Canterbury is in for a fine, sunny weekend, but chilly nights could leave residents waking to frost before temperatures climb again next week.

MetService meteorologist John Law said Christchurch could expect daytime temperatures of around 15C to 17C, with overnight lows dropping to about 2C or 3C.

A little early cloud was possible on Saturday, particularly in Canterbury areas north of Banks Peninsula, before clearing to a largely fine, dry day.

“If you’re up early out to experience it, you’ll notice it is on the cold side,” Law said.

“It’s cold and it’s frosty, perhaps even first thing tomorrow and first thing Sunday.”

High pressure would keep conditions settled across much of Canterbury throughout the weekend. However, people heading inland towards the foothills and high country could expect temperatures a couple of degrees colder than Christchurch.

Law said that anyone away camping this weekend would need warm sleeping bags, extra layers and blankets, along with insulation from the cold ground.

“Once the sun sets, the temperature will really drop away pretty quickly.”

The settled weather was expected to continue into early next week, with sunshine helping Christchurch’s daytime temperatures rise to around 22C by Wednesday.

Nights were also expected to become less cold, reducing the likelihood of frosty starts.

Law said temperatures would remain below the highs of 25C and 26C seen earlier this week, but the first few days of next week would bring a gradual warming.