A Guide to the Weather, Climate & Seasons in Christchurch

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Temperatures in Christchurch

Being on the South Island and further away from the Equator (i.e. closer to Antarctica) than most New Zealand cities, Christchurch experiences cooler temperatures in comparison. Nevertheless, average daily temperatures tend to be comfortable. The coldest temperatures are experienced in winter where overnight frosts are common.

Temperatures in summer are warm but not usually too hot with temperatures moderated by cool sea breezes.

Average Daily Temperature in Christchurch Month-by-Month

• January – 16°C (61°F)
• February – 18°C (64°F)
• March – 15°C (59°F)
• April – 13°C (55°F)
• May – 9°C (48°F)
• June – 7°C (45°F)
• July – 7°C (47°F)
• August – 7°C (45°F)
• September – 10°C (50°F)
• October – 12°C (53°F)
• November – 14°C (57°F)
• December – 16°C (60°F)

Check out What is the Weather Like in New Zealand? to see more temperatures month by month around the country.

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The Climate of Christchurch: Rain, Sunshine, etc.

Although cooler than other cities in New Zealand, Christchurch experiences a little more consistency in its other weather patterns. Christchurch has a temperate and relatively dry climate due to being protected from westerly winds by the Southern Alps.

Does it Snow in Christchurch?

Snow is unlikely in Christchurch but can fall a couple of times a year on the hills of the surrounding suburbs.

Is it Sunny in Christchurch?

Christchurch experiences plenty of sunshine at around 2,100 hours of sunshine per year. UV levels are high in late spring, summer and early autumn.

Christchurch Average Monthly Rainfall

• January – 40 mm (1.6 in)
• February – 40 mm (1.5 in)
• March – 60 mm (2.4 in)
• April – 50 mm (2 in)
• May – 60 mm (2.4 in)
• June – 70 mm (2.7 in)
• July – 80 mm (3 in)
• August – 70 mm (2.7 in)
• September – 50 mm (2 in)
• October – 50 mm (2 in)
• November – 40 mm (1.5 in)
• December – 50 mm (2 in)

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What to Pack for Christchurch

What you pack for Christchurch will depend on the season you are visiting. Between April and October, take a warm jacket, as well as warm layers even for sleeping, as Christchurch’s older buildings are not well insulated. A rain jacket is also recommended for these months.

Between November and March, it’s a good idea to have sunscreen and a sunhat available due to the high UV levels. Christchurch offers a mix of city exploration and outdoor experiences in the surrounding region, so have clothes suitable for both.

Christchurch Packing List

• Pants (jeans, skirt, leggings, hiking pants etc.)
• Sneakers (casual shoes for city and hill walking)
• Tops (T-shirts, shirts, singlets, etc.)
• Light long-sleeved top (sun protection in summer)
• Mid-layer (sweater, cardigan, hoody, etc.)
• Warm underlayer (merino wool or thermal underlayer for winter)
• Jacket (to keep warm from April to October)
• Rain jacket
• Socks
• Underwear and bras
• Flip-flops
• Swimwear
• Sunglasses
• Sunhat/cap
• Sunscreen
• Sleeping attire (pyjamas)
• Camera
• New Zealand Dollars
• Passport (proof of age for buying alcohol)
• Reusable travel shopping bags

For a more complete packing list for travelling around New Zealand, including Christchurch, see our New Zealand Packing List: What to Pack for New Zealand, as well as our seasonal packing lists:

• Packing List for Summer in New Zealand
• Packing List for Autumn or Spring in New Zealand
• Packing List for Winter in New Zealand.