Early summer · Weather & things to do
Christchurch in December
Christchurch warms up: highs climb to 72°F (22°C), from 67°F in November, with lows of 51°F (11°C) and about 3.0 in (77 mm) of rain.
At 82/100 for comfort (6th of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 72°F (22°C)
- Avg low
- 51°F (11°C)
- Rain
- 3.0 in (77 mm)
- Humidity
- 70%
- Cloud cover
- 71%
- Daylight
- ~15 h 13 min
- Comfort score
- 82/100 · Great
What December feels like
Highs settle around 72°F (22°C), warm enough for short sleeves most of the day.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 51°F (11°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.0 in (77 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
With about 15 h 13 min of daylight, evenings stay light late.
Plan around December
December is one of Christchurch's best months on the climate data.
- First warm month: highs reach 72°F, up from 67°F in November.
- Longest days of the year, about 15 h 13 min of daylight.
- Comfort holds steady from November (84 → 82/100).
- December sits inside the Nov – Mar window our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends.
What to pack for December
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 72°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Christchurch in December
December is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Riverside Market
Indoor food market by the Avon with produce stalls, eateries and bars.
Pomeroy's Old Brewery Inn
Classic pub with a long list of New Zealand craft beers on tap.
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Riverside gardens in Hagley Park with rose gardens and conservatories.
Why now December scores 82/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Transitional Cathedral
Shigeru Ban's 'Cardboard Cathedral', built after the 2011 quake.
Punting on the Avon
Flat-bottom punt ride on the Avon River past the gardens, poled by a guide.
Why now Highs near 72°F and 3.0 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Nearby in December
- Aoraki / Mount Cook in December~128 mi · highs 56°F, 7.8 in rain · 9°C (16°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Queenstown in December~222 mi · highs 66°F, 4.7 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Milford Sound in December~247 mi · highs 62°F, 8.0 in rain · 5°C (10°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 December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Christchurch?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 82/100. Expect highs of 72°F (22°C) and 3.0 in (77 mm) of rain. December is inside the Nov – Mar window our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends.
How hot is Christchurch in December?
Average highs are 72°F (22°C) and average lows 51°F (11°C), making it the 3rd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Christchurch in December?
Some: about 3.0 in (77 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 5th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 33.3 in (845 mm).
What should I pack for Christchurch in December?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 72°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Christchurch
Routes in season in December
- South Island Alps & Fiords Nov – Mar
Planning Christchurch in December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.