Franz Josef Glacier Weather
One word sums up Franz Josef Glacier weather: unpredictable!
Franz Josef Glacier on New Zealand’s rugged West Coast of the South Island is a place of extremes: golden sunshine one minute to misty rain the next.
Understanding the weather and being prepared is the key to a successful visit, allowing you to enjoy everything that the wild west coast offers: heli-hikes, glacier walks and scenic flights.
Also, note that New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, and that the seasons are inverted (when compared to places in the northern hemisphere like North America and Europe).
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
Franz Josef Glacier Weather
The icy glacier starts from the peaks of the snow-clad Southern Alps and runs through a temperate rainforest, heralding high rainfall, humidity and fast-changing weather.
This unique climate created the glacier, feeding it with heavy snowfall in the mountains and carving out dramatic valleys below.
The West Coast of the South Island is one of the wettest places in New Zealand receiving over 200 inches of rain per year.
On the glacier, expect freezing temperatures (sometimes even in summer), and overall cool temperatures year-round.
Franz Josef Glacier in Summer (December, January, February)
Valley temperatures range from 64-77°F (18-25°C), and glacier temperatures are usually below 41°F (5°C). Weather is warm, humid and rainy.
Summer is the best time to visit Franz Josef Glacier, with 14-15 hours of daylight, and ideal conditions for hikes, heli-hikes, glacier walks, and scenic flights.
Franz Josef Glacier in Autumn (March, April, May)
Valley temperatures range from 50-68°F (10-20°C), and glacier temperatures are usually below freezing. Weather is cooler with more rain, but many days are crisp and clear.
Autumn is less crowded and considered a shoulder season to visit Franz Josef Glacier, with 11-13 hours of daylight, and reasonable conditions for hikes, heli-hikes, glacier walks, and scenic flights.
Nature photographers will love the fall colors and fewer crowds to jostle with for prime shooting locations.
Franz Josef Glacier in Winter (June, July, August)
Valley temperatures range from 41-50°F (5-10°C), and glacier temperatures are usually below well below freezing.
Weather is cold but with often clearer skies, making for epic scenic flights and stunning glacier views.
Winter is the low season, offering the best deals for budget travelers or those preferring to enjoy nature in relative solitude, with 9-10 hours of daylight for scenic flights, heli-hiking and hot pool relaxation.
Franz Josef Glacier in Spring (September, October, November)
Valley temperatures range from 50-64°F (10-18°C), and glacier temperatures are usually near freezing. Weather is warmer, but spring storms can bring rain and wind.
Spring is the best time to view waterfalls in full flow and new growth and flowers in the temperate rainforest, with 12-14 hours of daylight.
Franz Josef Glacier Weather Tips
Expect some rain on your trip, you are in one of the wettest places in New Zealand! Bring waterproof jackets and layer up.
Franz Josef Glacier weather is unpredictable and have a backup plan if your scenic flight or helicopter tour is canceled or delayed.
Make sure you plan backup activities if the weather doesn’t co-operate, visit the West Coast Wildlife Center or relax in the hot pools.