Local Weather

Links to weather forecast pages are found here.

Queenstown has a variable weather pattern owing to its central position on a mountainous island surrounded by ocean.

Prevailing conditions are westerly. Moist airflows come from across the Tasman Sea or from the Southern Ocean and reach an obstacle to their passage, this being the Southern Alps. Precipitation falls largely in the south and west, with snow on the tops all year round although predominantly during winter.

Queenstown at 1200ft amsl being to the east of the main range receives less rainfall (less than 1 metre yearly) but enjoys a varied climate.

Unseasonal weather can occur at anytime of the year. Consistent weather lasting for days is a rarity. Therefore when at a place with weather appropriate for an activity such as flying, DO IT, don't wait for tomorrow as the weather could easily be different.

Having said that, there are very few days unsuitable for flying in Queenstown. Milford Sound, one of our mountainous training regions, is more weather affected for flying.

Summer: (DEC, JAN, FEB)

Normally hot and dry with temperatures ranging up to the early 30°C. Unseasonal weather can be expected with temperatures between 0-10°C. Average flying conditions often influenced by thermal activity, providing mild turbulence. The best flying month is usually February with the most settled conditions. Long daylight hours are available from 0520hrs-2210hrs

Autumn: (MAR, APR, MAY)

Best flying month is March up until Easter. Early snow falls can lower overnight temperatures with some ground frosts. Generally April has more wind until mid to late May when the snowline lowers towards winter levels of around 4000ft amsl. With the arrival of more snow on the tops ,upper level temperatures remain colder and the air less turbulent due to less thermal mixing. Autumn colours provide richness for photography

Winter: (JUN, JUL, AUG)

Generally good flying conditions with cold dry air, good visibility and beautiful views apart from the passage of frontal weather systems. Cold frosty mornings frequently followed by crisp sunny clear days mean while temperatures are low, 0-10°C they are not uncomfortable. Shorter daylight hours from 0750-1745hrs

Spring: (SEP, OCT, NOV)

Overnight temperatures can still produce morning frosts - however with spring colours and growth. Winds tantalize everyone as the days warm towards summer. Prevailing Westerly winds often affect September and October. Best month is usually November.

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