Best time to visit Christchurch
The best months to visit Christchurch are February, January and December, based on month-by-month temperature and rainfall data. The full year of weather, daylight, holidays, and festival timing is below.
February, January and December score best for Christchurch weather:
- January23° / 12°CJanuary is warm and relatively dry, good for gardens, Sumner, and Akaroa trips.
- February22° / 12°CFebruary stays warm, with strong conditions for Port Hills and river activities.
- December21° / 11°CDecember starts summer, with holiday demand around Akaroa, beaches, and central dining.
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By TripSapien Research · Updated May 20, 2026
Christchurch weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain (mm) | Rainy days | Daylight | Sea |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryBest weather | 23° | 12° | 35 | 6 | 15h | 18° |
| FebruaryBest weather | 22° | 12° | 40 | 5 | 14h | 20° |
| March | 20° | 10° | 40 | 6 | 12h | 18° |
| April | 17° | 7° | 55 | 7 | 11h | 16° |
| May | 15° | 5° | 55 | 8 | 10h | 13° |
| June | 12° | 2° | 60 | 8 | 9h | 11° |
| July | 11° | 1° | 55 | 8 | 9h | 10° |
| August | 13° | 3° | 50 | 7 | 10h | 9° |
| September | 15° | 4° | 35 | 6 | 12h | 11° |
| October | 17° | 6° | 50 | 7 | 13h | 13° |
| November | 19° | 8° | 40 | 7 | 15h | 16° |
| DecemberBest weather | 21° | 11° | 50 | 7 | 15h | 18° |
Temperatures in °C. Long-term monthly averages.
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Christchurch month by month
JanuaryBest weather
Christchurch in January: 22.6°C high, 11.9°C low, 35mm rain over 6 days, 14.9h daylight. Mild and dry — shoulder-season sweet spot.
The World Buskers Festival
FebruaryBest weather
Christchurch in February: 22.3°C high, 11.6°C low, 40mm rain over 5 days, 13.7h daylight. Mild and dry — shoulder-season sweet spot.
Electric Avenue
March
Christchurch in March: 20.4°C high, 9.8°C low, 40mm rain over 6 days, 12.4h daylight. Mild and dry — shoulder-season sweet spot.
April
Christchurch in April: 17.2°C high, 6.8°C low, 55mm rain over 7 days, 10.8h daylight. Mild and dry — shoulder-season sweet spot.
May
Christchurch in May: 14.6°C high, 4.5°C low, 55mm rain over 8 days, 9.5h daylight. Mild and dry — shoulder-season sweet spot.
Open Christchurch
June
Christchurch in June: 11.6°C high, 1.9°C low, 60mm rain over 8 days, 8.8h daylight. Mild and dry — shoulder-season sweet spot.
July
Christchurch in July: 11.1°C high, 1.4°C low, 55mm rain over 8 days, 9.1h daylight. Mild and dry — shoulder-season sweet spot.
Kidsfest (July)
August
Christchurch in August: 12.5°C high, 2.6°C low, 50mm rain over 7 days, 10.2h daylight. Mild and dry — shoulder-season sweet spot.
Christchurch Arts Festival
September
Christchurch in September: 15°C high, 4.3°C low, 35mm rain over 6 days, 11.7h daylight. Mild and dry — shoulder-season sweet spot.
Christchurch Arts Festival
October
Christchurch in October: 17.2°C high, 6.2°C low, 50mm rain over 7 days, 13.2h daylight. Mild and dry — shoulder-season sweet spot.
November
Christchurch in November: 19.2°C high, 7.9°C low, 40mm rain over 7 days, 14.6h daylight. Mild and dry — shoulder-season sweet spot.
Carnival Week
DecemberBest weather
Christchurch in December: 21.3°C high, 10.5°C low, 50mm rain over 7 days, 15.2h daylight. Mild and dry — shoulder-season sweet spot.
Carols by Candlelight (24 Dec 9-10PM)
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