When to go · Franz Josef
Franz Josef in May
Mixed month. Outside the best window (Feb–Apr; also Dec–Jan for long days). Across New Zealand: Cool and short days; Great Walk huts leave peak season, services thin; good value in the north.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Temperature
- 14°C57°F / 5°C41°F
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 16
- Crowds
- Low
- New Zealand overall
- Prices
- Low
- New Zealand overall
Verdict
MixedNew Zealand month rating
Outside the best window (Feb–Apr; also Dec–Jan for long days). Across New Zealand: Cool and short days; Great Walk huts leave peak season, services thin; good value in the north.
Weather in May
- Franz JosefHighs around 14 °C, lows around 5 °C, rain on about 16 daysHighs around 57 °F, lows around 41 °F, rain on about 16 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: Cool and short days; Great Walk huts leave peak season, services thin; good value in the north.
What to pack
- A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast