Summer in Queenstown In Queenstown in summer, the sun rises before 6 a.m. and doesn't set until after 9:30 p.m. Queenstown is generally warm during the day and cooler at night. While temperatures can reach the low 70s F (20s C), the average temperature in summer is slightly cooler, at 59 degrees F (15 degrees C).

Queenstown, New Zealand, enjoys a mild and pleasant summer (December to February) with average daytime highs ranging between 20°C and 25°C (68°F–77°F). However, because of its location in Central Otago—a region known for its "continental" climate—it is not uncommon for temperatures to spike to 30°C (86°F) or higher during a warm spell. The sun in New Zealand is exceptionally strong due to low air pollution and a thin ozone layer, so even a 22°C day can feel much hotter to the skin than it would in Europe or the US. Evenings in the mountains stay relatively cool, often dropping to 8°C or 10°C (46°F–50°F), so travelers are always advised to pack layers. In 2026, summer remains the peak season for outdoor activities like jet boating and hiking, as the long daylight hours (sunset as late as 9:30 PM) provide ample time to enjoy the stunning Alpine scenery of the South Island.