Christchurch Weather in January

January in Christchurch typically sees daytime highs of 22°C (72°F) and nighttime lows of 13°C (55°F). Expect some rainfall during the month. It falls within the summer season.

Rainfall in Christchurch in January

Historically, the month has about 8 days of rain, averaging 58 mm (2.3 in) in total. Individual showers can be quite heavy this month. A proper umbrella or rain jacket is worth having.

Temperature in Christchurch in January

January is a perfect month in Christchurch, with 22°C (72°F) during the day and 13°C (55°F) at night. January is typically considered a summer month. This kind of day-to-night contrast is typical for this time of year. Nights cool down to 13°C (55°F), so a light jacket or extra layer is useful once the sun goes down. On the plus side, the cooler nights make for comfortable sleeping conditions.

Sunshine in Christchurch in January

The days are predominantly sunny, with an estimated total of around 238 hours of sunshine. These sun-filled days are perfect for playing sports, visiting parks, or going for a bike ride.

Wind Speed in Christchurch in January

In January, average wind speeds reach 4 m/s (8 knots), leading to light to moderate breezes. Conditions vary from day to day, with both calm and windier periods.

Average water temperature in January

The water temperature is 16°C (61°F) — chilly, but perfectly fine for a swim if you're not too sensitive to cold water. A short wetsuit can make longer sessions more comfortable.

If you're a fan of comfortable temperatures and drier conditions, January is a great time to visit.

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 January

Min Temperature 13°C (55°F)  

Max Temperature 22°C (72°F)  

Water Temperature 16°C (61°F)  

Chance of Rain 26%  

Precipitation 58 mm (2.3 in)  

Rainy days 8 days  

Humidity 72%  

Windspeed 4 m/s (8 knots)  

Sunshine 238 hours  

Percentage Sunshine 51%  

Daily Historical Temperatures

51-year average (1976-2026)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Christchurch typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around 22°C (72°F). Nights are cool, with lows around 12°C (54°F).

Average temperatures in January

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Daily Historical Precipitation

51-year average (1976-2026)

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

Average precipitation in January

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Historical weather for Christchurch in January

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 January

The extremes listed below come from historical weather data collected in Christchurch from 1995 through 2025.

• The hottest January day on record in Christchurch reached 36°C (97°F) (January 26, 2021).
• Christchurch experienced its chilliest January day on January 4, 2000, reaching only 11°C (52°F).
• Christchurch registered its coldest January night on January 4, 1995, with temperatures dropping to 4°C (39°F).
• The wettest January day on record brought 41 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation to Christchurch (January 11, 1997).

What to Wear in Christchurch in January

Pleasant temperatures in January 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. Expect water temperatures of around 16°C (61°F), which is definitely too cold for comfortable swimming. Your luggage space is better used for other items. 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 January

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

Cycling

10/10

Walking

10/10

Barbeque

9/10

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.