Christchurch in March

In March, Christchurch averages 19°C (67°F) during the day and 12°C (53°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 14 days of the month see precipitation (56 mm total).

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

March offers comfortable temperatures in Christchurch, with some rain to plan around.

19°C
Avg high
12°C
Avg low
14
Rain days
56 mm
Rainfall

How March compares to the rest of the year in Christchurch

4th
warmest month of the 12
10th
wettest month of the 12
8%
of yearly rainfall falls in March
12 h 27 min
daylight on the 15th

March is in the middle of the year for warmth in Christchurch (4th of 12) and one of the driest months (10th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C above the annual average (16°C). March runs 2°C cooler than February (21°C) and cools 2°C in April (17°C).

March sunrise & sunset in Christchurch

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
7:25 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
7:52 PM
Day length
12 h 27 min

Times shown for Christchurch local time (Pacific/Auckland), calculated for the 15th of March. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Christchurch — March

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of March, in Christchurch's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
6:25 AM – 7:05 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
7:05 AM – 8:05 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
7:12 PM – 8:12 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
8:12 PM – 8:52 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Fair
Core only briefly above the horizon — a marginal month even from dark sites near Christchurch.

📅 When to book — Christchurch in March

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 March's tier (High season) and Christchurch's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.

Crowds & pricing — March in Christchurch

High season

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: excellent tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — March in Christchurch

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
8.9
Very high
Limit sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM; SPF 30-50, reapply every 90 minutes outdoors.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●○○
Moderate
Active mosquito season. DEET 25-30% repellent recommended, especially at dawn/dusk.

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

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow 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 March weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Christchurch in March →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Christchurch in March?

In March, Christchurch averages a high of 19°C (67°F) and a low of 12°C (53°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Christchurch in March?

March can be fairly wet in Christchurch, with about 14 rainy days on average.

Is March a good time to visit Christchurch?

March 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 March?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full March packing list for Christchurch for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Christchurch on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.