Late autumn · Weather & things to do
Christchurch in May
Christchurch cools off: highs slip to 57°F (14°C), from 63°F in April, with lows of 41°F (5°C) and about 3.1 in (79 mm) of rain.
It scores 71/100 for comfort, 9th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 57°F (14°C)
- Avg low
- 41°F (5°C)
- Rain
- 3.1 in (79 mm)
- Humidity
- 85%
- Cloud cover
- 65%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 29 min
- Comfort score
- 71/100 · Good
What May feels like
Highs near 57°F (14°C) make for comfortable sightseeing weather.
Nights cool to an average low of 41°F (5°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 3.1 in (79 mm).
Daylight is short, roughly 9 h 29 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around May
May is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (November – April).
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, April – June.
- Comfort slips from 82/100 in April to 71/100.
- Our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends Nov – Mar, so May falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for May
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 41°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.1 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Christchurch in May
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 May scores 71/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
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.
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 Highs near 57°F and 3.1 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Nearby in May
- Aoraki / Mount Cook in May~128 mi · highs 48°F, 7.0 in rain · 5°C (9°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Queenstown in May~222 mi · highs 51°F, 4.8 in rain · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Milford Sound in May~247 mi · highs 53°F, 7.6 in rain · 3°C (5°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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Christchurch?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 71/100 against a best of 87 in November – April. Expect highs of 57°F (14°C) and 3.1 in (79 mm) of rain. Our South Island Alps & Fiords route recommends Nov – Mar, so May is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Christchurch in May?
Average highs are 57°F (14°C) and average lows 41°F (5°C), making it the 4th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Christchurch in May?
Some: about 3.1 in (79 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 33.3 in (845 mm).
What should I pack for Christchurch in May?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 41°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.1 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Christchurch
Planning Christchurch in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.