Christchurch, New Zealand Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Christchurch
Located in New Zealand, Christchurch experiences a oceanic climate with mild temperatures year-round with regular rainfall. Afternoon temperatures peak near 71°F (22°C) in January and dip to about 51°F (11°C) in July, with around 25.8 inches (656 mm) of precipitation falling across the year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: January - highs near 71°F (22°C)
- Coldest month: July - highs near 51°F (11°C)
- Record high: 95°F (35°C) · Record low: 25°F (-4°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: July (10 rainy days) · Sunniest: January (11.5 h sun/day)
- Climate type: oceanic - mild temperatures year-round with regular rainfall
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on January. Highs average 71°F (22°C) and overnight lows stay near 56°F (14°C). The coolest month is July, with typical highs of 51°F (11°C) and lows around 38°F (4°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 95°F (35°C) and dropped as low as 25°F (-4°C).
Rain, sun and snow
July is usually the wettest month. It brings about 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain over 10 days, while August is the driest. January brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.5 hours of sun a day. Snowfall is rare but not unheard of.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 71° | 56° | 8 | 2.0 in | 11.5 h/day | 70% |
| February | 71° | 56° | 7 | 2.0 in | 10.6 h/day | 70% |
| March | 67° | 53° | 7 | 1.9 in | 8.9 h/day | 73% |
| April | 63° | 48° | 8 | 2.1 in | 8.4 h/day | 76% |
| May | 58° | 44° | 8 | 1.9 in | 7.0 h/day | 79% |
| June | 53° | 41° | 10 | 2.3 in | 6.0 h/day | 83% |
| July | 51° | 38° | 10 | 2.9 in | 6.6 h/day | 82% |
| August | 53° | 39° | 9 | 1.7 in | 7.7 h/day | 80% |
| September | 57° | 42° | 9 | 1.9 in | 8.9 h/day | 75% |
| October | 61° | 46° | 10 | 2.1 in | 10.2 h/day | 73% |
| November | 64° | 50° | 10 | 2.4 in | 11.1 h/day | 72% |
| December | 68° | 54° | 11 | 2.7 in | 11.2 h/day | 70% |
Christchurch month by month
Christchurch weather in January
January brings highs around 71°F (22°C), lows near 56°F (14°C), about 8 wet days - typically the hottest month and the sunniest month of the year in Christchurch.
Christchurch weather in February
February brings highs around 71°F (22°C), lows near 56°F (13°C), about 7 wet days.
Christchurch weather in March
March brings highs around 67°F (19°C), lows near 53°F (12°C), about 7 wet days.
Christchurch weather in April
April brings highs around 63°F (17°C), lows near 48°F (9°C), about 8 wet days.
Christchurch weather in May
May brings highs around 58°F (14°C), lows near 44°F (7°C), about 8 wet days.
Christchurch weather in June
June brings highs around 53°F (12°C), lows near 41°F (5°C), about 10 wet days.
Christchurch weather in July
July brings highs around 51°F (11°C), lows near 38°F (4°C), about 10 wet days - typically the coldest month and the wettest month of the year in Christchurch.
Christchurch weather in August
August brings highs around 53°F (12°C), lows near 39°F (4°C), about 9 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Christchurch.
Christchurch weather in September
September brings highs around 57°F (14°C), lows near 42°F (6°C), about 9 wet days.
Christchurch weather in October
October brings highs around 61°F (16°C), lows near 46°F (8°C), about 10 wet days.
Christchurch weather in November
November brings highs around 64°F (18°C), lows near 50°F (10°C), about 10 wet days.
Christchurch weather in December
December brings highs around 68°F (20°C), lows near 54°F (12°C), about 11 wet days.
Seasons in Christchurch
Spring (September through November)
Spring in Christchurch is crisp but comfortable, with daytime highs averaging 61°F (16°C) and nights around 46°F (8°C); expect showers on roughly 30 days across the season.
Summer (December through February)
Summer in Christchurch is mild and warm, with daytime highs averaging 70°F (21°C) and nights around 55°F (13°C); expect showers on roughly 26 days across the season.
Fall (March through May)
Fall in Christchurch is crisp but comfortable, with daytime highs averaging 62°F (17°C) and nights around 48°F (9°C); expect showers on roughly 23 days across the season.
Winter (June through August)
Winter in Christchurch is chilly, with daytime highs averaging 53°F (11°C) and nights around 40°F (4°C); expect showers on roughly 28 days across the season.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Christchurch?
Is Christchurch hot in summer?
Is Christchurch cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Christchurch get in a year?
Best time to visit Christchurch
The best time to visit Christchurch is generally January to April, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 68°F (20°C).
Pack for Christchurch with a warm jacket and layers for the cooler season; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - January nights average 56°F (14°C).
Christchurch temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.