Southampton Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom. Long-term data from 1990 to 2020 was used to calculate these averages. Now, let's break down all the details for a clearer picture.

Generally, Southampton receives mid-range precipitation levels, with 837 mm (33 in) annually.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))

Despite minor fluctuations, Southampton enjoys fairly consistent precipitation throughout the year. In November, you can expect around 87 mm (3.4 in) of precipitation, while in March, Southampton receives about 55 mm (2.2 in).

November, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 12°C (54°F). The city receives 77 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month March you can expect a temperature of 12°C (54°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Southampton Temperature page.

Southampton's average annual precipitation is 837 mm (33 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Athens, Greece, receives an average annual precipitation of 400 mm (16 in), making it one of the drier Mediterranean climates with rainfall mostly in winter.

In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.

In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual precipitation is 1528 mm (60 in), with significant summer rains due to typhoon season.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, receives 2529 mm (100 in) of annual rainfall, characteristic of its equatorial tropical rainforest climate, with consistent rainfall throughout the year and peak months during March and November.

Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.

Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.

The proximity of a location to a large body of water can significantly affect its rainfall patterns:

• Ocean Influence: Coastal regions typically receive more rainfall due to the presence of moisture-laden winds from the ocean. These regions tend to have more humid climates and experience more frequent precipitation, especially in winter.
• Continental Climates: Areas further from the sea, such as inland or continental regions, experience less frequent rainfall and more extreme seasonal variations in precipitation.

• The U.S. has a significant number of thunderstorms every year, with over 14.6 million taking place across the world annually.
• Approximately 70% of lightning bolts strike land rather than oceans.
• A storm named John was the longest-lasting Pacific tropical storm, continuing for 31 days. As it crossed the dateline twice, it changed status from a hurricane to a typhoon and back to a hurricane.

For more detailed information about Southampton's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Southampton Climate page.