Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand? If you're planning to go to Marlborough Sounds, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Marlborough Sounds
- Important essentials for Marlborough Sounds
- Activities for Marlborough Sounds
- Marlborough Sounds in January: weather and what to pack
- Marlborough Sounds in February: weather and what to pack
- Marlborough Sounds in March: weather and what to pack
- Marlborough Sounds in April: weather and what to pack
- Marlborough Sounds in May: weather and what to pack
- Marlborough Sounds in June: weather and what to pack
- Marlborough Sounds in July: weather and what to pack
- Marlborough Sounds in August: weather and what to pack
- Marlborough Sounds in September: weather and what to pack
- Marlborough Sounds in October: weather and what to pack
- Marlborough Sounds in November: weather and what to pack
- Marlborough Sounds in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand
Based on the climate and weather in Marlborough Sounds, the best time to go is February. See below for details.
Important essentials for Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Marlborough Sounds, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly product.
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can wear away. An unreadable vaccine card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
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N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection possible.
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's wise to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb choice.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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For families with young children
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Marlborough Sounds. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. This one is sufficent for most places, but check with your hotel.
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Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you go to Marlborough Sounds in January, you will notice that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
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Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
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Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
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Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
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Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
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Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
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A rain jacket to layer with a coat
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100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
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Rain pants
These pants are vital in a storm.
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Waterproof phone bag
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Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
February
If you vacation in Marlborough Sounds during February, you will probably notice that it is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
March
March in this region is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
April
In April, Marlborough Sounds is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Marlborough Sounds, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
May
If you vacation in Marlborough Sounds during May, you may find that it can be chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
June
June in Marlborough Sounds is cool and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
July
If you visit Marlborough Sounds during July, you are likely to see that it is brisk and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
August
August in Marlborough Sounds is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
September
In September, Marlborough Sounds is chilly and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Marlborough Sounds, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
October
October in Marlborough Sounds is crisp and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
November
November for Marlborough Sounds is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
December
In December, Marlborough Sounds is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 60s F (low 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Marlborough Sounds, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
Activities for Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Marlborough Sounds.
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