Christchurch in January
In January, Christchurch averages 21°C (71°F) during the day and 13°C (56°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 16 days of the month see precipitation (52 mm total).
High seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
January offers comfortable temperatures in Christchurch, with some rain to plan around.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Christchurch
January is one of the warmest months in Christchurch (1st of 12) and one of the wettest months (3rd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 5°C above the annual average (16°C). January runs 1°C warmer than December (20°C) and stays flat into February.
January sunrise & sunset in Christchurch
Times shown for Christchurch local time (Pacific/Auckland), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Christchurch — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Christchurch's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Christchurch in January
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on January's tier (High season) and Christchurch's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Christchurch
This is a busy month in Christchurch — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather Southern Hemisphere summer holidays
Sun & mosquito risk — January in Christchurch
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Christchurch in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21°C / 71°F | 13°C / 56°F | 52 mm | 16 | — |
| February | 21°C / 71°F | 13°C / 56°F | 51 mm | 11 | — |
| March | 19°C / 67°F | 12°C / 53°F | 56 mm | 14 | — |
| April | 17°C / 62°F | 9°C / 48°F | 63 mm | 15 | — |
| May | 14°C / 58°F | 7°C / 44°F | 54 mm | 15 | — |
| June | 12°C / 53°F | 5°C / 40°F | 57 mm | 16 | — |
| July | 11°C / 51°F | 3°C / 38°F | 72 mm | 16 | — |
| August | 12°C / 53°F | 4°C / 39°F | 39 mm | 14 | — |
| September | 14°C / 57°F | 6°C / 42°F | 44 mm | 15 | — |
| October | 16°C / 61°F | 8°C / 46°F | 49 mm | 17 | — |
| November | 18°C / 64°F | 10°C / 49°F | 64 mm | 18 | — |
| December | 20°C / 68°F | 12°C / 53°F | 62 mm | 15 | — |
Other cities with similar January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Christchurch in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Christchurch in January?
In January, Christchurch averages a high of 21°C (71°F) and a low of 13°C (56°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Christchurch in January?
January is quite rainy in Christchurch, with about 16 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Christchurch?
January is mild and pleasant but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Christchurch in January?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full January packing list for Christchurch for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.