Weather in Christchurch

Christchurch has a mild coastal climate that is relatively dry, with less rain and lower humidity than New Zealand's other cities.

While the climate is comfortable all year round, winter nights can be chilly and frosts are much more common in Christchurch than in Wellington or Auckland.

Being located on the East Coast of the South Island means the region is protected from much of the weather coming across the Tasman Sea from Australia by the Southern Alps, which are the backbone of the South Island.

Autumn and Spring Autumn and Spring are both beautiful seasons to visit the Garden City - with the cherry blossom trees around central Hagley Park in spring putting on a wonderful show in September, and the spectacular display of autumn colours around the region in April and May each year. Spring Months:  September -  November Autumn Months:  March -  May
Winter Winter days are often frosty in the morning, followed by sunshine with brilliant blue skies. It is normal for snow to fall maybe once or twice in the hills surrounding the city, but many years there is no snow in Christchurch city at sea level. Snow very rarely sits for more than a day or two if there is a fall. There are a number of ski areas surrounding Christchurch in the Southern Alps that have large amounts of snow in the winter months. Winter Months: June -  August
Summer The summer climate is often moderated by a sea breeze from the Northeast. One of the more interesting weather patterns is Christchurch's norwester. This wind is hot and dry - from the Southern Alps and it can raise the temperature by 10 or 15 degrees centigrade in less than an hour. Summer Months: December - February

Temperatures

Temperatures range from daytime averages of around 11 degrees celsius in winter (July), through to averages of about 23 degrees celsius in mid-summer (January).

The compact nature of New Zealand means that although there is rarely snow at sea level, Christchurch is only about an hour and a half's drive from a number of ski areas including Mt Hutt which has the longest ski season in Australasia. You can also find snow on the Port Hills around Christchurch, or on Banks Peninsula if there has been a recent fall.

No matter what temperatures are forecast for Christchurch, keep in mind that the summer sun in the Southern Hemisphere will burn much more quickly than in many other parts of the world, so you need to cover up appropriately.

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