Month guide · Christchurch · New Zealand
Christchurch in November
What November is really like in Christchurch: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Anon Mouse, CC BY 2.0
Quick answer
November is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 19°C (66°F), lows of 9°C (48°F), about 7 rainy days and roughly 14.7 hours of daylight. Warm, long days and the city's busiest event week; book accommodation early for Cup Week.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 19°C (66°F) / 9°C (48°F)
- Rainy days
- About 7
- Daylight
- About 14.7 hours
- Sea temperature
- 13°C (55°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in November
November is the 5th-warmest month in Christchurch: days average 19°C (66°F) against a yearly average high of 17°C (63°F), and nights fall to about 9°C (48°F). Rain falls on roughly 7 of its 30 days. Compared with October (17°C (63°F)), November is warmer; by December highs climb to around 21°C (70°F).
- Sunrise (15 November)
- About 05:55
- Sunset (15 November)
- About 20:34
- Daylight
- About 14.7 hours
- Sea
- 13°C (55°F)
Summer (December–February). Warm, long days around 21–23°C, beaches and outdoor dining; the busiest and most expensive season.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, November rates 4 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: November is one of the pricier months.
Events in November
- New Zealand Cup and Show Week — horse racing and the Canterbury A&P Show (usually mid-November)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in November
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Street · Central City
New Regent Street and the heritage tram
A tram ticket is a hop-on, hop-off pass for the day and comes with a driver's commentary.
- Time needed
- 30–60 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Architecture
- Free
- Kids
- Photo spot
Architecture · Central City
Tūranga central library
Opened in 2018 on Cathedral Square, the five-floor library has a striking facade of fins inspired by Ngāi Tahu stories, a large children's area, digital and maker spaces, and views over the square from the upper floors.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Rainy day
- Kids
- Architecture
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Historic site · Riccarton
Riccarton House and Bush
Visit on a Saturday morning for the farmers' market, then walk the short forest loop.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- History
- Nature
- Food
- Free
Museum · Wigram
Air Force Museum of New Zealand
At the former Wigram air base, where New Zealand military aviation began, the museum displays restored aircraft from early biplanes to Skyhawks and helicopters.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Kids
- Rainy day
- Free
- History
What to pack
For highs near 19°C, lows near 9°C and 7 wet days: layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is November a good time to visit Christchurch?
A shoulder-season month, with a notable event on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, December–March are better overall. Compare every month.
Christchurch in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is November a good time to visit Christchurch?
It is a shoulder-season month. Warm, long days and the city's busiest event week; book accommodation early for Cup Week.
+How warm is Christchurch in November?
Average highs are around 19°C (66°F) and lows around 9°C (48°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Christchurch in November?
Expect rain on about 7 days of the month.