Christchurch Weather, When to Go and Climate Information

(Christchurch, Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand NZ)



Christchurch Weather and ClimateThe climate and weather in Christchurch and throughout Canterbury, on New Zealand's South Island, is generally mild and quite temperate, with the climate and temperatures throughout New Zealand at their hottest between October to April. Christchurch's weather is much cooler during the winter months of June, July and August, particularly around the nearby Southern Alps and skiing fields, which are within driving distance of Christchurch.

Christchurch's climate, on the eastern side of the South Island, is often quite different to the weather experienced on New Zealand's North Island. The two islands also feature distinct rainfall patterns, with rain in Christchurch being affected by the winds travelling across from the western Tasman Sea. Christchurch is home to a much drier climate and less rainy weather than areas on the South Island's west side. Winds often dry out by the time they reach Christchurch and become much warmer, particularly during the summer months of December, January and February.


Weather in Christchurch and New Zealand can change quickly and the climate is typical of an island's maritime climate. Rainy weather can occur at any time of the year, although it is more likely in the winter.

The climate on New Zealand's South Island is usually slightly cooler than the North Island of New Zealand, although when the hottest weather in Christchurch arrives in the summer, temperatures can exceed 25°C (77°F).


Christchurch Weather and Climate Chart (Averages)

The following are the normal average daily temperature ranges for Christchurch, in the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island:
Maximum
Minimum

January

21°C / 70°F
12°C / 54°F

February

21°C / 70°F
12°C / 54°F

March

19°C / 66°F
10°C / 50°F

April

17°C / 63°F
7°C / 45°F

May

13°C / 55°F
4°C / 39°F

June

11°C / 52°F
2°C / 36°F

July

10°C / 50°F
2°C / 36°F

August

11°C / 52°F
2°C / 36°F

September

14°C / 57°F
4°C / 39°F

October

17°C / 63°F
7°C / 45°F

November

19°C / 66°F
8°C / 46°F

December

21°C / 70°F
11°C / 52°F

Christchurch Weather Charts - further Christchurch climate statistics and charts.

Christchurch Seasons

New Zealand's seasons are quite different to seasons in the Northern Hemisphere and the seasons in New Zealand are as follows.