Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch experiences a temperate climate, where average temperatures vary from a low of 10°C / 50°F in July to a high of 21°C / 70°F in January.

Rainfall averages about 51 mm / 2.0 inches per month, with the wettest conditions in June (59 mm / 2.3 inches) and the driest in February (41 mm / 1.6 inches).

The UV index ranges from 2 in June to 9 in December, so strong sun protection is essential during summer months.

The longest days occur in December with around 15.4 hours of daylight, while June has the shortest days at about 9 hours.

From the warmth of January to the cooler days of July, Christchurch presents diverse weather for year-round exploration.

Today's Forecast

Climate at a glance

The big-picture stats that matter for planning your visit to Christchurch.

Typical range

High / low

Average highs up to 21.3°C and lows down to 2.6°C.

Rain pattern

Wettest month

June averages 59 mm.

UV

Typical peak band

Typical peak UV is Moderate.

Daylight

Seasonal range

Roughly 9 hrs to 15 hrs.

Wind

Typical strength

Average around 14 km/h, peaking in December.

When should I go?

Our top-rated months for visiting Christchurch, based on long-term weather comfort and conditions

Next steps

Dive deeper into rankings, month details, or packing guidance.

How Christchurch compares

See how it ranks against the rest of New Zealand for key metrics.

HOTTEST (AVG)
in New Zealand
#6 / 9
COOLEST (AVG)
in New Zealand
#3 / 9
WETTEST (TOTAL)
in New Zealand
#9 / 9
WINDIEST (AVG)
in New Zealand
#6 / 9
HIGHEST UV
in New Zealand
#8 / 9
MOST HUMID
in New Zealand
#8 / 9

Short term outlook

Visiting soon? Here's the next 7 days of weather for Christchurch, or see an hourly breakdown for the next 14 days.

Frequently asked questions

How does the weather in Christchurch feel over the year?

On a typical year, you can expect highs around 16°C (61°F) and lows near 8°C (46°F). Conditions usually feel mild in the daytime and cold once the sun goes down. Expect a mix of sun and cloud across the year.

When is the best time to visit Christchurch for dry weather?

The driest month is usually February, with around 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain. Most other months sit somewhere in between, with a mix of dry and showery days.

When is sun exposure strongest in Christchurch?

UV tends to peak in December, when UV levels frequently reach very high levels (around 9), so strong sun protection is essential, especially around midday.

Is Christchurch a windy place?

Across the year, average winds sit around 14 km/h (9 mph), with gusts on windier days up to about 63 km/h (39 mph). Overall it is it is a notably windy place, and strong gusts are fairly common.

How much daylight does Christchurch get?

On average, days offer about 12 hours of daylight. Daylight is fairly typical, with enough time for sightseeing.

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