Christmas lands right in the middle of summer in Christchurch, so you’ll usually get mild to warm days and cooler evenings. Average daytime highs hover around 21°C (70°F), while nights dip to about 11°C (52°F). That’s pretty comfortable for outdoor celebrations or evening strolls.
Rain does pop up, but it’s often moderate and scattered across just a handful of days. Most of the time, you’ll see plenty of sunshine.
December gives you long daylight hours, so there’s ample time to wander the city’s parks, hit the beaches, or check out festive markets. Winds can pick up, but they’re more refreshing than bothersome. The combo of pleasant temps and reliable sunshine makes Christmas in Christchurch feel worlds apart from the snowy scenes you see in movies.
If you’re planning a visit, you probably want to know how Christmas weather stacks up against other months, what to pack, and how the local climate shapes holiday traditions. This guide covers typical December conditions and practical tips, so you’ll know what you’re in for.
Typical Christmas Weather in Christchurch
During late December, you’ll get mild to warm days, cooler evenings, and steady daylight in Christchurch. The weather usually brings a mix of sun, some clouds, and light breezes, making outdoor plans doable if you prepare a bit.
Average Temperatures on Christmas Day
Christmas in Christchurch lines up with the start of summer in New Zealand. Daily highs usually reach 20–23°C (68–73°F), and lows fall to around 10–12°C (50–54°F) at night.
You’ll probably feel fine in light clothes during the day, but you might want a jacket once the sun goes down. Heatwaves don’t happen often, but some years, highs can nudge up to 24°C (75°F).
Rain can show up, but December isn’t the wettest month here. On average, you’ll see about 10–12 days of rain, mostly in short, passing showers.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
Late December brings some of the longest daylight hours of the year to Christchurch. Around Christmas, the sun rises before 6:00 a.m. and sets close to 9:00 p.m., so you get about 15 hours of light.
That’s a lot of time for sightseeing, beach trips, or exploring the Canterbury region. The skies are often bright, but clouds aren’t rare. In fact, it’s overcast or mostly cloudy nearly half the time in December.
Even with the clouds, you’ll still catch plenty of sunny breaks. UV levels run high during the New Zealand summer, so don’t skip sun protection, even if it looks a bit cloudy.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Humidity in Christchurch during Christmas stays moderate, so the air doesn’t usually feel muggy. The city’s climate is drier than many other spots in New Zealand, which keeps summer days comfortable.
You should expect some breezy days. Those northeasterly winds are pretty common in December and can make things feel cooler, especially near the coast.
When the wind calms down, the weather feels warm and inviting. If the breeze kicks up, you might want an extra layer, especially at night or if you’re outside for a while.
December Climate Overview
December kicks off summer in Christchurch, bringing mild to warm days, cool nights, and a blend of sun with the odd rain shower. You’ll get comfortable daytime temps, moderate rainfall sprinkled over several days, and long stretches of daylight with lots of clear skies.
Temperature Trends in December
Daytime highs in December usually reach 20–22°C (68–72°F). Nights cool off to about 10–12°C (50–54°F), so evenings can feel crisp after the sun sets.
The weather stays stable, with only small shifts in temperature day to day. You won’t need warm layers during the day, but a light sweater or jacket helps after dark.
December air feels mild, not hot. Humidity sits near 70%, which most travelers find comfortable. You can plan outdoor fun without stressing about extreme heat.
Rainfall Patterns and Wet Days
Rainfall in December is moderate. Christchurch gets about 60–65 mm of precipitation during the month, usually spread over 10–12 days.
Showers tend to be brief, not long and heavy. You might wake up to sunshine and get a quick shower later. Tossing a compact rain jacket or umbrella in your bag is a smart move.
The chance of rain on any day sits at about one in three. It probably won’t ruin your plans, but it’s good to stay flexible if you’re heading outdoors.
Cloud Cover and Sky Conditions
December gives you nearly 15 hours of daylight each day. Sunshine totals average 215–220 hours for the month, so there are plenty of bright days for exploring.
Skies are often partly cloudy, but full overcast isn’t the norm. Clouds move quickly, so you could see blue sky and passing clouds all in one afternoon.
On clear days, UV is strong thanks to the southern latitude. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat—you’ll need them even when it looks a bit cloudy. The mix of sun and clouds keeps things pleasant for outdoor time without getting overwhelming.
Comparing Christmas Weather to Other Months
In Christchurch, December brings mild warmth, long daylight, and steady winds. Temps rise compared to spring, but the hottest part of summer comes a bit later. Rainfall stays moderate, and the weather feels more settled than in winter.
How December Differs from January and February
December kicks off the warm season in Christchurch. Average highs hit about 68°F (20°C), with lows near 53°F (12°C). Christmas feels warmer than spring, but not as hot as the peak summer months.
By January, highs reach around 70°F (21°C), and February stays close at 69°F (20°C). Nights are still mild, with lows in the mid-50s. These months feel a bit warmer and more stable than December, and February skies are usually the clearest.
Rainfall in December averages about 2.1 inches, pretty similar to January and February. December does see a few more rainy days than February, which is the sunniest month.
Winds are strongest in December, averaging 10.9 mph, making it the windiest month. January and February are breezy too, just a touch calmer. If you like warmer evenings and clearer skies, January and February usually feel more settled than Christmas week.
Seasonal Variations Across the Year
Christchurch’s climate shifts steadily with the seasons. Winter, from June to August, is the coldest period, with highs around 52°F (11°C) in July and lows near 37°F (3°C). Nights feel damp, and clouds show up more often.
Spring, like September and October, brings highs in the upper 50s to low 60s. Rainfall stays steady, but daylight grows fast. November sees temps rise into the mid-60s, setting up summer.
Summer runs from December through February, with highs in the upper 60s to around 70°F. Rain falls year-round, but monthly totals stay modest, usually between 1.8 and 2.3 inches.
Autumn, from March to May, cools off gradually. Highs drop from the mid-60s in March to the upper 50s in May. Nights get cooler, and daylight shortens as winter approaches.
So, Christmas lands right at the start of the warmest stretch, with mild, breezy, and brighter days than most of the year.
Practical Tips for Visiting Christchurch at Christmas
You can expect mild summer weather in Christchurch around Christmas—warm days, cooler evenings, and a mix of sun with occasional rain. Packing the right clothes and planning for seasonal activities will help you make the most of your trip.
Recommended Clothing and Packing Advice
Daytime highs in December usually hit 21°C (70°F), and nights cool to about 11°C (52°F). So, you’ll want light, breathable clothes for daytime and an extra layer for evenings. A cotton t-shirt and shorts work for the sun, but a light sweater or jacket is handy after dark.
Rain pops up on about 10–12 days during the month. A compact rain jacket or travel umbrella is a good idea. Shoes that can handle both dry and damp walks are practical, especially if you’ll be in gardens or along the coast.
The UV index in New Zealand runs high in summer. Always pack sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. These matter more than heavy layers. If you’re thinking about swimming, keep in mind the sea temperature averages 13°C (55°F), so a wetsuit is a smart move for longer dips.
Popular Outdoor Activities in December
With long daylight hours and about 218 hours of sunshine in December, you’ll have loads of time for outdoor fun. Christchurch is called the “Garden City,” and the Botanic Gardens are especially lovely for walking this time of year.
Lots of people enjoy cycling along the Avon River or picnicking in Hagley Park, where there’s shade and open lawns for relaxing. If you want a coastal vibe, head to Sumner Beach for walking or surfing, though the water’s a bit chilly for swimming.
December is also a great month for day trips. Drive out to Akaroa on Banks Peninsula—you might spot dolphins—or ride the Christchurch Gondola for sweeping views of the city and Southern Alps. Outdoor activities are usually reliable, but it’s smart to keep a light rain layer handy.
Impact of Local Climate on Christmas Events
Christchurch’s warm and mild December weather shapes how people plan and enjoy their Christmas gatherings. The climate encourages outdoor fun, but you’ll still need to watch out for sun, wind, and the occasional rain.
Weather Considerations for Holiday Festivities
December sits in the middle of summer here. Average daytime highs range from 66–70°F (19–21°C), and nights stay mild around 51–54°F (10–12°C). These temps let you plan outdoor events without all the heavy winter clothing you’d need elsewhere.
Rain is less common but can still happen. There’s about a 30% chance of a wet day in December. Light showers might briefly pause events, so people often set up shelters or marquees for community gatherings.
Daylight is a big plus. Around Christmas, you get over 15 hours of daylight, with the sun setting close to 9 PM. This gives parades, concerts, and markets plenty of time to run into the evening without much need for lights.
Wind sticks around, averaging 11 mph (18 km/h). It’s not extreme, but it can mess with decorations, outdoor stages, or tents. If you’re hosting an event outdoors, plan for a bit of wind.
Outdoor Dining and Celebrations
The summer weather makes outdoor dining a staple of Christmas in Christchurch. Families and friends often gather for barbecues, picnics, or garden parties instead of staying inside. Warm evenings mean you can enjoy your meal outside well after sunset.
Waterfront spots and parks fill up with groups celebrating. With average sea surface temps rising from 57°F to 60°F (14–16°C) in December, some folks add a beach visit or coastal picnic to their holiday plans.
Because the sun is strong in New Zealand, UV protection is a must. Shade, sunscreen, and hats should be part of any outdoor meal or event. You won’t need a fireplace to set the mood—here, it’s all about staying cool and comfortable in the summer heat.
Wind can be a bit of a nuisance. Secure your table settings and decorations so nothing blows away. With a few simple tweaks, the local climate makes for a relaxed and festive outdoor dining experience.
Long-Term Climate Trends in Christchurch
Christchurch has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters. December marks the start of summer, and long-term records show the seasons shifting gradually, with only slow changes in temperature and rainfall over the years.
Historical Weather Data for December
December in Christchurch usually brings average high temperatures around 21 °C and lows near 10 °C. The mean temperature hovers close to 15 °C, so it’s actually one of the warmer months here.
Rainfall stays moderate. Long-term records show an average of about 49 mm during December.
You won’t find December especially dry or wet. Most rain comes as light or moderate showers, not those endless heavy storms.
Humidity averages about 72%, which keeps the air feeling pretty comfortable compared to those chillier, damp winter months.
Winds often make themselves known in December, with mean speeds around 32 km/h. It’s definitely one of the breezier times of year.
Sunlight hours jump up compared to spring. You’ll get longer daylight, and honestly, that means more time outside—even if the odd shower rolls through.
Climate Change and Future Projections
Long-term climate studies show that Christchurch is getting slightly warmer average temperatures than it did a few decades ago. The biggest shift? Minimum overnight temperatures keep rising faster than daytime highs.
So, there are fewer frost events and warmer nights, even in the middle of winter.
Rainfall patterns are all over the place now. The annual average rainfall still sits around 575 mm, but the timing of rain has become harder to predict.
You might notice longer stretches without rain, then suddenly get hit by short bursts of heavier downpours.
Wind patterns are changing too. Some data suggests spring and early summer bring stronger seasonal gusts than before.
This kind of shift can mess with outdoor plans, gardening, or even what local farmers can grow.
Looking ahead, climate projections say Christchurch will probably keep warming up, though slowly. Summers could end up drier and hotter, and winters might just feel milder, with frost and snow showing up less often at lower elevations.