Milford Sound, and Fiordland National Park in general, is one of the wettest places on earth, with an average of around 7 metres / 23 feet of rain a year. Yes, that is - seven metres! No matter what time of the year, it can rain, and rain heavily.
It's good to see Milford Sound both when it is dry and at its wettest, and you often get this in one day. The climate and weather is that changeable, although it can be especially pleasant and warm in the summer (December to February) when the skies are clear. In general, most people tend to arrive in January and February.
Seasonal Variations / When to Go
As with the rest of New Zealand, there are four seasons - spring, September to November; summer, December to February; autumn, March to May; and winter, June to August. It is best and busiest during the summer climate, which offers the best chance of seeing the Mitre Peak. However, it also rains in the summer, and the local weather is changeable day on day.
There are around 200 rainy days a year and several metres of rainfall over Milford Sound. It can rain as much as 300 mm / 12 inches in a day, with waterfalls cascading all around, while the Mitre Peak sees snow atop in the winter.
Milford Sound Weather and Climate Chart
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