ClimateForecastDecemberJanuary >>

Christchurch Climate by Month

Christchurch has a temperate maritime climate with dry warm summers. The maximum average temperatures is 22.7°C in January, and 11.2°C in July. In winter it is common for the temperature to fall below 0°C at night.

There are on average 70 days of ground frost per year. Snow falls occur on average once or twice a year in the hill suburbs and about once or twice every two years on the plain. With an average of 2080 Christchurch can be named as a super sunny destination. Just like in the rest of New Zealand it is pretty windy all year round in Christchurch.

Average day and night temperature

In Christchurch, seasonal changes bring about a moderate variation in temperatures. Average daytime temperatures reach a comfortable 23°C in February. In July, the coolest month of the year, temperatures drop to a chilly 12°C. At night, expect cooler temperatures, averaging 3°C during this month.

The mean minimum and maximum temperatures throughout the year

Precipitation and rainy days

Generally, Christchurch receives mid-range precipitation levels, with 686 mm annually. Despite minor fluctuations, Christchurch enjoys fairly consistent precipitation throughout the year. In June, you can expect around 64 mm of precipitation, while in March, Christchurch receives about 48 mm.

The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail and snow

Sunshine over the year

Christchurch can be enjoyed more throughout the sunniest month of January under a blue sky, with approximately 7.9 hours of sunshine daily. In contrast, the city experiences much darker days in June, with only 3.9 hours of sunlight per day.

Monthly hours of sunshine

Daily hours of sunshine

Average water temperature

The mean water temperature over the year in Christchurch ranges from 10°C in June to 16°C in January.

Water temperature over the year

The best time of year to visit Christchurch in New Zealand

During the months of January, February, March and December you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures that fall between 20°C and 26°C.

Other facts from our historical weather data:
  • Which is the warmest month in Christchurch?
    February has an average maximum temperature of 23°C and is the warmest month of the year.
  • Which is the coldest month in Christchurch?
    The coldest month is July with an average maximum temperature of 12°C.
  • Which is the wettest month in Christchurch?
    June tops the wettest month list with 64 mm of rainfall.
  • Which is the driest month in Christchurch?
    March is the driest month with 48 mm of precipitation.
  • Which is the sunniest month in Christchurch?
    January is the sunniest month with an average of 238 hours of sunshine.

  • No idea where to travel to this year? We have a tool that recommends destinations based on your ideal conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

    Forecast for Christchurch

    Sat   Dec 14
    28°C | 13°C
    NW 36 km/h
    0.8 mm
    broken clouds and small chance of slight rain

    broken clouds and small chance of slight rain

    Sun   Dec 15
    20°C | 14°C
    E 32 km/h
    broken clouds and no rain

    broken clouds and no rain

    Mon   Dec 16
    17°C | 9°C
    S 32 km/h
    5.6 mm
    overcast and heavy rain

    overcast and heavy rain