Napier Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Napier, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. These averages rely on historical data collected over 30 years, from 1990 to 2020. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.
On average, Napier receives a reasonable amount of rainfall, with an annual precipitation of 906 mm (36 in).
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
The wettest period in Napier occurs in July, which receives around 97 mm (3.8 in) of precipitation. During the driest month, December, Napier experiences moderate rainfall, totaling approximately 66 mm (2.6 in). The consistent precipitation levels throughout the year contribute to a relatively stable climate.
July, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 14°C (57°F). The city receives 137 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month December you can expect a temperature of 22°C (72°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Napier Temperature page.
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in June
Explore Napier's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Napier spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in New Zealand: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across New Zealand. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Napier vs World: Rainfall Compared
Napier's average annual precipitation is 906 mm (36 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
In Lisbon, Portugal, the average annual precipitation is 774 mm (30 in), characterized by wet winters and dry summers typical of the Mediterranean climate.
Meanwhile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with 1000 mm (39 in) of annual rainfall, mostly in the summer.
In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm (39 in), making it wetter than Sydney.
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.
- Mawsynram in India is noted as being the wettest place on earth, with over 11 meters (36 feet) of rain falling every year.
- In contrast, Antofagasta in Chile is among the driest places on the planet, getting less than 0.1mm (0.004 inches) per year, with some years recording virtually no rainfall.
- Nearly 1,650 thunderstorm cells are estimated over the planet at any given time.
For more detailed information about Napier's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Napier Climate page.
