Key facts
- Fact 01
Queenstown's mean temperature in October 2026 was 12.8°C, 2.3°C above normal and equal highest for October since records began in 1871.
- Fact 02
Milford Sound recorded New Zealand's highest one day rainfall in October 2026: 251 mm on 26 October.
- Fact 03
Milford Sound's October 2026 mean temperature of 11.9°C was its highest for October since records began in 1934.
- Fact 04
Wānaka's October 2026 mean temperature was 12.6°C, 1.9°C above normal.
- Fact 05
New Zealand averaged 13.3°C in October 2026, its 4th warmest October since 1909.
Earth Sciences New Zealand published its October 2026 climate summary on Thursday 5 November. We read the summary page and the full report linked from it on 6 November, and every figure below comes from them.
Queenstown's mean air temperature for October was 12.8°C, 2.3°C above normal, which the report lists as equal highest for October since records began in 1871. The mean daily maximum was 18.6°C, the second highest, and the mean minimum was 7.0°C, the third highest. Wānaka's mean temperature was 12.6°C, 1.9°C above normal and the fourth highest since 1955. The report notes that its rankings compare against a group of nearby stations, some of which may no longer operate.
Milford Sound had its warmest October since records began in 1934, with a mean of 11.9°C. It was also wet: rainfall was above or well above normal for Milford Sound and for northern and central Otago, and Milford Sound recorded the highest one day rainfall in the country, 251 mm on 26 October. The same day brought strong north to northwesterly winds, and Wānaka's 87 km/h gust was its second highest for October since 1992.
Nationally, October averaged 13.3°C, 1.2°C above the 1991 to 2020 average and New Zealand's fourth warmest October since 1909. The report says higher than normal air pressure brought long fine, settled spells to most of the country, and that very strong El Niño conditions were firmly established in the tropical Pacific by the end of the month.
For trip timing, our best time to visit Queenstown guide and best time to visit Milford Sound guide explain what each season brings, and our rainy day planner has ideas for wet days.
Questions visitors are asking
Was October 2026 warm in Queenstown?
Yes. Earth Sciences New Zealand says Queenstown's October 2026 mean temperature was 12.8°C, 2.3°C above normal and equal highest for October since records began in 1871. The mean daily maximum was 18.6°C, the second highest on record, and the mean minimum was 7.0°C, the third highest.
How much rain fell at Milford Sound in October 2026?
Milford Sound recorded 251 mm of rain on 26 October 2026, the highest one day rainfall anywhere in New Zealand that month. Earth Sciences New Zealand says October rainfall was above or well above normal for Milford Sound, even though it was also the warmest October there since 1934.
Why was October 2026 so warm in New Zealand?
Earth Sciences New Zealand says air pressure was higher than normal over the country, bringing long fine, settled spells with relatively warm temperatures. Very strong El Niño conditions were firmly established by the end of October. Queenstown and much of the South Island were well above average.
What was October 2026 like in Wānaka?
Wānaka's mean temperature in October 2026 was 12.6°C, 1.9°C above normal and the fourth highest since 1955, Earth Sciences New Zealand reported. On 26 October strong north to northwesterly winds brought Wānaka an 87 km/h gust, its second highest October gust since 1992.