Last updated: August 31, 2025
Experience the charm of Queenstown in January, where the weather presents a delightful blend of summer warmth and refreshing coolness. Daytime highs reach a pleasant 25°C (78°F), inviting outdoor adventures, while the average temperature hovers around 13°C (55°F), offering a comfortable escape from the heat. With a cool minimum of 1°C (33°F), evenings can be crisp—perfect for cozy gatherings. While you may encounter 11 days of rain, totaling 110 mm (4.3 in) of precipitation, the 86% humidity adds a touch of freshness to the lush landscapes. Embrace the diverse weather that enhances the beauty of this stunning destination!
In Queenstown, New Zealand, January ushers in the warmest temperatures of the year, with lows of 1°C (33°F) and highs peaking at a delightful 25°C (78°F). The average temperature during this summer month is a pleasant 13°C (55°F), making it ideal for outdoor adventures. As the season transitions into February, the temperatures begin to lessen slightly, with minimums dropping to 0°C (32°F) and a maximum of 24°C (76°F), all while maintaining an average of 12°C (54°F). This gradual cooling trend continues into autumn, where March witnesses further declines, reaching minimums of -3°C (27°F) and a cooling high of 21°C (70°F). By April, the crispness of fall becomes apparent with temperatures dipping even lower, averaging 7°C (45°F). The colder months that follow, from May through August, see significant drops, with average temperatures sinking to around 0°C (32°F). Thus, while January offers a perfect summer escape, the subsequent months remind visitors that Queenstown is equally enchanting under a blanket of winter snow, presenting an adventurous contrast for every type of traveler.
January in Queenstown, New Zealand, brings a moderate precipitation of 110 mm (4.3 in) over about 11 days, setting a fascinating stage for the summer season. While the rainfall is relatively consistent, with similar amounts seen in April, it tends to be less than the heavier rains that follow in February and December, where totals rise to 136 mm (5.4 in) and 146 mm (5.7 in), respectively. This pattern suggests a gradual increase in moisture leading into the late summer months, with February marking a noticeable peak. The interplay of these precipitation trends creates a vibrant, lush landscape, perfect for outdoor adventures in Queenstown, though it's wise for visitors to keep an umbrella on hand as the month unfolds.
In January, Queenstown boasts a high humidity level of 86%, setting the tone for a summer characterized by lush landscapes and vibrant outdoor activities. As the seasons transition into February, the humidity slightly dips to 85%, but it remains consistently elevated throughout the next several months, hovering around 88% from April through July. Interestingly, this level stabilizes, creating a humid atmosphere that contributes to Queenstown's unique subtropical climate. By August, the humidity begins to recede, dipping marginally to 87% and returning to 86% for the latter part of the year. Overall, the trend highlights a persistent humidity level throughout the year, with comforting moisture that fosters the stunning natural beauty of this Kiwi destination.
In January, Queenstown experiences a scorching UV Index of 14, categorized as extreme, where even a brief 10-minute exposure can lead to skin burns. This trend of high UV levels continues into February with an index of 12, still in the extreme range. As summer wanes, March's UV Index drops to 9, indicating a very high exposure level with a slightly extended burn time of 15 minutes. The following months see a gradual decrease: April presents a high index of 6 and a burn time of 25 minutes, while May offers a milder moderate index of 3, allowing for about 30 minutes of safe exposure. As winter approaches, UV levels remain low in June and July with an index of 2, permitting up to 45 minutes of safe time in the sun. However, as the year progresses towards summer again, August sees a moderate rise to 4, and by November, we're back to an extreme index of 11. This cyclical pattern indicates that while summer months demand caution due to high UV exposure, the winter months provide a reprieve. For more detailed information, check out the Queenstown UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In January, Queenstown basks in a radiant glow, with 251 hours of sunshine illuminating the summer landscape. As the days progress into February, the sun's generous embrace intensifies, peaking at 272 hours before beginning its gradual descent in March to 258 hours. This trend of diminishing sunlight continues into the crisp autumn months, with April providing 213 hours and May declining further to 178 hours. The winter months bring a stark contrast, with June and July offering just 160 and 153 hours of sunshine, respectively. However, as spring approaches, the sun begins to reclaim its presence, leading to a notable rebound in August at 186 hours and flourishing into the vibrant spring and summer months. By November and December, Queenstown shines the brightest, boasting a spectacular 294 and 315 hours of sunshine, making it an ideal time for outdoor adventures amid its stunning scenery.
In Queenstown, New Zealand, January offers a 30% chance of sunny weather, making it one of the more favorable months for sunshine. This modest likelihood is part of a delightful summer trend, as February sees an increase to 37%, maintaining that sunny disposition through March and April. However, as the seasons shift, sunshine becomes less frequent, with probabilities dropping to 26% in May and plunging further to just 8% by July. The gradual climb back towards brighter days begins in August. Overall, while January provides a decent chance for sun, it's just a taste of the sunnier days to come in the early months of the year before retreating into a cooler, cloudier winter.
In January, Queenstown basks in the glory of 15 hours of daylight, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. As the month progresses into February, daylight begins to wane slightly to 13 hours, signaling the gradual transition towards autumn. This trend continues through March and April, where daylight diminishes to 12 and 10 hours respectively, inviting cooler temperatures and vibrant fall foliage. By May and June, daylight reaches its annual low, with only 9 and 8 hours. However, as winter gives way to spring, daylight slowly creeps back up, peaking again at 15 hours by the time December rolls around, before returning to its summer zenith. This cyclical pattern not only reflects the seasonal changes but also enhances the beauty of Queenstown’s landscapes throughout the year.
In January, Queenstown experiences its breeziest days of the year, with an average wind speed of 1.9 m/s (4 mph), contributing to the vibrant summer atmosphere. As the months progress into February and March, the winds slightly calm down to 1.6 m/s and 1.7 m/s, respectively, creating a more serene backdrop for outdoor adventures. The trend continues into the cooler months, where wind speeds generally decline, reaching a low of 1.2 m/s (3 mph) in July. However, a mild uptick occurs in September and persists into the spring, peaking again at 1.9 m/s in December, creating a breezy transition into the festive season. Overall, the wind in January sets the tone for Queenstown's dynamic weather, enhancing the allure of its summer landscape while hinting at the seasonal shifts to come.
Weather in Queenstown varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Queenstown, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In comparing the weather of January and February, January typically experiences a slightly warmer range, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (33°F) to a maximum of 25°C (78°F), while February sees a minimum of 0°C (33°F) and a maximum of 24°C (76°F). Precipitation levels increase in February to 136 mm (5.4 in) compared to January's 110 mm (4.3 in), although both months have approximately 11 days of rainfall. Humidity remains fairly consistent, with January at 86% and February at 85%. For further details on February's weather, check out Queenstown weather in February.
In January, the weather is generally warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (33°F) to a maximum of 25°C (78°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F). The month sees significant rainfall, with 110 mm (4.3 in) of precipitation over 11 days and a humidity level of 86%. In contrast, March experiences cooler temperatures, where the minimum can drop to -3°C (27°F) and the maximum reaches 21°C (70°F), with an average temperature of 11°C (52°F). Rainfall is slightly lower in March, totaling 96 mm (3.8 in) over the same number of rainy days, while the humidity remains quite similar at 87%. For a detailed look at March weather, you can check Queenstown weather in March.
January and April present distinct contrasts in weather. In January, temperatures range from a minimum of 1°C (33°F) to a pleasant maximum of 25°C (78°F), making it a warmer month with an average of 13°C (55°F). The humidity is relatively high at 86%, and the month typically receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of precipitation over about 11 days. In contrast, April experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (26°F) and a maximum of 20°C (68°F), resulting in an average temperature of 7°C (45°F). Although it also sees 110 mm (4.3 in) of precipitation, it has slightly more wet days, totaling 12. The humidity is marginally higher at 88%, contributing to the crisp feel of the month. For more details, check out Queenstown weather in April.
In January, the weather in Queenstown is generally milder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (33°F) to a maximum of 25°C (78°F), and an average of 13°C (55°F). The month experiences 110 mm (4.3 in) of precipitation over about 11 days, with humidity levels around 86%. In contrast, May sees cooler conditions, with a minimum temperature of -9°C (17°F) and a maximum of 15°C (59°F), averaging 4°C (40°F). The precipitation slightly increases to 116 mm (4.6 in) across 13 days, while humidity remains high at 88%. For more details on the weather in May, visit Queenstown weather in May.
In January, temperatures in Queenstown range from a minimum of 1°C (33°F) to a maximum of 25°C (78°F), with an average temperature of 13°C (55°F). This month sees a significant amount of rainfall, with 110 mm (4.3 in) over approximately 11 days and a humidity level of 86%.
In contrast, June experiences much cooler weather, where temperatures dip, with a minimum of -8°C (17°F) and a maximum of 13°C (55°F), leading to an average temperature of only 1°C (34°F). Precipitation in June is lower at 72 mm (2.8 in) spread across about 12 days, accompanied by slightly higher humidity at 88%. For more detailed information, check out Queenstown weather in June.
When comparing the weather in January and July, the contrast is striking. January boasts milder temperatures, with a minimum of 1°C (33°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F), peaking at 25°C (78°F). This month also experiences relatively lower humidity at 86% and less precipitation, totaling 110 mm (4.3 in) over 11 days. In stark contrast, July sees a significant drop in temperatures, with minimums reaching -10°C (14°F), an average of just 0°C (32°F), and a maximum of 7°C (46°F). This colder month also has higher humidity at 88% and experiences more precipitation at 131 mm (5.2 in) over 16 days. For those looking to explore Queenstown's winter conditions, Queenstown weather in July provides detailed insights.
January and August showcase stark contrasts in weather. January typically enjoys milder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 1°C (33°F) to a maximum of 25°C (78°F), with an average of 13°C (55°F). The month sees around 110 mm (4.3 in) of rainfall over approximately 11 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 86%. In contrast, August experiences much cooler conditions, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of -11°C (13°F) and peaking at just 10°C (50°F), averaging only 1°C (35°F). While August has less precipitation at 93 mm (3.7 in) over 15 days, the humidity remains slightly higher at 87%. For more detailed insights on August weather, you can visit Queenstown weather in August.
In January, the weather is relatively warm with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (33°F) to a maximum of 25°C (78°F), while September brings a noticeable chill, featuring temperatures that dip as low as -9°C (16°F) and peak at a modest 13°C (56°F). Both months experience high humidity levels at 86%, yet January sees significantly less precipitation, averaging 110 mm (4.3 in) over 11 days, compared to September's rainier conditions with 161 mm (6.3 in) over 14 days. This stark contrast highlights the seasonal shift in Queenstown's climate, which is evidenced in the detailed forecast available at Queenstown weather in September.
January and October present quite contrasting weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a mild 1°C (33°F) at night to a warm 25°C (78°F) during the day, with an average of 13°C (55°F). This month tends to be relatively dry, with 110 mm (4.3 in) of precipitation spread over 11 days and a high humidity level of 86%.
In contrast, October is much cooler, characterized by temperatures that fluctuate between a minimum of -7°C (20°F) and a maximum of 19°C (67°F), averaging at 6°C (43°F). October experiences slightly more rainfall, totaling 113 mm (4.5 in) over 15 days, while maintaining the same humidity level of 86%. For more details on October weather, refer to Queenstown weather in October.
In January, the weather in Queenstown features milder temperatures, with a minimum of 1°C (33°F) and a maximum of 25°C (78°F), leading to an average temperature of 13°C (55°F). The month experiences about 110 mm (4.3 in) of precipitation over 11 days, while humidity remains high at 86%. In contrast, November presents cooler conditions with a minimum temperature of -3°C (27°F) and a maximum of 23°C (73°F), resulting in a lower average temperature of 9°C (49°F). November also sees more precipitation, totaling 135 mm (5.3 in) over 15 days, but maintains the same humidity level of 86%. For more details on the weather in Queenstown during November, visit Queenstown weather in November.
In January, the weather in Queenstown tends to be warmer than in December, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (33°F) to a maximum of 25°C (78°F). In contrast, December sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a range from 0°C (33°F) to 22°C (72°F) and a lower average temperature of 11°C (52°F). Precipitation is also less frequent in January, totaling 110 mm (4.3 in) over 11 days, compared to December's 146 mm (5.7 in) over 16 days. Despite these differences, both months experience high humidity levels of 86%. For more detailed insights, you can check Queenstown weather in December.
January in Queenstown is a time of warmth and vibrancy, standing out from many other months with its pleasant temperatures that often reach up to 25°C (78°F). This peak of summer brings not only higher averages but also a notable increase in humidity, making the air feel quite different compared to the cooler, drier months. Despite the warmth, visitors should be prepared for occasional rain, as January sees a fair share of precipitation days, often resulting in refreshing afternoons that enhance the lush scenery. For a deeper understanding of what to expect throughout the year, explore the Queenstown Climate details.