Climate - Christchurch (New Zealand)
Average weather, temperature, rainfall, sunshine hours
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Climate chart - Christchurch (New Zealand)
Christchurch has an oceanic climate, with quite mild, relatively rainy winters (June to August) and very mild summers (December to February). Being in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are reversed compared to the northern hemisphere.
Christchurch is the largest city of the South Island of New Zealand and is located on the east coast, in the Canterbury region, at 43 degrees south latitude.
The Western winds, typical of these latitudes, bring heavy rains to the western side, but before reaching this area, they are blocked by the Southern Alps, which is why the rains in Christchurch do not reach 600 mm (23.5 in) per year. Furthermore, in this, as in other cities of the eastern side, there can sometimes be sudden rises in temperature due to downslope winds coming from the mountains. From December to March, with this wind the temperature can reach 35/36 °C (95/97 °F). In February 1973, the temperature reportedly reached 41.6 °C (106.8 °F), although it was a rare occurrence (or maybe a measurement error). If you exclude this event, the highest record is 37.1 °C (98.8 °F), set in January 2021.
However, in addition to the westerly winds, there may be outbreaks of cold air of Antarctic origin. From May to October, the temperature can drop to around -4/-5 °C (23/25 °F). In July 1945 and July 1980, it dropped to -7 °C (19.5 °F). Sometimes it can even snow, even though it doesn't snow every year.
A bit of cold air can arrive all year round, and in summer, the night temperature can drop below 5 °C (41 °F).
Instead, in periods of stable weather, especially in winter, fog can form.
The average temperature ranges from 6 °C (43 °F) in July to 17 °C (63 °F) in January and February. Here are the average temperatures.
Christchurch - Average temperatures (1991-2020) | Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
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| January | 11.9 | 22.6 | 17.2 | 53 | 73 | 63 |
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| February | 11.6 | 22.3 | 16.9 | 53 | 72 | 62.4 |
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| March | 9.8 | 20.4 | 15.1 | 50 | 69 | 59.2 |
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| April | 6.8 | 17.2 | 12 | 44 | 63 | 53.6 |
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| May | 4.5 | 14.6 | 9.6 | 40 | 58 | 49.2 |
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| June | 1.9 | 11.6 | 6.8 | 35 | 53 | 44.2 |
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| July | 1.4 | 11.1 | 6.3 | 35 | 52 | 43.3 |
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| August | 2.6 | 12.5 | 7.6 | 37 | 55 | 45.6 |
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| September | 4.3 | 15 | 9.7 | 40 | 59 | 49.4 |
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| October | 6.2 | 17.2 | 11.7 | 43 | 63 | 53 |
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| November | 7.9 | 19.2 | 13.6 | 46 | 67 | 56.4 |
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| December | 10.5 | 21.3 | 15.9 | 51 | 70 | 60.6 |
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| Year | 6.6 | 17.1 | 11.8 | 43.9 | 62.7 | 53 |
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Christchurch receives 575 mm (23 in) of rain per year and is the driest between the major cities of New Zealand, even though the rains are still quite frequent. Here is the average precipitation.
Christchurch - Average precipitation| Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
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| January | 35 | 1.4 | 6 |
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| February | 40 | 1.6 | 5 |
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| March | 40 | 1.6 | 6 |
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| April | 55 | 2.2 | 7 |
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| May | 55 | 2.2 | 8 |
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| June | 60 | 2.4 | 8 |
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| July | 55 | 2.2 | 8 |
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| August | 50 | 2 | 7 |
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| September | 35 | 1.4 | 6 |
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| October | 50 | 2 | 7 |
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| November | 40 | 1.6 | 7 |
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| December | 50 | 2 | 7 |
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| Year | 575 | 22.6 | 82 |
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The sun in Christchurch shines for approximately 2,100 hours a year. The sunniest season is summer.
Christchurch - Sunshine hours| Month | Average | Total |
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January | 7.5 | 240 | February | 7 | 195 | March | 6 | 190 | April | 5.5 | 165 | May | 4.5 | 140 | June | 4 | 115 | July | 4 | 125 | August | 5 | 155 | September | 5.5 | 170 | October | 6.5 | 205 | November | 7.5 | 225 | December | 7 | 220 | Year | 5.9 | 2145 |
The temperature of the sea near Christchurch ranges from 10 °C (50 °F) in the winter months to 15 °C (59 °F) in January and February.
Christchurch - Sea temperature| Month | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
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January | 15 | 59 | February | 15.5 | 60 | March | 14.5 | 58 | April | 13 | 56 | May | 11.5 | 53 | June | 10.5 | 51 | July | 10 | 50 | August | 9.5 | 49 | September | 10 | 50 | October | 10.5 | 51 | November | 12 | 53 | December | 13.5 | 56 | Year | 12.1 | 53.7 |
Best Time
The best time to visit Christchurch is the summer, from December to February, as it is the mildest and sunniest time of the year. However, even in summer there can be windy days, and it can get cold at night.
Christchurch - Weather by month
Based on the period 1991-2020
January, the warmest month of the year, is generally a very mild month. The average temperature is of 17.2 °C (63 °F), with a minimum of 11.9 °C (53.4 °F) and a maximum of 22.6 °C (72.6 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 5 °C (41.5 °F). However, it dropped to 2.8 °C (37 °F) in January 2019.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 32 °C (89.5 °F). However, it reached 35.7 °C (96.3 °F) in January 2009.
Precipitation amounts to 35 mm (1.4 in), distributed over 6 days.
The day lasts on average 15 hours and 0 minutes. So the days are long.
There are on average 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 51% of the time.
The average humidity is 70%.
The average wind speed is 17 kph (11 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 15 °C (58.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.
February is generally a very mild month. The average temperature is of 16.9 °C (62 °F), with a minimum of 11.6 °C (52.8 °F) and a maximum of 22.3 °C (72.1 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 5 °C (41 °F). However, it dropped to 1.5 °C (34.7 °F) in February 2003.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 31.5 °C (89 °F). However, it reached 35.9 °C (96.6 °F) in February 2011.
Precipitation amounts to 40 mm (1.6 in), distributed over 5 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 50 minutes.
There are on average 7 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 50% of the time.
The average humidity is 72%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 16 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 15.5 °C (59.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.
March is generally a very mild month. The average temperature is of 15.1 °C (59 °F), with a minimum of 9.8 °C (49.6 °F) and a maximum of 20.4 °C (68.8 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 3 °C (37.5 °F). However, it dropped to -1.3 °C (29.7 °F) in March 2020.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 29 °C (84 °F). However, it reached 31.1 °C (88 °F) in March 2007.
Precipitation amounts to 40 mm (1.6 in), distributed over 6 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 20 minutes.
There are on average 6 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 50% of the time.
The average humidity is 74%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 14.5 °C (58 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
April is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 12.0 °C (54 °F), with a minimum of 6.8 °C (44.2 °F) and a maximum of 17.2 °C (63 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 0.5 °C (32.5 °F). However, it dropped to -2.8 °C (27 °F) in April 2011.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 25.5 °C (78 °F). However, it reached 27.8 °C (82 °F) in April 1991.
Precipitation amounts to 55 mm (2.2 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 55 minutes.
There are on average 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 50% of the time.
The average humidity is 78%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 13 °C (55.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
May is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 9.6 °C (49 °F), with a minimum of 4.5 °C (40.1 °F) and a maximum of 14.6 °C (58.3 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -1.5 °C (29 °F). However, it dropped to -6.4 °C (20.5 °F) in May 2015.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 22.5 °C (72.5 °F). However, it reached 26.6 °C (79.9 °F) in May 2015.
Precipitation amounts to 55 mm (2.2 in), distributed over 8 days.
The day lasts on average 9 hours and 35 minutes.
There are on average 4.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 47% of the time.
The average humidity is 80%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 11.5 °C (53 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
June is generally a quite mild month. The average temperature is of 6.8 °C (44 °F), with a minimum of 1.9 °C (35.5 °F) and a maximum of 11.6 °C (52.8 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around -4 °C (24.5 °F). However, it dropped to -6.1 °C (21 °F) in June 2005.
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 19 °C (66.5 °F). However, it reached 22 °C (71.6 °F) in June 2016.
Precipitation amounts to 60 mm (2.4 in), distributed over 8 days.
The day lasts on average 9 hours and 0 minutes. June 21, the winter solstice, is the shortest day of the year in the Southern Hemisphere.
There are on average 4 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 43% of the time.
The average humidity is 82%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 10.5 °C (51 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
July, the coldest month of the year, is generally a quite cold month. The average temperature is of 6.3 °C (43 °F), with a minimum of 1.4 °C (34.6 °F) and a maximum of 11.1 °C (52 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -4.5 °C (23.5 °F). However, it dropped to -6.4 °C (20.5 °F) in July 2003.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 18.5 °C (65 °F). However, it reached 22.4 °C (72.3 °F) in July 2012.
Precipitation amounts to 55 mm (2.2 in), distributed over 8 days.
The day lasts on average 9 hours and 20 minutes.
There are on average 4 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 44% of the time.
The average humidity is 81%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 10 °C (49.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
August is generally a quite mild month. The average temperature is of 7.6 °C (46 °F), with a minimum of 2.6 °C (36.7 °F) and a maximum of 12.5 °C (54.6 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -4 °C (25 °F). However, it dropped to -5.3 °C (22.5 °F) in August 1993.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 20 °C (68 °F). However, it reached 22.2 °C (72 °F) in August 2020.
Precipitation amounts to 50 mm (2 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 48% of the time.
The average humidity is 79%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 9.5 °C (49 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
September is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 9.7 °C (49 °F), with a minimum of 4.3 °C (39.8 °F) and a maximum of 15 °C (59 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -3 °C (27 °F). However, it dropped to -4.8 °C (23.4 °F) in September 2020.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 22.5 °C (73 °F). However, it reached 24.8 °C (76.6 °F) in September 2020.
Precipitation amounts to 35 mm (1.4 in), distributed over 6 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 50 minutes.
There are on average 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 48% of the time.
The average humidity is 74%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 14 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 10 °C (49.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
October is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 11.7 °C (53 °F), with a minimum of 6.2 °C (43.1 °F) and a maximum of 17.2 °C (62.9 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -0.5 °C (31.5 °F). However, it dropped to -4 °C (24.8 °F) in October 2013.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 25 °C (77.5 °F). However, it reached 29.1 °C (84.4 °F) in October 2020.
Precipitation amounts to 50 mm (2 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 20 minutes.
There are on average 6.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 49% of the time.
The average humidity is 72%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 16 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 10.5 °C (51 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
November is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 13.6 °C (56 °F), with a minimum of 7.9 °C (46.2 °F) and a maximum of 19.2 °C (66.6 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 0.5 °C (33.5 °F). However, it dropped to -2.7 °C (27.1 °F) in November 2015.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 28 °C (82.5 °F). However, it reached 31.4 °C (88.5 °F) in November 2019.
Precipitation amounts to 40 mm (1.6 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 40 minutes. So the days are long.
There are on average 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 51% of the time.
The average humidity is 69%.
The average wind speed is 17 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 12 °C (53.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
December is generally a very mild month. The average temperature is of 15.9 °C (61 °F), with a minimum of 10.5 °C (51 °F) and a maximum of 21.3 °C (70.3 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 4 °C (39.5 °F). However, it dropped to 0.1 °C (32.2 °F) in December 2006.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 30 °C (86.5 °F). However, it reached 36 °C (96.8 °F) in December 2015.
Precipitation amounts to 50 mm (2 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 15 hours and 25 minutes. So the days are long. December 21, the summer solstice, is the longest day of the year in the Southern Hemisphere.
There are on average 7 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 46% of the time.
The average humidity is 70%.
The average wind speed is 17 kph (11 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 13.5 °C (56.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
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