Late winter · Weather & things to do
Christchurch in August
Christchurch edges warmer than July, with highs of 53°F (12°C), lows of 38°F (3°C) and about 2.8 in (70 mm) of rain.
Its comfort score of 66/100 is still Good, though it ranks 10th of 12 here.
- Avg high
- 53°F (12°C)
- Avg low
- 38°F (3°C)
- Rain
- 2.8 in (70 mm)
- Humidity
- 87%
- Cloud cover
- 66%
- Daylight
- ~10 h 12 min
- Comfort score
- 66/100 · Good
What August feels like
Cool days top out near 53°F (12°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
Nights cool to an average low of 38°F (3°C).
Some rain is likely, about 2.8 in (70 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around August
August is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are November – April.
- Comfort improves from 62/100 in July to 66/100.
- Our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends Nov – Mar, so August falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for August
- Insulated jackethighs only 53°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Christchurch in August
August is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū
Free gallery with New Zealand and Māori art in a glass-fronted building.
Punting on the Avon
Flat-bottom punt ride on the Avon River past the gardens, poled by a guide.
Why now August scores 66/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
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 August
- Aoraki / Mount Cook in August~128 mi · highs 44°F, 6.1 in rain · 5°C (9°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Queenstown in August~222 mi · highs 48°F, 3.5 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Milford Sound in August~247 mi · highs 49°F, 6.1 in rain · 2°C (4°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 August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Christchurch?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 66/100, held back mainly by cloud cover. The best months are November – April. Expect highs of 53°F (12°C) and 2.8 in (70 mm) of rain. Our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends Nov – Mar, so August is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Christchurch in August?
Average highs are 53°F (12°C) and average lows 38°F (3°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Christchurch in August?
Some: about 2.8 in (70 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 33.3 in (845 mm).
What should I pack for Christchurch in August?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 53°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 August?
Share this August plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.