C (39 °F), rain on about 18 daysHighs around 56 °F (13.2 °C), lows around 39 °F (4.1 °C), rain on about 18 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 Milford Sound, side by side.
Verdict
Sep: Mixed
Jan: Great (better)
Daytime high
Sep: 13.2 °C (56 °F)56 °F (13.2 °C)
Jan: 19.5 °C (67 °F)67 °F (19.5 °C)
Night low
Sep: 4.1 °C (39 °F)39 °F (4.1 °C)
Jan: 10.7 °C (51 °F)51 °F (10.7 °C)
Rain days
Sep: 18
Jan: 18
Crowds
Sep: Low
Jan: High
Prices
Sep: Low
Jan: High
Festivals listed
Sep: 0
Jan: 1
September: Outside the best window (Nov–Apr (long days, road open); rain year-round). Across New Zealand: Spring: lambs and blossom, but changeable weather and late snow; daylight saving starts late in the month.
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.
What to pack
- A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast