When to go · Christchurch
Christchurch in May
Mixed month. Outside the best window (Nov–Apr; Dec–Feb for long days, Mar–Apr for settled weather). Across New Zealand: Cool and short days; Great Walk huts leave peak season, services thin; good value in the north.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Temperature
- 15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C) / 5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 9
- Crowds
- Low
- New Zealand overall
- Prices
- Low
- New Zealand overall
Verdict
Outside the best window (Nov–Apr; Dec–Feb for long days, Mar–Apr for settled weather). Across New Zealand: Cool and short days; Great Walk huts leave peak season, services thin; good value in the north.
Is another month better than May?
May is rated mixed. These months rate higher:
- NovemberGreatInside Christchurch's best window: Nov–Apr; Dec–Feb for long days, Mar–Apr for settled weather.
- DecemberGreatInside Christchurch's best window: Nov–Apr; Dec–Feb for long days, Mar–Apr for settled weather.
- JanuaryGreatInside Christchurch's best window: Nov–Apr; Dec–Feb for long days, Mar–Apr for settled weather.
- FebruaryGreatInside Christchurch's best window: Nov–Apr; Dec–Feb for long days, Mar–Apr for settled weather.
Weather in May
- ChristchurchHighs around 15 °C (59 °F), lows around 5 °C (41 °F), rain on about 9 daysHighs around 59 °F (15 °C), lows around 41 °F (5 °C), rain on about 9 days
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · New Zealand overall
- Low
- Prices · New Zealand overall
- Low
New Zealand overall: Cool and short days; Great Walk huts leave peak season, services thin; good value in the north.
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Christchurch, side by side.
Verdict
May: Mixed
Jan: Great (better)
Daytime high
May: 15 °C (59 °F)59 °F (15 °C)
Jan: 23 °C (73 °F)73 °F (23 °C)
Night low
May: 5 °C (41 °F)41 °F (5 °C)
Jan: 12 °C (54 °F)54 °F (12 °C)
Rain days
May: 9
Jan: 8 (better)
Crowds
May: Low
Jan: High
Prices
May: Low
Jan: High
Festivals listed
May: 0
Jan: 1
May: Outside the best window (Nov–Apr; Dec–Feb for long days, Mar–Apr for settled weather). Across New Zealand: Cool and short days; Great Walk huts leave peak season, services thin; good value in the north.
January: Inside Christchurch's best window: Nov–Apr; Dec–Feb for long days, Mar–Apr for settled weather.
Christchurch: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings