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Best time to visit Christchurch: month by month
Short answer
November to March, the southern summer, is the best time: highs of 19–21°C, long evenings and gardens in bloom. March–April brings autumn colour in Hagley Park with fewer visitors. Winter (June–August) is cold at 11–12°C by day but good for skiing at Mount Hutt and for lower prices.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 21°C | 14°C | 8 | high |
| Feb | 21°C | 14°C | 10 | high |
| Mar | 20°C | 12°C | 9 | medium |
| Apr | 18°C | 10°C | 7 | medium |
| May | 15°C | 9°C | 9 | low |
| Jun | 12°C | 6°C | 11 | low |
| Jul | 11°C | 4°C | 10 | medium |
| Aug | 12°C | 5°C | 10 | low |
| Sep | 15°C | 6°C | 9 | low |
| Oct | 16°C | 8°C | 9 | medium |
| Nov | 19°C | 11°C | 9 | medium |
| Dec | 20°C | 13°C | 12 | high |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Autumn (Mar–May)
Highs fall from 20°C to 15°C; Hagley Park's trees turn gold in April, and crowds thin.
Winter (Jun–Aug)
Crisp and cold at 11–12°C by day and 4–6°C at night, with frost; skiing at Mount Hutt about 1.5 hours away.
Spring (Sep–Nov)
Highs rise from 15°C to 19°C with blossom and daffodils in Hagley Park; changeable weather.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
Highs of 20–21°C, sometimes over 30°C with the nor'west wind; long daylight and the busiest time for travel.
Events worth planning around
- World Buskers Festival (January)
- Matariki, the Māori New Year (June–July)
- New Zealand Cup and Show Week (November)
When to avoid
If you plan to tour the South Island by road, winter brings snow on the Alpine passes and short days. Late December to January is busiest and dearest, with domestic school holidays.
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Common questions
When is the best time to visit Christchurch?
November to March for warm weather and long days; March–April for autumn colours and fewer visitors.
Is Christchurch worth visiting in winter?
Yes, for skiing at Mount Hutt, crisp clear days and lower prices. Expect highs of about 11–12°C and frosty nights.
Does it rain a lot in Christchurch?
Not much by New Zealand standards: about 7–12 rainy days a month, with June and December among the wetter months.