Month guide · Christchurch · New Zealand
Christchurch in February
What February is really like in Christchurch: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: David Palmer, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
February is one of the best months to visit Christchurch. Expect average highs of 22°C (72°F), lows of 12°C (54°F), about 6 rainy days and roughly 13.9 hours of daylight. Warm and settled, with fewer crowds once school resumes; excellent for walks and beaches.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 22°C (72°F) / 12°C (54°F)
- Rainy days
- About 6
- Daylight
- About 13.9 hours
- Sea temperature
- 16°C (61°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in February
February is the 2nd-warmest month in Christchurch: days average 22°C (72°F) against a yearly average high of 17°C (63°F), and nights fall to about 12°C (54°F). Rain falls on roughly 6 of its 28 days. Compared with January (23°C (73°F)), February is about as warm; by March highs drop to around 20°C (68°F).
- Sunrise (15 February)
- About 06:50
- Sunset (15 February)
- About 20:38
- Daylight
- About 13.9 hours
- Sea
- 16°C (61°F)
Autumn (March–May). Settled early autumn weather, golden trees in Hagley Park in April and cooling, frosty nights by May.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, February rates 4 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: February is one of the pricier months.
Events in February
February has no major recurring festival in Christchurch, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in February
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Beach · New Brighton
New Brighton Pier and He Puna Taimoana
New Brighton's long surf beach has a 300-metre concrete pier with a library at its base, and next to it He Puna Taimoana, a set of hot saltwater pools opened in 2021 with views of the sea.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Couples
Beach · Sumner
Sumner Beach and Cave Rock
Swim between the lifeguard flags in summer and climb Cave Rock at low tide.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Kids
Nature · Port Hills
Port Hills walks and the Bridle Path
The volcanic Port Hills separate the city from Lyttelton Harbour and are crossed by many walking and mountain-bike tracks.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Active
- Views
- Outdoors
- Free
Neighbourhood · Lyttelton
Lyttelton
Go on a Saturday morning for the market, then take the ferry to Diamond Harbour and back.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Food
- Views
- Off the beaten path
What to pack
For highs near 22°C, lows near 12°C and 6 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is February a good time to visit Christchurch?
One of the best months to visit Christchurch. The other best months are March and December–January. Compare every month.
Christchurch in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is February a good time to visit Christchurch?
It is one of the best months to visit Christchurch. Warm and settled, with fewer crowds once school resumes; excellent for walks and beaches.
+How warm is Christchurch in February?
Average highs are around 22°C (72°F) and lows around 12°C (54°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Christchurch in February?
Expect rain on about 6 days of the month.