Nelson (BC) Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Nelson, British Columbia, Canada. These values are calculated using 30 years of data (1990–2020) to ensure accuracy. Now, let's break down all the details for a clearer picture.
Nelson has a relatively rain/snowy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 1032 mm (41 in) of rain/snowfall annually.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wettest month, November receives substantial snowfall, averaging 118 mm (4.6 in) of precipitation, recorded across 17 snowy days.
In contrast, the driest month, August brings less rainfall, with 41 mm (1.6 in) over 11 rainy days.
November, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 2°C (36°F). During the driest month August you can expect a temperature of 24°C (75°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Nelson Temperature page.
Annual Rainfall in Canada: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Canada. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
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moderate
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Nelson vs World: Rainfall Compared
Nelson's average annual precipitation is 1032 mm (41 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
Chicago, USA, sees an annual precipitation of 1062 mm (42 in), with rain and snow contributing to its humid climate.
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.
Mumbai, India, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1860 mm (73 in) of annual rainfall, with the majority of precipitation happening during the monsoon season from June to September.
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.
- "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 Nelson (BC)'s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Nelson (BC) Climate page.
