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Contents
- The climate of Christchurch
- The best time to visit Christchurch
- The worst time to visit Christchurch
- Spring weather in Christchurch
- Summer weather in Christchurch
- Autumn weather in Christchurch
- Winter weather in Christchurch
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall
- Average snowfall days
- Average sea temperature
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
The climate of Christchurch
Christchurch in New Zealand adheres to the Marine West Coast climate, identified by the Köppen climate classification as Cfb. This predominant climate is associated with mild summers and winters, coupled with rainfall distributed evenly throughout the year. Being located on the east coast of the country's South Island, the city and its environs feature greater sun exposure and less humidity than some other regions of New Zealand.
Throughout the year, characteristics of the climate display themselves in variations in temperature, humidity, and precipitation. Temperatures oscillate from 10.3°C (50.5°F) at their lowest in July, to 21.3°C (70.3°F) at their highest in January. Correspondingly, sea temperatures fluctuate from 9.5°C (49.1°F) in August to 16.1°C (61°F) in February. Despite these shifts, humidity relative rates remain relatively steady, ranging from a low of 70% in January to a peak of 81% in June.
Precipitation shifts are key in understanding Christchurch's climate as well. Although rainfall could occur at any time of the year, the prevalence of rainy days increases from 8 in February to a maximum of 12.5 in October. On the snowfall front, Christchurch experiences small snowfall in the mid-year months (June to September), while the rest of the year remains bereft of any snowfall activity.
Throughout the year, characteristics of the climate display themselves in variations in temperature, humidity, and precipitation. Temperatures oscillate from 10.3°C (50.5°F) at their lowest in July, to 21.3°C (70.3°F) at their highest in January. Correspondingly, sea temperatures fluctuate from 9.5°C (49.1°F) in August to 16.1°C (61°F) in February. Despite these shifts, humidity relative rates remain relatively steady, ranging from a low of 70% in January to a peak of 81% in June.
Precipitation shifts are key in understanding Christchurch's climate as well. Although rainfall could occur at any time of the year, the prevalence of rainy days increases from 8 in February to a maximum of 12.5 in October. On the snowfall front, Christchurch experiences small snowfall in the mid-year months (June to September), while the rest of the year remains bereft of any snowfall activity.
The best time to visit Christchurch
Christchurch offers the most agreeable weather conditions for tourists between December and March, during the southern hemisphere's summer season. Highest temperatures hover within an optimal range of 19.6°C (67.3°F) to 21.3°C (70.3°F), paired with the least amount of rainfall among the year's months. Visitors during this time can expect long daylight hours between 13.3 hours in December to 15.4 hours in March, alongside a generous amount of sunshine (7.6 to 10.4 daily hours).
The worst time to visit Christchurch
June could be seen as a less appealing month to visit Christchurch. Temperatures dip to 10.7°C (51.3°F) while humidity reaches a yearly peak at 81%, and daylight hours are at their shortest, at 9 hours. In addition, this month also marks the onset of a stint of snowfall, rendering outdoor activities less possible.
Spring weather in Christchurch
In the spring months, spanning September to November, Christchurch sees noticeable changes in weather conditions. While temperatures climb from a mild 13.2°C (55.8°F) in September to a warmer 16.2°C (61.2°F) in November, humidity remains consistent, with values remaining in close proximity to 78%. Rainfall increases from 14mm (0.55") in September to reach a peak of 30mm (1.18") in November, while daylight hours expand, extending from 11.8 hours in September to 14.6 hours in November.
Summer weather in Christchurch
The appeal of summer in Christchurch lays in the increased daylight durations and enjoyable temperature levels. The maximum daily temperature gradually increases from 16.2°C (61.2°F) in December to 21.3°C (70.3°F) in January, with sea temperatures reaching a comfortable 15.3°C (59.5°F) by February. Rainfall during this season falls within a narrow range from 20mm (0.79") to 21mm (0.83") - relatively low compared to other times of the year.
Autumn weather in Christchurch
March, April, and May collectively constitute the autumn season in Christchurch, bringing a dip in temperatures and an increase in rainfall. The daily maximum temperature declines, sliding from 19°C (66.2°F) in March to a lower 13.6°C (56.5°F) in May. Concurrently, rainfall escalates, from 21mm (0.83") in March to 31mm (1.22") in May - the highest figure for the year.
Winter weather in Christchurch
The winter season in Christchurch extends from June to August - the time of year with the coldest temperatures, highest relative humidity, and largest number of snowfall days. Temperatures plummet to a minimum of 10.3°C (50.5°F) in July, while sea temperatures drop to 9.5°C (49.1°F) in August. Snowfall is experienced, albeit minimally, from June to August, with August logging the highest number of snowfall days. The winter months accord a diminished amount of sunlight, boasting between 9 hours to 10.4 hours of daylight.
Weather in January
A typical start to the year in Christchurch, New Zealand, January welcomes locals and visitors alike with higher temperatures and a pleasing humidity level. This period becomes one of the city's warmest, with the chance of rainfall being moderate. Weather in January »
Weather in February
Moderate weather continues to make its presence felt in February in Christchurch. The indication of an incoming autumn isn’t perceptible yet, and temperatures stay similar to January. Rainfall remains constant too, but the number of rainy days decreases slightly. Weather in February »
Weather in March
As March dawns, Christchurch witnesses the start of autumn. Temperatures start to fall, showing a noticeable decrease from February, but pleasant weather conditions remain, encouraging outdoor activities. A minor reduction in daylight hours is also noted. Weather in March »
Weather in April
By the time April arrives, autumn is in full swing in Christchurch. Temperatures fall further from the previous month, making this period cooler than before. Rainfall and the number of rainy days increase, reaching a total of 26mm (1.02") falling over 10.2 days. Weather in April »
Weather in May
In May, Christchurch experiences a distinct change in the weather, with the advent of winter. Average temperatures decrease markedly from April, both during the day and at night. Rainfall maintains a similar level compared to April, but the number of rainy days reduces to 8. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June marks the arrival of winter in Christchurch, with colder temperatures and the first appearance of snowfall. Notably, the snowfall indicating a total of 3mm (0.12") over 0.3 days. Mostly, these snowfalls are light and of short duration, not causing major disruptions. Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the peak of winter in Christchurch, often regarded as the coldest month of the year. While snowfall is rare, it does occur occasionally amounting to 2mm (0.08") over 0.2 days in average. Inclement weather, coupled with low temperatures, primarily restricts outdoor activities to just a few days. Weather in July »
Weather in August
A transition to spring starts in August in Christchurch. While temperatures remain low, a slight increase sets in from July. Slight fluctuations in rain and humidity levels occur, while winds experience a decrease in speed. Interestingly, Christchurch registers its highest snowfall level of 5mm (0.2") during the month of August. Weather in August »
Weather in September
September carries the promise of spring in Christchurch. Despite the fresh arrival of the season, the city witnesses a slight chill in the weather, with temperatures still hovering on the cooler side. A slight increase from August but remaining lower than the annual average marks a progressive transition towards warmer months. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October observes a further progression into spring in Christchurch. A warmer climate with increased temperature on both day and nighttime becomes evident. Rainfall peaks during October with a marked increase to 38mm (1.5"), significantly higher than September. Weather in October »
Weather in November
Heading towards summer, November in Christchurch presents a mixed bag of conditions. Pleasant warmth ensues throughout the day, while the nights remain slightly cooler. Although rainfall accumulates to 30mm (1.18"), a reduction from the pinnacle of October, the overall weather remains relatively dry. Weather in November »
Weather in December
Closing the year, December marks the onset of summer in Christchurch. The weather becomes progressively warmer, although temperatures remain pleasant and comfortable. December resonates with longer days due to increasing daylight hours, reaching up to an average of 15.4 hours. Weather in December »
[Resources]Frequently asked questions
What month is the hottest in Christchurch?
Christchurch's January weather, marked by an average high temperature of 21.3°C (70.3°F) and an average low temperature of 11.9°C (53.4°F), is the warmest in the year.
What is the least humid month in Christchurch?
January is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 70%.
How much does it rain in Christchurch?
In Christchurch, during the entire year, the rain falls for 114.3 days and collects up to 300mm (11.81") of precipitation.
When it does not snow in Christchurch?
In Christchurch, New Zealand, snow does not fall in January through May, October through December.
How much does it snow in Christchurch?
In Christchurch, New Zealand, during the entire year, snow aggregates up to 13mm (0.51").
When is the highest UV index in Christchurch?
The month with the highest UV index is January, with an average maximum UV index of 5.
What month is the sea warmest in Christchurch?
With an average sea temperature of 16.1°C (61°F), February is the month with the warmest seawater.
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Christchurch?
On Sunday, 07. April 2024, at 3:00 am, Daylight Saving Time ends, and the time zone changes from NZDT to NZST. The next Daylight Saving Time starts on Sunday, 29. September 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from NZST to NZDT.
When is the lowest UV index in Christchurch?
The months with the lowest UV index are April through September, with an average maximum UV index of 3.
What is the most humid month in Christchurch?
June is the most humid month in Christchurch, with an average relative humidity of 81%.
When does it snow in Christchurch?
June through September are months with snowfall in Christchurch, New Zealand.
What is the month with the shortest days in Christchurch?
June has the shortest days of the year in Christchurch, New Zealand, with an average of 9h and 0min of daylight.
What is the month with the least sunshine in Christchurch?
The month with the least sunshine in Christchurch, New Zealand, is June, with an average of 5.1h of sunshine.
What are the coldest months in Christchurch?
Christchurch's coldest weather arrives in July, when temperatures average a high of 10.3°C (50.5°F) and a low of 3.8°C (38.8°F).
When does it snow the most in Christchurch?
August is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 0.3 days and accumulates 5mm (0.2") of snow.
When is the sea coldest in Christchurch?
With an average sea temperature of 9.5°C (49.1°F), August is the month with the coldest seawater in Christchurch, New Zealand.
What is the driest month in Christchurch?
September is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 8.2 days and accumulates 14mm (0.55") of precipitation.
What is the wettest month in Christchurch?
The month with the most rainfall in Christchurch, New Zealand, is October, when the rain falls for 12.5 days and typically aggregates up to 38mm (1.5") of precipitation.
When are the longest days in Christchurch?
With an average of 15h and 24min of daylight, December has the longest days of the year.
What month has the most sunshine in Christchurch?
With an average of 10.4h of sunshine, December has the most sunshine of the year in Christchurch.
Average temperature
Christchurch, New Zealand
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is January (21.3°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is July (10.3°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is January (11.9°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is July (3.8°C).
Average pressure
Christchurch, New Zealand
- Average pressure in January:
1011.1mbar - Average pressure in February:
1014.4mbar - Average pressure in March:
1016.9mbar - Average pressure in April:
1015.9mbar - Average pressure in May:
1012.8mbar - Average pressure in June:
1015mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1013.2mbar - Average pressure in August:
1012.3mbar - Average pressure in September:
1011mbar - Average pressure in October:
1011.1mbar - Average pressure in November:
1010.9mbar - Average pressure in December:
1011.9mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is March (1016.9mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is November (1010.9mbar).
Average wind speed
Christchurch, New Zealand
- Average wind speed in January:
15.3km/h - Average wind speed in February:
14.2km/h - Average wind speed in March:
13.7km/h - Average wind speed in April:
12.9km/h - Average wind speed in May:
13.4km/h - Average wind speed in June:
12.7km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
12.9km/h - Average wind speed in August:
12.4km/h - Average wind speed in September:
13.8km/h - Average wind speed in October:
14.2km/h - Average wind speed in November:
14.3km/h - Average wind speed in December:
14.7km/h
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (15.3km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (12.4km/h).
Average humidity
Christchurch, New Zealand
The month with the highest relative humidity is June (81%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is January (70%).
Average rainfall
Christchurch, New Zealand
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is October (38mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (14mm).
Average rainfall days
Christchurch, New Zealand
- Average rainfall days in January:
10 days - Average rainfall days in February:
8.2 days - Average rainfall days in March:
8.5 days - Average rainfall days in April:
10.2 days - Average rainfall days in May:
8 days - Average rainfall days in June:
9.6 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
8.6 days - Average rainfall days in August:
9.3 days - Average rainfall days in September:
8.2 days - Average rainfall days in October:
12.5 days - Average rainfall days in November:
11 days - Average rainfall days in December:
10.2 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is October (12.5 days).
The month with the least rainy days is May (8 days).
Average snowfall
Christchurch, New Zealand
The month with the highest snowfall is August (5mm).
The months with the least snowfall are January, February, March, April, May, October, November and December (0mm).
Average snowfall days
Christchurch, New Zealand
- Average snowfall days in January:
0 days - Average snowfall days in February:
0 days - Average snowfall days in March:
0 days - Average snowfall days in April:
0 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0.1 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0.3 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0.2 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0.3 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0.1 days - Average snowfall days in October:
0 days - Average snowfall days in November:
0 days - Average snowfall days in December:
0 days
The months with the highest number of snowfall days are June and August (0.3 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are January, February, March, April, October, November and December (0 days).
Average sea temperature
Christchurch, New Zealand
The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is February (16.1°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is August (9.5°C).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Christchurch, New Zealand
- Average daylight in January:
15h and 0min - Average daylight in February:
13h and 5min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in April:
10h and 5min - Average daylight in May:
9h and 4min - Average daylight in June:
9h and 0min
- Average daylight in July:
9h and 2min - Average daylight in August:
10h and 2min - Average daylight in September:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in October:
13h and 2min - Average daylight in November:
14h and 4min - Average daylight in December:
15h and 2min
The month with the longest days is December (Average daylight: 15h and 24min).
The month with the shortest days is June (Average daylight: 9h and 0min).
- Average sunshine in January:
9h and 4min - Average sunshine in February:
7h and 4min - Average sunshine in March:
7h and 4min - Average sunshine in April:
7h and 2min - Average sunshine in May:
7h and 3min - Average sunshine in June:
5h and 1min
- Average sunshine in July:
6h and 3min - Average sunshine in August:
7h and 0min - Average sunshine in September:
7h and 4min - Average sunshine in October:
7h and 4min - Average sunshine in November:
8h and 3min - Average sunshine in December:
10h and 2min
The month with the most sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 10h and 24min).
The month with the least sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 5h and 6min).
Average sunshine days
Christchurch, New Zealand
- Average sunshine days in January:
18.8 days - Average sunshine days in February:
18 days - Average sunshine days in March:
19.8 days - Average sunshine days in April:
19 days - Average sunshine days in May:
21.2 days - Average sunshine days in June:
18.9 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
20.4 days - Average sunshine days in August:
20 days - Average sunshine days in September:
20 days - Average sunshine days in October:
17.5 days - Average sunshine days in November:
17.3 days - Average sunshine days in December:
18.3 days
The month with the most sunshine days is May (21.2 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is November (17.3 days).
Average UV index
Christchurch, New Zealand
The month with the highest UV index is January (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are April, May, June, July, August and September (UV index 3).
Average cloud cover
Christchurch, New Zealand
The month with the most cloud cover is June (Cloud cover 43).
The months with the least cloud cover are January, February, March and May (Cloud cover 37).
Average visibility
Christchurch, New Zealand
The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, June, July and December (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are May, August, September, October and November (9km).
Christchurch, New Zealand
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