Month guide · Christchurch · New Zealand
Christchurch in March
What March is really like in Christchurch: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Yvanyblog, Public domain
Quick answer
March is one of the best months to visit Christchurch. Expect average highs of 20°C (68°F), lows of 10°C (50°F), about 7 rainy days and roughly 12.5 hours of daylight. Mild, often sunny early autumn days and cooler nights; good for day trips.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 20°C (68°F) / 10°C (50°F)
- Rainy days
- About 7
- Daylight
- About 12.5 hours
- Sea temperature
- 15°C (59°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in March
March is the 4th-warmest month in Christchurch: days average 20°C (68°F) against a yearly average high of 17°C (63°F), and nights fall to about 10°C (50°F). Rain falls on roughly 7 of its 31 days. Compared with February (22°C (72°F)), March is cooler; by April highs drop to around 18°C (64°F).
- Sunrise (15 March)
- About 07:26
- Sunset (15 March)
- About 19:51
- Daylight
- About 12.5 hours
- Sea
- 15°C (59°F)
Winter (June–August). Cold, crisp days and frosty nights; quiet in the city and the gateway to ski fields inland.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, March rates 4 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: March is one of the pricier months.
Events in March
March has no major recurring festival in Christchurch, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in March
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
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Religious site · Central City
Transitional Cathedral
Visit when the sun is behind the coloured glass window in the afternoon.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Architecture
- Free
- Off the beaten path
Museum · Christchurch Airport
International Antarctic Centre
Next to the airport, where Antarctic programmes have flown south for decades, this centre has a storm room with sub-zero wind chill, a colony of rescued little blue penguins, a 4D theatre and rides in an all-terrain Hägglund vehicle.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Expensive
- Kids
- Rainy day
- Nature
Zoo · Northwood
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Book an evening kiwi tour; the nocturnal birds are much easier to see then.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Nature
- After dark
Market · Central City
Riverside Market
Opened in 2019 beside the Avon, this covered market has greengrocers, butchers, bakers and cheese stalls downstairs and food counters, bars and restaurants on several levels, from dumplings to Canterbury produce.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Food
- Rainy day
- Shopping
What to pack
For highs near 20°C, lows near 10°C and 7 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is March a good time to visit Christchurch?
One of the best months to visit Christchurch. The other best months are December–February. Compare every month.
Christchurch in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is March a good time to visit Christchurch?
It is one of the best months to visit Christchurch. Mild, often sunny early autumn days and cooler nights; good for day trips.
+How warm is Christchurch in March?
Average highs are around 20°C (68°F) and lows around 10°C (50°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Christchurch in March?
Expect rain on about 7 days of the month.