When to go · Queenstown
Queenstown in May
Mixed month. Outside the best window (Dec–Apr for hiking and lake days; Jul–Aug for skiing; Mar–Apr and Oct–Nov for fewer crowds). 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
- 13°C55°F / 4°C39°F
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 9
- Crowds
- Low
- New Zealand overall
- Prices
- Low
- New Zealand overall
Verdict
MixedNew Zealand month rating
Outside the best window (Dec–Apr for hiking and lake days; Jul–Aug for skiing; Mar–Apr and Oct–Nov for fewer crowds). Across New Zealand: Cool and short days; Great Walk huts leave peak season, services thin; good value in the north.
Weather in May
- QueenstownHighs around 13 °C, lows around 4 °C, rain on about 9 daysHighs around 55 °F, lows around 39 °F, rain on about 9 days
- Southern Alps and lakes, New Zealand · Queenstown, Wānaka, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Tekapocool
Hot dry summers, clear cold winters with ski fields Jun–Sep; chains needed on passes; autumn colour in April.
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
- Layers: a fleece or light jacket