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 perfect 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.

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

• January
• February
• March
• April

• May
• June
• July
• August

• September
• October
• November
• December

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit New Zealand, check out our Christchurch's climate page.

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%  

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

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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

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‹ January February March April May June July August September October November December ›

Historical weather 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.

Historical weather Temperatures Precipitation

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‹ January February March April May June July August September October November December ›

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).

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

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

• January
• February
• March
• April

• May
• June
• July
• August

• September
• October
• November
• December

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit New Zealand, check out our Christchurch's climate page.

More climate data for Christchurch

Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp

See the full Christchurch climate overview or explore weather in New Zealand.