Mid-summer · Weather & things to do
Christchurch in January
Christchurch's warmest month brings highs averaging 75°F (24°C), lows of 53°F (12°C) and about 2.6 in (67 mm) of rain.
At 84/100 for comfort (3rd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 75°F (24°C)
- Avg low
- 53°F (12°C)
- Rain
- 2.6 in (67 mm)
- Humidity
- 66%
- Cloud cover
- 69%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 54 min
- Comfort score
- 84/100 · Great
What January feels like
Days are warm, averaging 75°F (24°C), easy weather for being outside from morning to evening.
There's a big swing between day and night, about 12°C (22°F), so mornings and evenings feel much cooler than the afternoon.
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 2.6 in (67 mm).
Plan around January
January is one of Christchurch's best months on the climate data.
- Comfort holds steady from December (82 → 84/100).
- January sits inside the Nov – Mar window our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends.
What to pack for January
- Light, breathable clothes75°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 53°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 2.6 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Christchurch in January
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Riverside gardens in Hagley Park with rose gardens and conservatories.
Why now January scores 84/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Punting on the Avon
Flat-bottom punt ride on the Avon River past the gardens, poled by a guide.
Why now Highs near 75°F and 2.6 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
C1 Espresso
Café in the old High Street post office that delivers sliders by pneumatic tube.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
International Antarctic Centre
Antarctic exhibits with a storm room, blue penguins and Hägglund rides, near the airport.
Christchurch Gondola
Gondola up the Port Hills for views over Lyttelton Harbour and the Southern Alps.
Nearby in January
- Aoraki / Mount Cook in January~128 mi · highs 58°F, 7.0 in rain · 10°C (17°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Queenstown in January~222 mi · highs 69°F, 4.8 in rain · 4°C (7°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Milford Sound in January~247 mi · highs 64°F, 7.9 in rain · 6°C (11°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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Christchurch?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 84/100. Expect highs of 75°F (24°C) and 2.6 in (67 mm) of rain. January is inside the Nov – Mar window our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends.
How hot is Christchurch in January?
Average highs are 75°F (24°C) and average lows 53°F (12°C), making it the warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Christchurch in January?
Some: about 2.6 in (67 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 33.3 in (845 mm).
What should I pack for Christchurch in January?
Bring light, breathable clothes (75°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), a warm layer for evenings (lows near 53°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 2.6 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Christchurch
Routes in season in January
- South Island Alps & Fiords Nov – Mar
Planning Christchurch in January?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.