When to go · Queenstown

Queenstown in January

Great month. Inside Queenstown's best window: Dec–Apr.

Key facts

Verdict: Great
Temperature: 21°C70°F / 8°C47°F; average high / low
Rain days: 15
Crowds: High; Australia overall
Prices: High; Australia overall

Plan around it

Verdict

GreatBest and avoid months for Queenstown

Inside Queenstown's best window: Dec–Apr.

Weather in January

Long-term averages

QueenstownHighs around 21 °C, lows around 8.3 °C, rain on about 15 daysHighs around 70 °F, lows around 47 °F, rain on about 15 days

Festivals and holidays

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

New Year big impact
31 Dec – 1 Jan · Australia
Sydney Harbour fireworks: vantage points ticketed or claimed from morning; beds book out months ahead.
Summer school holidays big impact
Mid-Dec to late Jan · Australia
Coast, campsites, ferries and Tasmania fill; prices peak.

Crowds and prices

Crowds · Australia overall: High
Prices · Australia overall: High

Australia overall: Peak summer in the south: beaches, holidays and high prices; the north is in full wet and cyclone season.

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

What to pack

A warm layer for the evenings
A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Across Australia in January →