What January feels like in Christchurch
Mid-summer arrives in Christchurch with January (Christchurch is in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons run opposite to Europe and North America). Afternoons reach about 21.4°C (70.5°F), the warmest of the year: comfortable in light layers. Nights fall to about 12.7°C (54.9°F), 8.7°C (15.7°F) below the afternoon, so evenings call for a layer. Humidity averages 69%, drier than usual here: the air is moist, though it rarely feels heavy at these temperatures.
Rain in Christchurch in January
Expect rain on about 8 of 31 days, with dry spells in between; wet days bring about 6.3 mm (0.2 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella, close to the city's usual 6.2 mm.
How January compares to the rest of the year
January is the warmest month of the year; afternoons are 1.5°C (2.7°F) warmer than in December, with 15 mm less rain. After this the year turns: February is already cooler, with highs near 21.2°C (70.2°F).
January in Christchurch: what 20 years show
Based on monthly averages from 2006–2025, not daily records.
Usual range
In most years January averages 20–23°C (68–73°F) in the afternoon, with 24–86 mm of rain. Rain falls about one day in 4 in an average January.
Records
| Record | Year | Avg high | Rain | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warmest January | 2 of 20 years | 23.4°C (74.1°F) | — | — |
| Coolest January | 2025 | 18°C (64.4°F) | 80 mm | 12 |
| Wettest January | 2016 | 20°C (68°F) | 108 mm | 12 |
| Driest January | 2015 | 22.6°C (72.7°F) | 10 mm | 2 |
Odds across years
In 6 of 20 years, January had 10 or more rainy days. In 5 of 20 years, it had under 30 mm of rain. In 9 of 20 years, the average high reached 22°C (71.6°F) or more. In 10 of 20 years, it stayed below 21°C (69.8°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — daytime temperatures are fine for walking around.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — comfortable for long walks and picnics.
Tips for visiting Christchurch in January
Versatile Layers
Days are noticeably warmer than nights, so bring layers you can add or remove.
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag for the wet days.
Sunglasses
Sun comes and goes, but sunglasses are still worth a place in your bag.
What to wear in Christchurch in January
These are estimates from monthly averages, so read each temperature as "around".
By time of day
- Morning, around 14°C (58°F): a light jacket or sweater.
- Afternoon, around 21°C (71°F): a light top is enough, with the jacket to hand.
- Evening, around 17°C (63°F): bring the jacket back.
Packing for 7 days
Expect about 2 wet days in a week, with about 6.3 mm (0.2 in) on each.
- A light jacket or sweater
- 2 or 3 light layers
- A packable rain jacket
- Sunglasses and a light hat
- Comfortable walking shoes
Travelling on specific dates? Check your exact dates in the Trip Planner.
Quick questions
How warm is Christchurch in January?
Afternoons average 21.4°C (70.5°F) and nights about 12.7°C (54.9°F), mild by most people's standards; it is the warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Christchurch in January?
Yes: rain falls about one day in 4 and totals about 50 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Christchurch in January?
Pack versatile layers, rain protection and sunglasses, plus a layer for cool mornings and evenings.
Is January or February better for visiting Christchurch?
February scores slightly better on our climate ranking (#1 of 12 vs #3). February has fewer rainy days.
