An important feature of weather in the city is the nor’wester wind, a fohn wind caused by the mix of warm air from the Tasman Sea being rapidly cooled by the Southern Alps. The results can occasionally cause storm force winds and damage to buildings in Christchurch has been known.
Winters in Christchurch tend to be a bit more predictable and it is common for night temperatures to fall below zero. This is the time to visit if you’re a keen skier or snowboarder because from June to October, you are pretty much guaranteed snow on Mount Hutt, although snow in the city itself is rare.
