When To Go · Destination Guide

Marlborough Sounds

Temperate reef life, sheltered inlets, and New Zealand's most famous wreck dive

Updated Feb 13, 2026 • 21 sources

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When to go

Best time to visit Marlborough Sounds

The Sounds sit in a temperate zone with four distinct seasons.

Best overall window

December to March

Warmest water of the year, often trending toward 16°C to 18°C in sheltered bays. Best allround for mixed groups.

Outside that window

Coldest water (sometimes feeling closer to 12°C to 13°C) and more frequent fronts. Wind can build fast, occasionally pushing 40 km/h on exposed water.

Choose your trip style

Start with the overall answer, then switch only when scuba, freedive, snorkel, or topside timing changes the trip in a meaningful way.

Month-by-month planner

The overall row stays visible so you can compare it against the currently selected scope.

BestGoodTradeoffsMore variable

Scope	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Overall	Overall - Jan: Best	Overall - Feb: Best	Overall - Mar: Best	Overall - Apr: Good	Overall - May: Good	Overall - Jun: Tradeoffs	Overall - Jul: Tradeoffs	Overall - Aug: Tradeoffs	Overall - Sep: Tradeoffs	Overall - Oct: Good	Overall - Nov: Good	Overall - Dec: Best

Wildlife goals and seasonal highlights

These do not replace the overall planner. Use them only if a specific animal or event is driving your trip dates.

Dusky dolphin calving and nursery pods
Best for Topside, Snorkel, Scuba
Nov to Jan
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
DOC notes dusky dolphin calving in New Zealand occurs from November to midJanuary.
Humpback whales moving through Cook Strait
Best for Topside
Jun to Aug
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Humpback whales travel along the east coast of the South Island and through Cook Strait during winter.
Little blue penguins onshore season
Best for Topside, Snorkel
Aug to Mar
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Little blue penguins come ashore to breed in the warmer half of the year.
King shag breeding sensitivity
Best for Topside, Scuba, Snorkel
Mar to Sep
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
King shags breed only in the Marlborough Sounds and are easily disturbed.
Marlborough wine harvest season
Best for Topside
Mar to Apr
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Late summer into early autumn is harvest season in Marlborough wine country.
Cool-season visibility opportunities
Best for Scuba, Freedive
Jun to Aug
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Some divers report clearer water in winter when plankton levels drop, but cold exposure and weather volatility increase.

Always true for this destination

Expect the busiest accommodation period around late December and January (New Zealand summer holidays).

Seasonal cautions

Apr to May, Oct to Nov: Quieter feel with cool but workable water around 13°C to 16°C. Good balance for divers who also want hiking.
Jun to Sep: Coldest water (sometimes feeling closer to 12°C to 13°C) and more frequent fronts. Wind can build fast, occasionally pushing 40 km/h on exposed water.

Built from climate references, access rules, and destination operators. Wildlife timing and route flexibility can shift year to year.