Summer
How is Franz Josef Glacier in Summer?
Summer is one of the best times to visit Franz Josef Glacier, with ideal hiking conditions, breathtaking aerial views, and enthralling wildlife encounters.
| Franz Josef Glacier Summer | Details |
|---|---|
| Season Dates | December – February (New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere!) |
| Average Temperature | 18–25°C (64–77°F) |
| Daylight Hours | Up to 15 hours |
| Best Activities | Heli-hiking, glacier flights, scenic walks, hot pools, kayaking |
| Must-Pack Items | Layers, waterproof jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, hiking shoes |
| Crowds | Peak season—book tours in advance |
| Wildlife Highlights | Kea parrots, glowworms, white herons, kiwi birds |
For visitors from North America and Europe, seeking to escape harsh winters, destinations in the Southern Hemisphere beckon, with warm summers ranging from December to February!
And what could be more wonderful than exploring icy glaciers and snow-capped Southern Alps in summer – Franz Josef Glacier in summer is a veritable paradise for the outdoor lovers!
But be warned, you are not the only one, and summer in New Zealand is peak season, with tourists flocking in to explore rugged landscapes, lush rainforests and towering glaciers in relative warmth.
Planning a trip to see the glacier? Visit our Franz Josef Glacier home page for the complete rundown on every single detail!
Best Things to Do in South Island, New Zealand
South Island, New Zealand Activities & Best Tours Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Heli-hike, Glacier + Snow Landing, Mount Cook + Glaciers, Tandem Skydive, Guided Valley Walk Milford Sound Boutique Cruise, Small Group Cruise, Full day Tour + Cruise, Luxury Cruise, Flyover Queenstown Shotover River Jet Boat, Skydive, Lord of the Rings Tour, Zipline, ATV, Wine, Farm Dinner, Gourmet Food Tour
Top Things to Do in Franz Josef Glacier in Summer
Daytime highs range from 64-77 degrees Fahrenheit (18-25 degrees Celsius), while nights are cool. Daylight can range up to 15 hours of sunlight, with more time for hikes and scenic flights.
Weather disruptions are relatively rare, meaning your scenic flight or heli-hike is unlikely to be canceled!
And with the mild weather, trails around the glacier stay clear of snow and ice, and are easily accessible.
Trailheads for many of the best hikes in the region start from Franz Josef Glacier Car Park, including the highly popular Franz Josef Glacier Walk to the viewpoint from whence you can see the snout.
What’s more, you can revel in a post-hike dip in a hot pool.
Summer is also excellent for wildlife spotting, with kea (alpine parrots) more active, and commonplace in touristy areas like the Franz Josef Glacier Car Park.
Okarito Lagoon, about 25 minutes from Franz Josef Glacier, is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to the rare kotuku (white heron) and royal spoonbills.
For the adventurous, a night walk might yield a sighting of rare wild kiwi birds in their natural habitat and glowworms.
About 10 minutes from the Franz Josef Township is Lake Mapourika, offering kayaking for the active tourist or stunning reflections of the Southern Alps for the nature photographer.
Tips for Visiting Franz Josef Glacier in Summer
If you’re planning to visit Franz Josef Glacier in summer (December to February), to avoid disappointments, make sure you book helicopter tours and other tours well in advance, because you’re visiting in peak season.
While Franz Josef Glacier Walk is free, parking does fill up fast, so go early.
Temperatures on the glacier can be below freezing even in summer (after all you’re on ice!), pack layers.
The West Coast of New Zealand is one of the wettest in the region, if not the world, bring a waterproof jacket and sturdy hiking boots.