Mid-autumn · Weather & things to do
Christchurch in April
Christchurch cools off: highs slip to 63°F (17°C), from 70°F in March, with lows of 45°F (7°C) and about 3.0 in (77 mm) of rain.
At 82/100 for comfort (5th of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 63°F (17°C)
- Avg low
- 45°F (7°C)
- Rain
- 3.0 in (77 mm)
- Humidity
- 79%
- Cloud cover
- 66%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 48 min
- Comfort score
- 82/100 · Great
What April feels like
Days are mild at around 63°F (17°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
Lows average 45°F (7°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.0 in (77 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around April
April is one of Christchurch's best months on the climate data.
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (April – June), which brings about 9.3 in (236 mm) in total.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by May, the score drops to 71/100.
- The year's biggest cool-down: highs drop 4°C (7°F) from March.
- Comfort slips from 86/100 in March to 82/100.
- Our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends Nov – Mar, so April falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for April
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 45°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Christchurch in April
April is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Punting on the Avon
Flat-bottom punt ride on the Avon River past the gardens, poled by a guide.
Why now April scores 82/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
C1 Espresso
Café in the old High Street post office that delivers sliders by pneumatic tube.
Why now Highs near 63°F and 3.0 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Pomeroy's Old Brewery Inn
Classic pub with a long list of New Zealand craft beers on tap.
Transitional Cathedral
Shigeru Ban's 'Cardboard Cathedral', built after the 2011 quake.
Riverside Market
Indoor food market by the Avon with produce stalls, eateries and bars.
Nearby in April
- Aoraki / Mount Cook in April~128 mi · highs 52°F, 5.9 in rain · 6°C (11°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Queenstown in April~222 mi · highs 58°F, 3.9 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Milford Sound in April~247 mi · highs 57°F, 6.2 in rain · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Christchurch in April: quick answers
Is April a good time to visit Christchurch?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 82/100. Expect highs of 63°F (17°C) and 3.0 in (77 mm) of rain. Our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends Nov – Mar, so April is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Christchurch in April?
Average highs are 63°F (17°C) and average lows 45°F (7°C), making it the 6th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Christchurch in April?
Some: about 3.0 in (77 mm) of rain falls across April on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 33.3 in (845 mm).
What should I pack for Christchurch in April?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 45°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Christchurch
Planning Christchurch in April?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.