Christchurch Weather in January
New Zealand · Oceanic climate · Data averaged from 2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31 (5 years)
January in Christchurch sees average temperatures ranging from a low of 13.4°C (56.1°F) to a high of 21.3°C (70.3°F), with a mean of 17.2°C (63.0°F). Compared to the annual average of 12.4°C (54.3°F), this month is 4.8°C warmer than the yearly norm. This is the hottest month of the year, reaching 21.3°C (70.3°F) on average. Precipitation averages 32.3mm, making it approximately 24.0mm drier than the monthly average of 56.0mm. This is the driest month of the year, with just 32.3mm of precipitation. The city receives an average of 12.0 hours of sunshine per day during January, with relative humidity averaging 70.6%. Wind speeds reach an average maximum of 24.1 km/h. For travelers, this month offers a hottest month of the year experience in Christchurch, with drier-than-average conditions compared to the rest of the year.
Christchurch's oceanic climate is one of the most consistently pleasant in New Zealand. I've studied the data and found that the city experiences warm summers and cool winters, with moderate rainfall year-round. The best time for visiting is December to March, when the temperatures are warmest and the city's garden attractions are in full bloom.
January vs Adjacent Months
| Metric | December | January | February |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Temp | 16.0°C (60.8°F) | 17.2°C (63.0°F) | 17.1°C (62.8°F) |
| Rainfall | 82.8mm | 32.3mm | 68.5mm |
| Sunshine | 10.5 hrs | 12.0 hrs | 10.0 hrs |
| Humidity | 71.2% | 70.6% | 71.4% |
| Wind | 23.1 km/h | 24.1 km/h | 23.2 km/h |
| Rainy Days | 17.0 | 13.4 | 12.4 |
Seasonal Context
January falls in Winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Winter is the coolest season with the shortest daylight hours. For travelers visiting Christchurch in January, the data indicates favorable conditions based on the combination of temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average temperature in Christchurch in January?
The average temperature in Christchurch during January ranges from 13.4°C (56.1°F) to 21.3°C (70.3°F), with a mean of 17.2°C (63.0°F).
How much does it rain in Christchurch in January?
Christchurch receives an average of 32.3mm of precipitation in January, spread across approximately 13.4 rainy days. This is the driest month of the year.
What should I pack for Christchurch in January?
Based on January weather data, pack layers including light jackets and t-shirts, plus an umbrella.
Is January a good time to visit Christchurch?
January is a good time to visit Christchurch, with comfortable temperatures and manageable rainfall. However, it is the hottest month — consider early morning or evening activities.
Other Months for Christchurch
Cities with Similar January Climate (Oceanic)
Data Source: Open-Meteo historical archive (2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31). Daily measurements aggregated into monthly climate normals. Coordinates: -43.53°, 172.63°. Timezone: Pacific/Auckland. Last updated: 2026-07-30.