Christchurch
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Christchurch Weather in December

December in Christchurch sees daytime temperatures around 21°C (70°F) and lows of 11°C (52°F) at night. With around 63 mm (2.5 in) of rainfall expected, it's worth packing a rain jacket.

Rainfall in Christchurch in December

Past climate data indicates that roughly 11 days will see rain, totalling around 63 mm (2.5 in) for the month. A fairly balanced picture this month, some wet days but nothing too extreme in terms of intensity.

Temperature in Christchurch in December

Christchurch has excellent weather in December, with days reaching 21°C (70°F) and nights cooling to 11°C (52°F). During December, you'll experience the summer season. The difference between afternoon and evening temperatures is usually noticeable. With overnight lows of 11°C (52°F), evenings can feel noticeably cooler than the daytime. An extra layer is a good idea, though the cool air makes for a good night's sleep.

Sunshine in Christchurch in December

Enjoy a sunny month with about 218 hours of sunshine, the clear skies make Christchurch even more beautiful.

Wind Speed in Christchurch in December

Wind speeds average 4 m/s (8 knots) during December. At this speed, expect moderate winds that can raise dust and move small branches. Since this is an average, some days have gentle light winds while others experience stronger breezes that are quite noticeable.

Average water temperature in December

With water at 13°C (55°F), it's on the cooler side. Keen swimmers won't be put off, but those who prefer warm water may find it less enjoyable.

If you're inclined towards comfortable temperatures and drier conditions, December is a good time to visit Christchurch.

Christchurch Temperature in December

Min Temperature
11°C (52°F)
Max Temperature
21°C (70°F)
Water Temperature
13°C (55°F)
Chance of Rain
35%
Precipitation
63 mm (2.5 in)
Rainy days
11 days
Humidity
71%
Windspeed
4 m/s (8 knots)
Sunshine
218 hours
Percentage Sunshine
46%

Christchurch Weather by Month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Christchurch - and find the best time to visit.

Daily Historical Temperatures

50-year average (1976-2025)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Christchurch typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 21°C (70°F). Nights are cool, with lows typically ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 12°C (54°F).

Average temperatures in December

Daily Historical Precipitation

50-year average (1976-2025)

Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.

Average precipitation in December

Historical weather records for Christchurch in December

Browse day-by-day weather records for Christchurch spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.

Christchurch historical weather extremes in December

According to our 49 years of weather records for Christchurch, the following extremes were recorded between 1976 and 2025.

  • The warmest day in December was on December 8, 1994, with a maximum of 33°C (91°F).
  • The lowest daytime temperature in December was 9°C (48°F), recorded on December 7, 1993.
  • Christchurch registered its coldest December night on December 2, 2006, with temperatures dropping to 1°C (34°F).

Best Places in New Zealand in December

Find out more about the weather in New Zealand and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of New Zealand in December →

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

What to Wear in Christchurch in December

Pleasant temperatures in December mean you can pack light but flexibel pieces. Think cotton t-shirts, comfortable walking shorts, and one warmer layer for evenings. A light sweater or denim jacket works well. Rain gear is recommended, you can expect wet weather on multiple days. With water temperatures around 13°C (55°F), the water is quite cold for swimming. You can skip the swimwear unless you're particularly tough. Don't forget sun protection, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. These are all good ideas with this much sunshine.

What To Do in Christchurch in December

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

  • Cycling
    10/10
  • Walking
    10/10
  • Barbeque
    8/10
  • Camping
    8/10
  • Outdoor sports
    10/10

Christchurch 3-Day Forecast

Popular in December

Where to go in December - average daytime high across popular destinations.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.