Christchurch Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand. These values are calculated using 30 years of data (1990–2020) to ensure accuracy. Let’s explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.
Generally, Christchurch has a moderate amount of precipitation, averaging 686 mm of rain/snowfall annually.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm)
Year-round, Christchurch has a balanced climate with minimal variation in precipitation. The difference between the wettest month, June, with 64 mm, and the driest month, March, with 48 mm, is minimal.
June, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 12°C. The city receives 117 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month March you can expect a temperature of 21°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Christchurch Temperature page.
Annual Precipitation in New Zealand
The map below shows the annual precipitation across New Zealand. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide
Christchurch’s average annual precipitation is 686 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
The city of Rome, Italy, has an average annual precipitation of 832 mm, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.
In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm, with a humid subtropical climate.
Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, receives 2529 mm of annual rainfall, characteristic of its equatorial tropical rainforest climate, with consistent rainfall throughout the year and peak months during March and November.
How is Precipitation Measured?
Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.
Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.
How Does Precipitation Affect Local Climate?
Precipitation has a very strong role in determining the local climate and ecosystem:
- Rainy Seasons: Many parts of the world have well-defined wet seasons where precipitation is distinctly higher. These are normally accompanied by lush vegetation and temperature patterns.
- Dry Seasons: In areas where the climate is either desert or Mediterranean, the amount of precipitation is drastically reduced, leading to a shortage of water and arid conditions.
For more detailed information about Christchurch’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Christchurch Climate page.
Current rainfall in Christchurch
