Calgary (AB) Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Long-term data from 1990 to 2020 was used to calculate these averages. Now, let's explore all the details to give you a full picture.

On average, Calgary receives a reasonable amount of rain/snowfall, with an annual precipitation of 555 mm (22 in). Despite this overall moderate level, the city experiences distinct dry season during certain months throughout the year, as illustrated in the precipitation charts below.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

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

The climate in Calgary shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect 115 mm (4.5 in) of precipitation during the wettest month June, distributed over 12 rainy days.

In contrast, January offers drier and sunnier days, with around 17 mm (0.7 in) of snowfall over 8 snowy days.

June, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 20°C (68°F). The city receives 269 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month January you can expect a temperature of -2°C (28°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Calgary Temperature page.

Calgary's average annual precipitation is 555 mm (22 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

In Barcelona, Spain, the average annual precipitation is 620 mm (24 in), evenly distributed across the year with no extreme wet or dry seasons.

Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm (59 in) of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.

In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm (39 in), making it wetter than Sydney.

Bangkok, Thailand, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1668 mm (66 in) of annual rainfall, with the heaviest precipitation occurring during September and October.

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.

Precipitation has a very strong role in determining the local climate and ecosystem:

• Changing Rainfall Patterns: Global warming causes drastic changes in the patterns of rainfall. Some areas have been experiencing increased frequency and intensity of rainfall, while other areas experience longer dry spells or even droughts.
• Local Impacts: Many regions are experiencing heavier rainfall in the winter months and drier, hotter summers. This affects agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.

• "Ginger" was the longest-lasting Atlantic tropical storm, which spun around the open ocean for 28 days in 1971.
• The world's largest snowflake was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, at 38 cm (15 inches) wide and 20 cm (7.9 inches) thick. The snowflake fell at Fort Keogh, Montana, USA, on 28 January 1887.
• The greatest snowfall recorded was on Mt. Rainier, Washington State, USA, over 31.5 meters (103 feet) fell during the winter of 1972.

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