Hottest (avg)
#8 / 12
Christchurch in May
May weather, climate averages, and packing tips.
Avg High
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight 10h
What to expect
May lands in the midst of autumn in Christchurch, where temperatures are dropping quickly. Daytime highs average 14°C / 57°F, dropping to 6°C / 43°F at night.
Skies are often changeable, and you should be prepared for regular rainfall (approx. 12 wet days).
May in context
How it compares to the rest of the year in Christchurch.
Wettest (avg)
#4 / 12
Daylight Hours
#10 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#10 / 12
Highest UV
#10 / 12
Most Humid
#4 / 12
Temperature
- Daytime high
-
- Nighttime low
-
- Feels like (avg)
-
Sunshine
- Daylight
- 9.6 hours
- UV index (max)
- 3
- Typical sun hours
- 08:36 – 18:14
Rain & Snow
- Total
-
- Rainy days
- 12
- Cloud cover
- 57%
- Snowfall
-
Humidity & Wind
- Humidity (avg)
- 80%
- Wind (avg)
-
- Wind (max gusts)
-
Frequently asked questions
Is May a good time to visit Christchurch?
Typical May days in Christchurch reach highs of 14°C (57°F) with nights around 6°C (43°F). It usually feels cool by day and cold after dark. Overall, May sits in the middle of the Christchurch climate range.
What are temperatures like in May?
In May, you can usually expect highs of 14°C (57°F) and lows near 6°C (43°F). That means cool days and cold nights, so pack layers you can add or remove.
How much does it rain in May?
Rainfall in May averages 52 mm (2.0 in) across roughly 12 days. Overall it is a quite rainy time of year, so a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes are very handy.
How many hours of daylight are there in May?
You can expect about 10 hours of daylight in May. Sunrise is typically around 08:36 and sunset near 18:14. Days are on the shorter side, so plan activities around limited daylight.
Does the weather change during May?
May usually begins milder and cools down as the month goes on, so late-May can feel more like the next month.
How strong is the sun in May?
UV levels are moderate (around 3); sunscreen and sunglasses are still a good idea.
Is it windy in May?
In May, average wind speeds are around 13 km/h (8 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 63 km/h (39 mph). On the ground, it is it is a notably windy place, and strong gusts are fairly common.